{"product_id":"stephen-harper-9780771047039","title":"Stephen Harper","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe authoritative biography of Stephen Harper  to be published on the eve of the next election.  As one of the important prime ministers in the life of our nation  Stephen Harper has reshaped Canada into a more conservative country  a transformation that his opponents tacitly admit will never be reversed. He has made government smaller  justice tougher  and provinces more independent  whether they want to be or not. Under its 22nd prime minister  Canada shows the world a plainer  harder face. Those who praise Harper point to the Conservatives skillful economic management  the impressive new trade agreements  the tax cuts and the balanced budget  the reformed immigration system  the uncompromising defence of Israel and Ukraine  and the fight against terrorism. Critics--pointing to punitive punishments  muzzled scientists  assaults on the judiciary  and contempt for parliament--accuse the Harper government of being autocratic  secretive and cruel. But what about the man? In this definitive new biography  the Globe and Mails John Ibbitson explores the life of the most important Canadian of our times--his suburban youth  the crisis that caused Stephen Harper to quit university for three years  the forces that shaped his tempestuous relationship with Reform Leader Preston Manning  how Laureen Harper influences her husband  his devotion to his children--and his cats. Ibbitson explains how this shy  closed  introverted loner united a fractured conservative movement  defeated a Liberal hegemony  and set out to reshape the nation. With unparalleled access to sources  years of research and writing  and a depth of insight that has made him one of the most respected voices in journalism  John Ibbitson presents an intimate  detailed portrait of a man who has remained an enigma to supporters and enemies alike. Now that enigma is revealed  in a masterful exploration of Stephen Harper  the politician and the man.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45648338714677,"sku":"ByrdShop_0771047037","price":20.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780771047039.jpg?v=1781716400","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/stephen-harper-9780771047039","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}