I received Bag Man, A Life in Nova Scotia Politics through The Chronicle Herald’s book sale at its offices in Halifax, NS.

Focusing on former Premier John Buchanan’s time as leader of Nova Scotia and adding a little history from before that time as well, Donald F. Ripley has given us a glimpse of the money behind the politics. Actually, the book goes beyond a glimpse and takes us through the incredible world of political fund-raising, including the good (not much), the bad (mostly) and the ugly (unbelievably candid).

When I closed the cover, I hoped that this story was indeed about the past and that nothing of this sort continues today. Ripley is also a prime example of how it is usually the little guy who ‘takes the fall’ when things go wrong and he is to be commended for penning this volume as I have no doubt, it was not received with open arms by the names who are named within its pages.

Any fan of political history will enjoy this book – even if you are not from Nova Scotia as I feel quite certain the kinds of events portrayed within probably happen at all levels of government, no matter where you are.

Although it was published over ten years ago, a few copies are available through aftermarket sellers on Amazon.ca. It is worth the hunt.

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