Some speeches are great in their own right. Some are made great by circumstances. Both types are well represented in journalist and former member of Parliament Dennis Gruending’s new book. Gruending has collected and edited 78 examples of “the most powerful oratory that Canada has to offer.” The speeches are historical snapshots arranged in chronological order, and each is previewed by a short note placing it in its historical and personal context.

The collection begins with Joseph Howe in 1835 and ends with Thomas Homer-Dixon in 2002. Between are all the usual suspects. John A. Macdonald and Pierre Trudeau lead the way with three speeches each, followed by Howe, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, Wilfrid Laurier, Arthur Meighen, Tommy Douglas, and Jean Chretien each with two. Louis Riel, Big Bear, David Suzuki, Roy Romanow, and a host of others all have their single moment in the spotlight.

The major events and issues of Canadian history – Confederation, sovereignty, war, native self-government, Medicare, terrorism – are all represented, usually, in sober, well-argued terms. A few unexpected delights stand out, such as the humour of Nellie McClung’s parody of Manitoba Premier Rodmond Roblin and the passion of Norman Bethune’s plea for Spanish democracy.

The collection is intended both as a general interest book and an “inspiration” to speechgivers and writers. It is also a fascinating glimpse of how political styles have changed from the intellectual debate of Macdonald and Laurier to the more media-friendly words of Mulroney and Turner. However, ringing phrases resonate in all times, from Borden’s post-First World War “among the ruins and echoes of Armageddon” to Chretien’s reeling “before the blunt and terrible reality” of the attacks of Sept. 11.

This is not a book for everyone. Only a speechmaker will read it from beginning to end, but for anyone with an interest in Canada’s heritage, it is a delight to dip into and savour.