John Macdonald Popular Books
John Macdonald Biography & Facts
Sir John Alexander Macdonald (January 10 or 11, 1815 – June 6, 1891) was the first prime minister of Canada, serving from 1867 to 1873 and from 1878 until his death in 1891. He was the dominant figure of Canadian Confederation, and had a political career that spanned almost half a century. Macdonald was born in Scotland; when he was a boy his family immigrated to Kingston in the Province of Upper Canada (today in eastern Ontario). As a lawyer, he was involved in several high-profile cases and quickly became prominent in Kingston, which elected him in 1844 to the legislature of the Province of Canada. By 1857, he had become premier under the colony's unstable political system. In 1864, when no party proved capable of governing for long, Macdonald agreed to a proposal from his political rival, George Brown, that the parties unite in a Great Coalition to seek federation and political reform. Macdonald was the leading figure in the subsequent discussions and conferences, which resulted in the British North America Act and the establishment of Canada as a nation on July 1, 1867. Macdonald was the first prime minister of the new nation, and served 19 years; only William Lyon Mackenzie King has served longer. In his first term, Macdonald established the North-West Mounted Police and expanded Canada by annexing the North-Western Territory, Rupert's Land, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island. In 1873, he resigned from office over a scandal in which his party took bribes from businessmen seeking the contract to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. However, he was re-elected in 1878. Macdonald's greatest achievements were building and guiding a successful national government for the new Dominion, using patronage to forge a strong Conservative Party, promoting the protective tariff of the National Policy, and completing the railway. He fought to block provincial efforts to take power back from the national government in Ottawa. He approved the execution of Métis leader Louis Riel for treason in 1885 which alienated many francophones from his Conservative Party. He continued as prime minister until his death in 1891. He remains the oldest prime minister in Canadian history. In the 21st century, Macdonald has come under criticism for his role in the Chinese Head Tax and federal policies towards Indigenous peoples, including his actions during the North-West Rebellion that resulted in Riel's execution, and the development of the residential school system designed to assimilate Indigenous children. Macdonald, however, remains respected for his key role in the formation of Canada. Historical rankings in surveys of experts in Canadian political history have consistently placed Macdonald as one of the highest-rated prime ministers in Canadian history. Early years, 1815–1830 John Alexander Macdonald was born in Ramshorn parish in Glasgow, Scotland, on January 10 (official record) or 11 (father's journal) 1815. His father Hugh, an unsuccessful merchant, had married John's mother, Helen Shaw, on October 21, 1811. John Alexander Macdonald was the third of five children. After Hugh's business ventures left him in debt, the family immigrated to Kingston, in Upper Canada (today the southern and eastern portions of Ontario), in 1820, as the family had several relatives and connections there. The family initially lived together, then resided over a store which Hugh Macdonald ran. Soon after their arrival, John's younger brother James died from a blow to the head by a servant charged with taking care of the boys. After Hugh's store failed, the family moved to Hay Bay (south of Napanee, Ontario), west of Kingston, where Hugh unsuccessfully ran another shop. In 1829, his father was appointed as a magistrate for the Midland District. John Macdonald's mother was a lifelong influence on her son, helping him in his difficult first marriage and remaining influential in his life until her 1862 death. Macdonald initially attended local schools. When he was aged 10, his family gathered enough money to send him to Midland District Grammar School in Kingston. Macdonald's formal schooling ended at 15, a common school-leaving age at a time when only children from the most prosperous families were able to attend university. Macdonald later regretted leaving school when he did, remarking to his secretary Joseph Pope that if he had attended university, he might have embarked on a literary career. Legal career, 1830–1843 Legal training and early career, 1830–1837 Macdonald's parents decided he should become a lawyer after leaving school. As Donald Creighton (who penned a two-volume biography of Macdonald in the 1950s) wrote, "law was a broad, well-trodden path to comfort, influence, even to power". It was also "the obvious choice for a boy who seemed as attracted to study as he was uninterested in trade." Macdonald needed to start earning money immediately to support his family because his father's businesses were failing. "I had no boyhood," he complained many years later. "From the age of 15, I began to earn my own living." Macdonald travelled by steamboat to Toronto (known until 1834 as York), where he passed an examination set by The Law Society of Upper Canada. British North America had no law schools in 1830; students were examined when beginning and ending their tutelage. Between the two examinations, they were apprenticed, or articled to established lawyers. Macdonald began his apprenticeship with George Mackenzie, a prominent young lawyer who was a well-regarded member of Kingston's rising Scottish community. Mackenzie practised corporate law, a lucrative speciality that Macdonald himself would later pursue. Macdonald was a promising student, and in the summer of 1833, managed the Mackenzie office when his employer went on a business trip to Montreal and Quebec in Lower Canada (today the southern portion of the province of Quebec). Later that year, Macdonald was sent to manage the law office of a Mackenzie cousin who had fallen ill. In August 1834, George Mackenzie died of cholera. With his supervising lawyer dead, Macdonald remained at the cousin's law office in Hallowell (today Picton, Ontario). In 1835, Macdonald returned to Kingston, and even though not yet of age nor qualified, began his practice as a lawyer, hoping to gain his former employer's clients. Macdonald's parents and sisters also returned to Kingston. Soon after Macdonald was called to the Bar in February 1836, he arranged to take in two students; both became, like Macdonald, Fathers of Confederation. Oliver Mowat became premier of Ontario, and Alexander Campbell a federal cabinet minister and Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. One early client was Eliza Grimason, an Irish immigrant then aged sixteen, who sought advice concerning a shop she and her husband wanted to buy. Grimason would become one of Macdonald's richest and most loyal supporters, and may have also become his lover. Macdonald joined many local organisations, s.... Discover the John Macdonald popular books. Find the top 100 most popular John Macdonald books.
Best Seller John Macdonald Books of 2024
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A Purple Place for Dying
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, A Purple Place for Dying is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Tra...
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Bonkers
Jennifer SaundersTHE HILARIOUS, TOUCHING LIFE STORY OF THE ICONIC COMEDIAN AND NATIONAL TREASURE 'Fabulous? Yes. Funny? Absolutely' Mail on SundayJennifer Saunders' comic creations have brought joy...
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The Empty Copper Sea
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, The Empty Copper Sea is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat.Asking for help...
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The Deep Dark Descending
Allen EskensA homicide detective hunts down his wife's killers while struggling between his thirst for revenge and a twinge of conscience forbidding him to take the law into his own hands. Hom...
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Death Trap
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzDeath Trap, one of many classic novels from crime writer John D. MacDonald, the beloved author of Cape Fear and the Travis McGee series, is now available as an eBook. As a t...
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Facing the Music
David LoudMusical Director and arranger David Loud, a legendary Broadway talent, recounts his wildly entertaining and deeply poignant trek through the wilderness of his childhood and the edg...
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The Long Lavender Look
John D. MacDonald & Lee Child"McGee has become part of our national fabric."SEATTLE POSTINTELLIGENCERA lovely young girl steps in front of Travis McGee's headlights. McGee misses the girl but lands in ten feet...
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Free Fall in Crimson
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, Free Fall in Crimson is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. He was rich, m...
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The Best Pirate Stories Ever Told
Stephen BrennanOver the years, thousands of tales both true and fantastic have been told about the dastardly thievery of pirates, and their rumdrunk exploits and highseas violence never fail to d...
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The Vet from Snowy River
Stella QuinnA hot vet. A rebellious teenager. And meddling but wellmeaning townsfolk. Vera gets more than she bargains for when she runs off to a new life in the country ... A fresh and funny ...
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The End of the Night
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzThe End of the Night, one of many classic novels from crime writer John D. MacDonald, the beloved author of Cape Fear and the Travis McGee series, is now available as an eBook...
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Condominium
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzWelcome to Golden Sands, the dream condominium built on a weak foundation and a thousand dirty secrets.Here is a panoramic look at the shocking facts of life in a Sun Belt communit...
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Darker Than Amber
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, Darker Than Amber is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. A fishing ...
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The Lonely Silver Rain
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, The Lonely Silver Rain is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Travi...
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A Deadly Shade of Gold
John D. MacDonald & Lee Child“John D. MacDonald was the great entertainer of our age, and a mesmerizing storyteller.”Stephen KingWith an Introduction by Lee ChildWhen Travis McGee picks up the phone and hears ...
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X Platoon
Steve Heaney MC & Damien LewisFor three decades one of the most secretive units in the British military has been a mystery force known as X Platoon.Officially there was no X Platoon. The forty men in its elite ...
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The Turquoise Lament
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, The Turquoise Lament is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Funny t...
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Operation Mayhem
Steve Heaney MC & Damien Lewis'Captures the confusion, black humour, raw courage and sheer exhilaration of combat brilliantly' THE TIMES'Read this account of his stint with the 26man strong X Platoon in the swe...
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Back Bay Blues
Peter ColtTheft, greed, and corruption collide in Peter Colt’s hardedged mystery featuring Vietnam veteran turned Boston P.I. Andy Roark.1985, Boston. In Vietnam, Andy Roark witnessed death ...
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The Complete Poetical Works of George MacDonald
George MacDonaldThis unique collection of "The Complete Poetical Works of George MacDonald” has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards. George MacDonald (18241905) was a...
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The Dreadful Lemon Sky
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, The Dreadful Lemon Sky is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Aroun...
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Dress Her in Indigo
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, Dress Her in Indigo is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Travis M...
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The Last One Left
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzMurder at sea. No survivors, no evidence, no loose ends. Only a boatload of cash left for the taking. In this explosive novel from the author of the Travis McGee series, nothing is...
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Moonlight Montecristo
John MacDonaldFunny thing about lies and secrets. Lies always come back to haunt you. Sometimes secrets can kill. No matter how long ago they were told or how recent, they never go away and they...
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The Deep Blue Good-by
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, The Deep Blue Goodby is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Travis ...
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The Complete Poetry of George MacDonald
George MacDonaldThis carefully crafted ebook: "The Complete Poetry of George MacDonald" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents. George MacDonald (18...
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Nightmare in Pink
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, Nightmare in Pink is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Travis McG...
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The Billionaire Cattle Baron
Mandy MagroA country boy meets a city girl in this sexy opposites attract story from best–selling author Mandy Magro.Blake Wellstone is a cowboy through and through, his wealth and status obt...
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One Fearful Yellow Eye
John D. MacDonald & Lee Child"To diggers a thousand yeasrs from now...the works of John D. MacDonald would be a treasure on the order of the tomb of Tutankhamen."Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.How to you extort $600,000 fr...
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The Beach Girls
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzThe Beach Girls, one of many classic novels from crime writer John D. MacDonald, the beloved author of Cape Fear and the Travis McGee series, is now available as an eBook. ...
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Bright Orange for the Shroud
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, Bright Orange for the Shroud is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. ...
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The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat....
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Pale Gray for Guilt
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, Pale Gray for Guilt is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Travis M...
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Travels, in various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, during a series of thirty years and upwards. By John MacDonald,
John MacDonaldTravels, in various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, during a series of thirty years and upwards. By John MacDonald,, John MacDonald. Travels, in various parts of Europe, Asia, a...
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All These Condemned
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzA television star wilting under the limelight. An adman with a stiff upper lip. A rising New York artist. A desperate housewife. All are victims of a cruel puppet masterand one of ...
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The Green Ripper
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildFrom a beloved master of crime fiction, The Green Ripper is one of many classic novels featuring Travis McGee, the hardboiled detective who lives on a houseboat. Travis McGe...
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Wine of the Dreamers
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzWine of the Dreamers, a classic science fiction novel from John D. MacDonald, the beloved author of Cape Fear and the Travis McGee series, is now available as an eBook. ...
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Quartered Safe Out Here
George MacDonald FraserGeorge MacDonald Fraserbeloved for his series of Flashman historical novelsoffers an actionpacked memoir of his experiences in Burma during World War II. Fraser was only 19 when he...
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Cinnamon Skin
John D. MacDonald & Lee ChildWhen Travis McGee's friend Meyer lent his boat to his niece Norma, and her new husband Even, the boat exploded out in the waters of the Florida Keys. Travis McGee thinks it's no ac...
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Soft Touch
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzSoft Touch, one of many classic novels from crime writer John D. MacDonald, the beloved author of Cape Fear and the Travis McGee series, is now available as an eBook. J...
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The Good Old Stuff
John D. MacDonald & Dean KoontzThe Good Old Stuff, a classic collection of short fiction from crime writer John D. MacDonald, the beloved author of Cape Fear and the Travis McGee series, is now available as an e...
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The Mammoth Book of Cthulhu
Paula GuranFor more than 80 years H. P. Lovecraft has inspired writers of horror and supernatural fiction with his dark vision of humankind's insignificant place in a vast, uncaring cosmos. A...