I enjoyed reading this well researched biography of Sir John George Bourinot. I have used, on occasion, Bourinot's Rules of Order in meetings and this book brought to life for me the historical character behind the original rule book. The biography is well written, with extensive notes, and covers mainly the Victorian age. It was interesting to find he wrote some fiction and had a life outside of his duties as clerk of the House of Commons as a founder and long time secretary to the Royal Society of Canada.

The author is well versed in the various constitutional, historical and developmental aspects of Canada as a nation during the 19th century and wove these into the biography. She provided details on some of the constitutional problems that Bourinot was asked to solve and how he took an interest in procedure in other type meetings outside of parliament. Overall, a very satisfying and educational read.

Jim Lochrie