Read or listen to H. Wade MacLauchlan’s biography of Alex B. Campbell for free

The Robertson Library, in cooperation with UPEI President Emeritus H. Wade MacLauchlan, is offering a free download of the ebook and audiobook versions of MacLauchlan’s biography of Premier Alex B. Campbell. Alex B. Campbell: The Prince Edward Island Premier Who Rocked The Cradle tells the story of Prince Edward Island’s longest-serving premier and the youngest person elected first minister in Canada in the 20th century. 

Following the successful launch of the print edition of The Prince Edward Island Premier Who Rocked the Cradle in the summer of 2014, MacLauchlan wanted to share this inspiring Island story with regional, national, and international audiences. He also wanted to make the work available to friends who no longer read on a regular basis, but who are closely connected to the story of the Alex Campbell years. The resulting digital and audio formats provide new ways for readers and listeners to access and experience the book.

The audio edition was recorded over several months by four distinct voices: H. Wade MacLauchlan, Alex B. Campbell, and actors Gracie Finley and Duncan McIntosh.

Campbell reads speeches and other materials originally delivered almost 50 years ago. They are still powerful, as is his remarkable singing voice.

Finley and McIntosh read selected quotations at the beginning of each chapter and other passages. Instrumental compositions provide smooth transitions between the chapters, and a beautiful arrangement of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s patriotic Island Hymn opens and closes the book.

The recordings were compiled, edited, and digitally mastered by Rob Drew at UPEI’s Robertson Library, using Adobe Audition. The resulting audio book is unabridged and is in fact enhanced with new material not in the print version of the book, and includes almost 15 hours of high-quality audio. 

Download your copy of the audiobook or ebook at alexbcampbell.ca.