Binzy_Boi reviewed Alberta's Camelot by Fil Fraser
A First-hand Account Like No Other
5 stars
I picked up this book expecting to hopefully find more things that are "distinctly Albertan" when it comes to the province's culture. While that is not something I found in this book, what did I find was incredible insight as to why that is, as well as learn of an era in Alberta's history where if anything, the province was amongst the forefront of culture in Canada.
Fil Fraser lends an amazing first-hand account of Alberta's cultural scene in the 1970's and early 1980's. Immediately from the first chapter one is presented with how Lougheed's Progressive Conservatives were in stark contrast to the previous Social Credit government, which had reigned for a solid 35 years. From then on, one learns of the incredible people involved with Alberta's cultural revolution under Peter Lougheed, including Horst Schmid, Joe Shoctor, Mel Hurtig, Fil Fraser himself, and more.
This book does an incredible job …
I picked up this book expecting to hopefully find more things that are "distinctly Albertan" when it comes to the province's culture. While that is not something I found in this book, what did I find was incredible insight as to why that is, as well as learn of an era in Alberta's history where if anything, the province was amongst the forefront of culture in Canada.
Fil Fraser lends an amazing first-hand account of Alberta's cultural scene in the 1970's and early 1980's. Immediately from the first chapter one is presented with how Lougheed's Progressive Conservatives were in stark contrast to the previous Social Credit government, which had reigned for a solid 35 years. From then on, one learns of the incredible people involved with Alberta's cultural revolution under Peter Lougheed, including Horst Schmid, Joe Shoctor, Mel Hurtig, Fil Fraser himself, and more.
This book does an incredible job of dismantling the stereotypes that face Alberta and Albertans that persist even twenty-two years after this book was published. It showcases the province as the complex landscape it is, and despite avoiding a political tone, displays how proper mindsets combined with effective government policies and programs can not only support the arts and culture, but also how to invigorate the private sector to do the same while also adding value to the economy. It equates proper funding of the arts and culture to making an investment with a guaranteed return, and brings the evidence to back the claim.
Fil Fraser sadly passed in 2017, but this book, as well the personal work he writes about, leave a lasting legacy that will likely inspire Albertans and others for generations to come.