British Columbia has long been a source of fascination to political observers. Canadian socialism sank its earliest and deepest roots there, and it is one of only three provinces where the New Democratic Party has formed the government. It is one of only two provinces where Social Credit has governed and the only one in which the party still commands significant support.

Provincial peculiarities have affected federal politics too -- British Columbia has come closer than any province to effecting a complete separation of federal and provincial party systems. This book presents a detailed look at the inhabitants of these two political worlds. It traces the evolution of the two party systems and analyzes the behaviour of the voters who participate in them.