Battle Royal

Battle Royal is the most up-to-date and thorough account of the issues involved in considering the merits of converting Canada from a constitutional monarchy under a British sovereign to a Canadian republic. Although Johnson describes himself as a pragmatic monarchist, his book provides a balanced appraisal of each side’s case. He also sets out a forward-looking agenda for the strong likelihood that Prince Charles will become Canada’s head of state in the near future. Johnson’s book is a must read for Canadians who are interested in the monarchy vs republic debate. * Peter Russell, author of Canada's Odyssey *
Offers an engaging review of the republican versus monarchist debate in a way that helps us understand our journey from colony to independent nation. He details the republican arguments effectively while making a convincing case for retaining the monarchy now and into the future. * Andrew Heard, Professor of Political Science, Simon Fraser University *
Battle Royal is thoughtful and smartly written, and so unvarnished in its treatment of Canada’s head of state it could never have been published in 1952. * Blacklock’s Reporter *
Johnson examines the power and influence — or lack thereof — the monarchy retains in Canada. * Quill & Quire *
The book is so useful precisely because it looks at all sides and…his polemic is rarely prescriptive. It does what historians and political scientists do best: it sets the scene and lets us determine for ourselves what we think about the issue * Literary Review of Canada *
An interesting look at the monarchist vs. republican debate in Canada and the future of the Canadian Crown. * The Maple Monarchists *