Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

History General

Riel and the Rebellion

1885 Reconsidered

by (author) Thomas Flanagan

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Jan 2000
Category
General, Revolutionary
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802047083
    Publish Date
    Jan 2000
    List Price
    $91.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442679368
    Publish Date
    Feb 2000
    List Price
    $91.00
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802082824
    Publish Date
    Jan 2000
    List Price
    $41.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

When, in 1983, the first edition of Riel and the Rebellion was published, the scholarly controversy concerning Thomas Flanagan's interpretation of the Rebellion of 1885 escalated to one of national significance. One of the few books that presents a countervailing view to the traditional interpretation of the events of 1885, Riel and the Rebellion contends that the Metis were, to some extent, responsible for the alienation of their lands, and that Riel himself was a more destructive than constructive force in the history of western Canada.

After over fifteen years, issues such as land claims and native rights have in fact moved beyond the level of academic debate; Flanagan's work remains timely and the additions to the book in this new edition reflect the continued currency of its content. In the second edition, the author addresses a number of issues, including the cultural mythology surrounding Riel, the recent campaign to pardon Riel (with some discussion of a theory that contends that Riel's trial was unfair), the Manitoba lands question, and new primary research conducted by Flanagan concerning Metis land claims at Laurent.

Undoubtedly, this unique work will continue to spark controversy and garner attention because of its relevance to many larger contemporary political debates concerning native rights and land claims.

About the author

Thomas Flanagan is Professor of Political Science, University of Calgary. He is the author of several books including Louis 'David' Riel: 'Prophet of the New World', revised edition, UTP 1996.

Thomas Flanagan's profile page