
- 576 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
WINNERÂ J.W. Dafoe Prize, 2025
WINNERÂ CLIO History Prize (Prairies), Canadian Historical Association (2025)
WINNERÂ Manitoba Day Award, Scholarly Publication (2025)
WINNERÂ Margaret McWilliams Award, Scholarly History (2024)
The life and times of the Premier from Red RiverÂ
John Norquay, orphan and prodigy, was a leader among the Scots Cree peoples of western Canada. Born in the Red River Settlement, he farmed, hunted, traded, and taught school before becoming a legislator, cabinet minister, and, from 1878 to 1887, premier of Manitoba.
Once described as Louis Riel's alter ego, he skirmished with prime minister John A. Macdonald, clashed with railway baron George Stephen, and endured racist taunts while championing the interests of the Prairie West in battles with investment bankers, Ottawa politicians, and the CPR. His contributions to the development of Canada's federal system and his dealings with issues of race and racism deserve attention today.
Recounted here by Canadian historian Gerald Friesen, Norquay's life story ignites contemporary conversations around the nature of empire and Canada's own imperial past. Drawing extensively on recently opened letters and financial papers that offer new insights into his business, family, and political life, Friesen reveals Norquay to be a thoughtful statesman and generous patriarch. This masterful biography of the Premier from Red River sheds welcome light on a neglected historical figure and a tumultuous time for Canada and Manitoba.
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Table of contents
- Cover
- Contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1. âA Merry Prankish Youngster,â 1841â58
- Chapter 2. Red River Family, 1859â70
- Chapter 3. âThe Transfer Made Us Wise,â the 1870s
- Chapter 4. Public Life: An Introduction, 1871â74
- Chapter 5. Senior Minister, 1875â78
- Photo Section
- Chapter 6. Premier, 1879
- Chapter 7. Boom Times and Crash, 1880âJanuary 1883
- Chapter 8. The Chief, 1883âFebruary 1885
- Chapter 9. âAn Unfortunate Family Difference,â 1885
- Political Cartoon Section
- Chapter 10. Vindication, 1886
- Chapter 11. Defiance, 1887
- Chapter 12. Downfall, NovemberâDecember 1887
- Chapter 13. DĂ©nouement, 1888â89
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- Keywords
- A Note on Sources
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Illustration and Map Credits
- Index