Paperback sunned pages and rough around the spine but rare and complete.
*Strange Empire: The Louis Riel Story* by Joseph Kinsey Howard, published in 1952, is a detailed and compassionate biography of Louis Riel, a key figure in Canadian history and leader of the Métis people. The book explores Riel's role in the Red River Rebellion of 1869-1870 and the North-West Rebellion of 1885, both pivotal events in the formation of modern Canada.
Howard provides a sympathetic portrayal of Riel, framing him not just as a revolutionary leader but as a visionary with a deep sense of justice for the Métis, a mixed-race community of Indigenous and European descent. The book delves into Riel's complex personality, his spiritual beliefs, and the eventual struggles with mental health that shaped his actions and led to his execution in 1885.
Beyond a biography of Riel, *Strange Empire* is also a broader exploration of the clash between Indigenous rights and European colonization in Canada, particularly the Canadian government’s policies toward the western frontier. Howard highlights the injustices faced by the Métis and Riel’s efforts to defend their land and rights.
Written with both scholarly depth and narrative flair, the book is praised for its empathetic treatment of Riel as both a tragic and heroic figure. It remains a significant work for understanding the historical context of the Métis struggle and Louis Riel’s legacy in Canadian history.
