Allan Levine Book order

In the last seventy years, Toronto has been transformed from a provincial town to a significant urban heavyweight. Few cities have experienced such sustained growth, and the packed streets of North America’s fourth-largest city are a far cry from the origins of the city as “Little York,” which was comprised of the Lieutenant-Governor’s muddy tent—which he shared with his wife and many children—and some barracks. Between then and now, fervent Orangemen have imposed strict morals on the growing provincial town, and an influx of immigrants has changed the face of the city. With the same eye for character, anecdote and circumstance that made Peter Ackroyd’s London and Colin Jones’s Paris so successful, Levine’s captivating prose integrates the sights, sounds and feel of Toronto with a broad historical perspective, linking the city’s present with its past through themes such as politics, transportation, public health, ethnic diversity and sports. Toronto invites readers to discover the city’s lively spirit over four centuries and to wander purposefully through the city’s many unique neighbourhoods, where they can encounter the striking and peculiar characters who have inhabited them: the powerful and powerless, the entrepreneurs and the entertainers, and the moral and the corrupt, all of whom have contributed to Toronto’s collective identity.

Set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City, the story follows the murder of Patricia Burton Lonergan and the subsequent trial of her husband, Wayne Lonergan. It delves into Wayne's struggles with his identity as a bisexual man in a repressive society, juxtaposed with Patricia's privileged lifestyle. The narrative weaves through significant cultural landmarks and events, exploring themes of denial, societal norms, and the complexities of truth in a courtroom. Key questions about guilt and the impact of systemic abuse are central to the unfolding drama.

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Jewish experience in Canada, highlighting both triumphs and challenges faced throughout history. Allan Levine utilizes extensive primary sources, firsthand accounts, and interviews to create an engaging narrative. The work captures the complexities of this journey, revealing surprising elements and providing an epic scope that reflects the resilience and struggles of the Jewish community in Canada.

Set against the backdrop of 1922 during Prohibition, the narrative follows the Sugarman brothers, whose thriving business takes a dark turn with the mysterious death of their brother-in-law. As tensions rise and secrets unfold, private detective Sam Klein is brought in to uncover the truth behind the tragedy, leading to a gripping investigation filled with intrigue and personal stakes.

"The first biography in a generation of Canada's most eccentric and most important prime minister - Mackenzie King - and his defining influence on our 20th century"--Pub. website

Focusing on the resilience and bravery of Jewish individuals during World War II, this narrative highlights their acts of resistance and the struggle for survival amidst persecution. It captures personal stories of courage, defiance, and the fight against oppression, illustrating the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the enduring hope that persisted during one of history's darkest times.

The heroic story of Jewish resistance and survival during the Second World War.

Focusing on the intense interactions between Canada's prime ministers and the nation's media, this book delves into the dramatic confrontations that shape public perception and political discourse. It highlights the intricate dynamics of power, accountability, and the role of journalism in a democratic society, offering insights into how these battles influence both political outcomes and media narratives. Through vivid storytelling, it captures the complexities of leadership and the press in Canada.