"One of the best political reads of the year." (2009) -- CBC-TV.

Newspaper columns are written in the moment, part of journalism's rough first draft of history. But the true judge of a columnist's insight and interpretation of events, and the people who shape them, is how the analysis stands the test of time.

This collection of columns and articles by L. Ian MacDonald meets that test. From columns in the Montreal Gazette and the National Post, as well as longer pieces from the magazine Policy Options, MacDonald looks at Canadian and American politics and the principal players and events over the last decade: from Jean Chretien, Stephen Harper, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, to Brian Mulroney and Airbus, to Jean Charest's three terms as premier of Quebec. Along the way, MacDonald's clear and lively prose covers topics from politics to cottages, while profiling people as diverse as Jean Béliveau and Bernard Derome. Politics, People, & Potpourri brings to life storied Montreal landmarks, from St Patrick's Basilica to Windsor Station, and commemorates the passing of such notable figures as Pierre Trudeau and Maurice "Rocket" Richard. This intelligent and amusing collection presents MacDonald at his best and offers a compelling view of Canadian politics and life.