• John English, official biographer of Lester B. Pearson

    “Private Letters, Public Matters is an important historical document that reveals the fears and hopes, triumphs and trying times of a family that deeply touched and reflected not only their own era, but also Canada’s and the world’s. All readers will warmly applaud Michael Pearson’s decision to publish these family letters, and to bring his own unique understanding to their presentation”
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Print edition: discover the softcover book.

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$35.00 CAD
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Also now available as a digital download (PDF & EPUB) — see below

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    PRIVATE LETTERS, PUBLIC MATTERS — Digital Edition (PDF & EPUB)

    $12.95 CAD
    $12.95 CAD
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    More about the book

    What Readers Are Saying

    This touching family memoir deftly weaves the personal and the political. I came away with a renewed appreciation for LBP, surely one of our most consequential Prime Ministers, whose humanity and quintessentially Canadian decency shine through in his letters; discovered his forbidding and clever son Geoffrey; and became reacquainted with his grandson Michael, ever perceptive and often incisive.
    Graeme Clark, retired Canadian Ambassador

    The book offers an understanding of Canadian diplomacy during it's so-called 'golden era,' and is a reminder of the need for a Prime Minister with a vision for foreign engagement and the means to conduct it.
    Andrew Caddell, The Hill Times

    This is an important study of our greatest diplomat. Well-written and well-researched, it has insight and pace. Reading it reminds one that public service - as civil servant or legislator - is still a high calling, vital to national success.
    Colin Robertson, Policy Magazine

    The book is half history, half epistolary and provides unique insight on many of the international and domestic political issues from WWII to the adoption of the new Canadian flag. What struck was the number of parallels to today, not least of which is Canada's position in the world on matters of national defence as well as the undeniable influence felt by our neighbours to the south.
    Jean-Guy Brin, senior federal public servant

    Michael Pearson has crafted a wonderful storyline that allows for a beautiful convergence of personal, professional, political, diplomatic and entertainment/sports perspectives...The blend of the personal views and re-telling of the stories based on the letters and other records, along with personal knowledge of the provocateurs and the political, economic and social landscape works very effectively. I came away with a profoundly expanded understanding of LBP's role in our nation's history...he was first and foremost a world leader in the truest sense of the words.
    Brian Deeks, Nova Scotia