Rex Murphy

Rex Murphy is a Canadian commentator, journalist and author known for his work as a political pundit and cultural critic. His career has spanned several decades across television, radio, and print media, including notable roles as a regular commentator on CBC's The National and host of Cross Country Checkup on CBC Radio. Murphy established himself through his distinct rhetorical style, combining complex vocabulary with pointed criticism on Canadian politics and culture. His writing regularly appears in the National Post, where he contributes columns on current affairs and political developments. Born in Carbonear, Newfoundland, Murphy first gained public attention as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and later through his career in broadcast journalism. His commentary often focuses on Canadian national identity, energy policy, and political correctness. Murphy has authored multiple books and received several honorary degrees from Canadian universities. He maintains a reputation for controversial positions on various issues including climate change and Canadian energy policy, which have made him both a polarizing and influential voice in Canadian media.

Readers note Rex Murphy's opinionated and provocative writing style in both his columns and books. Common themes in reviews highlight his articulate vocabulary and traditional conservative viewpoints. Readers appreciate: - Direct, unfiltered commentary on Canadian politics - Command of language and rhetoric - Intellectual depth of cultural analysis Main criticisms: - Perceived as too combative and partisan - Writing style called pretentious and verbose - Arguments seen as repetitive across columns/books On Amazon, Murphy's "Canada and Other Matters of Opinion" averages 3.7/5 stars from 23 reviews. Goodreads shows limited ratings for his works, with "Points of View" at 3.5/5 from 8 ratings. One reader noted: "His vocabulary and turn of phrase are magnificent, but the constant attacks grow tiresome." Another wrote: "Brilliant writing but the smugness is off-putting." Newspaper column comments reveal strong polarization - readers either strongly support or oppose his perspectives with little middle ground.

Points of View (2003) A collection of political essays and commentary focusing on Canadian current affairs and cultural debates from Murphy's time writing for The Globe and Mail.

Lord of the Land (2009) Personal reflections and observations about Newfoundland's history, culture, and people, drawing from Murphy's experiences growing up in the province.

Canada and Other Matters of Opinion (2010) Analysis of Canadian politics and society through selected columns written for the National Post, covering topics from environmental policy to national identity.

Cross Country Checkup: The Top 25 Talk Topics in Canadian Life (2012) Examination of major issues that have shaped Canadian public discourse, based on discussions from Murphy's CBC Radio program "Cross Country Checkup."