Fool’s Gold is a vibrant, illuminating, and tragic true story. This book chronicles the life of Joachim Foikis and his many escapades, particularly during the late 1960s when Foikis engaged in demonstrations designed to challenge conformist thinking and spread joy throughout the streets of Vancouver. In 1968, Foikis, both well educated and eccentric, received a $3,500 Canada Council for the Arts grant to be the official town fool. This opportunity changed the course of his life. As town fool, Foikis’s goal was to spread “joy and confusion” among the people of Vancouver, but also to make community connections and engage the public in thought-provoking conversations. The second book in the new series 49.2: Tales from the Off Beat, Donaldson’s Fool’s Gold is a readable and relatable piece that chronicles the alternative history of Vancouver through the lens of one of the city’s most unique residents.

128 pp., 4.75 × 6.5", b&w photographs

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Jesse Donaldson's profile page

Jesse Donaldson is an author, journalist, photographer and one of the founding members of The Dependent magazine. His first book, This Day in Vancouver (Anvil Press), was a Finalist for the Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award (BC Book Prizes).