Louis ‘David’ Riel

Prophet of the New World

by Thomas Flanagan

Louis Riel is one of the great tragic heroes in Canadian history, and one of its most misunderstood. Was he a prophet or a madman? The debate rages still...
Louis Riel is one of the great tragic heroes in Canadian history, and one of its most misunderstood. Was he a prophet or a madman? The debate rages still...
Thomas Flanagan searches Louis Riel's personal life, compassionately and with understanding, for the truth in the century-long debate about whether Riel was a great political leader or a lunatic. He describes Riel's early life, his experiences as a college student in Quebec, his love affairs, and his early bouts of apparent insanity. Flanagan maintains that Riel's unorthodox religious views combined religion and politics in an attempt to secure both safety and salvation for the Métis people in Western Canada, a fusion with explosive consequences for Riel and for the country.
Louis "David" Riel: Prophet of the New World is a deep and subtle interpretation of the life of one of Canada's most compelling and controversial figures.

About the Author

Thomas Flanagan

THOMAS FLANAGAN teaches political science at the University of Calgary. He is the editor of The Diaries of Louis Riel and Louis Riel: Poesies de Jeunesse.

Reviews

"Superb."
Donald Swinson, Books in Canada
"Adds a new dimension to the story of one of Canada's most charismatic figures."
Book-of-the-Month Club
"Absorbing."
The Hamilton Spectator

Subjects (BISAC)

Subjects

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