Peter C. Newman

Peter C. Newman has been called a national icon but he prefers to be the junkyard dog of Can. Lit., being neither a lapdog nor a watchdog, but the collector of inside information that makes for fascinating reading.

Newman has earned seven honourary degrees; been shunned by nine prime ministers; and held such jobs as an underground gold miner in northern Quebec, a magician at Eaton’s Toytown, and a Captain in the Canadian Navy. 

Newman’s most impressive achievement has been to alter the styles of Canadian political, business and historical writing to a tough, realistic approach. His 22 books have sold 2 million copies; his reporting has taken him to the top of the worlds of newspapers (as editor-in-chief of the Toronto Star) and magazines (as founding editor of Maclean’s as a newsmagazine), while pursuing many other careers and interests. 

In his newly-published memoirs, Here Be Dragons, Newman demonstrates the wit and wisdom that has created enthusiasm and enduring loyalty among his readers. Here Be Dragons reveals dramatic tales of the corporate and political shenanigans that have shaped the course of Canadian history over the past half century, proving why Peter C. Newman is the country’s most cussed and discussed author.