Media and literati gathered at Toronto’s Massey Hall for the launch of the first volume of Richard Gwyn’s biography of Canada’s first prime minister John A. MacDonald.

Jennifer Rowe, ManuLife’s vice-president of corporate affairs and Richard Gwyn present Andrew Gold, principal of Toronto’s Jarvis Collegiate Institute, with the very first copy of Manulife’s special edition of John A: The Man Who Made Us. Manulife will be presenting copies of the book to high school libraries across Canada. (Sir John A. MacDonald was the first president of Manufacturers Life.) (This photo courtesy of Random House of Canada)

Author Katherine Govier and Whitecap Books’ Nick Rundall unwind while waiting for the book signing.

Random House Canada publisher Anne Collins prepares to toast her author and his book.

Richard Gwyn tells a few stories about John A., after being introduced by John Fraser, master of Massey College, and Random House Canada publisher Anne Collins.

Journalist Robert Fulford makes a point amid launch chatter.

Gwyn signing copies.