Arrow through the heart: The life and times of Crawford Gordon and the Avro Arrow

For the millions of Canadians who viewed the 1997 mini-series "the Arrow" Crawford Gordon was brought to life by Dan Aykroyd's portrayal of the flamboyant president of A.V. Roe. But Crawford Gordon's story is much, much more.

Things did come easily for him and he seemed to achieve success in half the time and at a younger age than most. Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in 1933 at the age of 19, Gordon rose rapidly in the business world to become controller for Canadian General Electric by age 21 and right-hand man to C.D. Howe during the war years. Before his 1967 death at age 52, Crawford Gordon ran two government departments, four multi-national corporations and held directorships in 10 major corporations.

Some say he was one of the greatest industrialists and business minds this country has ever produced. Others say he was little more than a canny political cowboy who herded the imagination of the country into his money making schemes.

Written in co-operation with the Gordon family, with access to his private papers, photos, and corporate documents, award-winning author Greig Stewart uncovers the colourful, charismatic, controversial and ultimately tragic life of the man who touched the lives of thousands of Canadians.