The miniseries Canada: A People’s History was a production of unprecedented scale in Canadian broadcasting and would ultimately become one of the crowning achievements of CBC Television’s 50-year history. It was also a logistical and bureaucratic nightmare, a production sabotaged by the natural elements, corporate infighting, and personal tragedy. Both the public triumphs and private battles are brought vividly to life by Mark Starowicz in Making History.

A book on the making of a CBC series, written by the executive producer no less, does not bring the phrase “compelling reading” to mind. Making History, however, is an engaging account of the treacherous creation of A People’s History. Conceived in the wake of the 1995 Quebec Referendum, and at the peak of the cuts to the CBC, the series was shepherded into existence largely through Starowicz’s dogged determination and his willingness to risk everything in order to see the series completed.

Starowicz presents an unexpurgated and frank account of the pre-production stages and the production process. While he never deliberately vilifies anyone, his candour is often shocking, particularly from someone still working for the corporation whose secrets and least attractive qualities he reveals.

Despite the reader’s knowledge of the success of the series, Making History is a suspenseful read. Every setback, from the early abandonment of the series by the Film Board to the ice storm that scuttled a winter’s worth of shooting, is brought to life through Starowicz’s personal narrative. Reading about the early negative press reports, it is difficult not to take them personally; when Starowicz’s marriage dissolves, it is easy to feel his loss.

In the same manner that A People’s History fostered a sense of national inclusion, Making History makes the reader a participant in the production process. It’s quite an achievement.