Pierre Elliott Trudeau: La Vie en Rose. A Biography in 80 Wood Engravings by George A. Walker
[Toronto]: George A. Walker, [2015]. Hardcover. Copy A of ten lettered copies done for private distribution. Signed by George Walker, Justin Trudeau, George Elliott Clarke, and Tom Smart. This book was originally a limited edition of 15 signed and numbered copies. A stunning book and fitting tribute to its subject, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who was one of Canada’s most charismatic - and polarizing - politicians. His tenures as Prime Minister during the 1970s and 80s were marked by conflict and crisis but also by a sense of nationalism, the development of multiculturalism and Canadian pride. He is known for invoking the War Measures Act in response to FLQ terrorism during the October Crisis; for introducing the Official Languages Act to improve the position of francophones in Canada; and, perhaps most memorably, for the patriation of the Canadian constitution and the establishment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Trudeau: La Vie en Rose pays tribute to the life and career of this influential Canadian. In a series of eighty wood engravings, George Walker documents Trudeau’s political achievements, events of cultural significance and famous friends while also capturing Trudeau’s confidence, passion and irreverence. Presented without captions and open to interpretation in any language, it is a testament to the multilingual culture of Canada and a celebration of the man whose political legacy has had a profound influence on the definition of Canadian culture. Trudeau’s influence has now been mirrored by his son Justin Trudeau, the also charismatic current Prime Minister of Canada. He wrote a moving tribute to his father, included here, taken from his eulogy at his father’s 2000 funeral. Also included is an eighty item chronology that corresponds to the engravings. The engravings are hand printed on 250 Rising Stonehenge 100% rag archival paper with text and headings in Bembo and Bernhard types. It is bound in full red leather with title in gilt to spine and a rose in gilt to front cover. It is housed in a clamshell in quarter red leather and beige cloth covers. An engraving of Trudeau is inset on the front cover. In fine condition. Book size: 6.25 X 8” X 2.5 inches. Unpaginated. [232 pages printed recto] PRI/110716. Fine. More