H. Basil Robinson served thirty years in the Department of External Affairs, including a five-year stint as its liaison officer in the Office of Prime Minister Diefenbaker. In 1962 he was posted to Washington as minister at the Canadian Embassy. Mr. Robinson retired in 1977 as Undersecretary of State for External Affairs.

‘From his vantage point, Robinson is able to write with broad knowledge and deep understanding of the frequent Diefenbaker excursions into the world of international diplomacy. This excellent volume is highly readable, well-researched and sane and sensitive in its judgments.’

SENATOR HEATH MACQUARRIE, Globe and Mail

‘There is not a dull page in this absorbingly interesting book. Diefenbaker – the man and politician – comes vividly to light in its pages. Basil Robinson has produced a fascinating day-to-day close-up of the interplay between domestic and international politics and the loneliness of prime ministerial power.’

CHARLES RITCHIE

‘This is excellent history and shrewd, compelling and fairminded biography.’

PETER LYON, Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History