Chantecler Presents: A Chronicle of Lower Canada
by Jan Henry Morgan
The Chronicle
is a series of historical novels bringing to life Lower Canada's colourful and dramatic past: from 1828, when the Governor, Lord Dalhousie, went home in disgrace, through Lord Gosford's almost successful attempt to win over the Legislative Assembly, to the failure of the rebellion of 1837.The series illustrates a critical time in Canadian life that sheds new light on the present situation in Quebec. The novels are a good "read" for the lover of historical fiction. They are also a serious reference work for anyone wishing to study this turbulent period of Canadian history.
Two historical themes run through the series:
The first follows the path leading to the rebellion of 1837.
The second concerns the role of those who supported Papineau and the Patriotes for many years of parliamentary opposition, but who finally felt that he and his radical supporters were trying to go too far too fast. John Neilson was the unofficial leader of this group, composed of British and French-Canadian liberals, who have been largely ignored by subsequent historians.
All three books have numerous illustrations and each has a Sourcebook at the back with original source material which is not otherwise easily obtainable.
The author, Jan Henry Morgan, returned to her home in Arundel, Quebec, to write after a successful career in education. She is at work on a fourth volume, which will take the story to 1856, from the Union of Upper and Lower Canada through the winning of responsible government and the administration of Louis-Hypolite Lafontaine and Robert Baldwin.
Book 1: Welcome Niall O'Donell, Emigrant!
509 pages, ISBN 969425-1-2, 1992
Niall O'Donell arrives by ship from his home in Cahir, County Tipperary to a new life in Quebec City as a newspaper reporter and protégé of John Neilson, owner of the Quebec Gazette, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and friend of Louis-Joseph Papineau.
Niall tells the story, as an old man, with frequent references to his early journal to bring his adventures to life.
Book 2: A Dangerous Direction
411 pages, ISBN 969425-2-0, 1993
Niall's personal story, and that of the colony, continues to the end of 1834. He is losing his Julie and, in an almost parallel situation, Louis-Joseph Papineau breaks with his former friend and ally, John Neilson, as the Patriotes become bitterly opposed to the Governor and the policies of the British Government.
Book 3: A Damned Rebellion!
534 pages, ISBN 969425-3-9, 1995
A Damned Rebellion! is the story of the events leading up to the rebellion of 1837 and the battles between the Patriote insurgents and the British army. The reader follows events through the eyes of those on all sides as former friends become more and more estranged. Niall, himself, becomes involved in the rebellion in unexpected ways.
While this book continues Niall's story, it can be read separately from the others, which makes it particularly useful to students of the rebellion period.
Price per book, $20, (including tax) + $2.00 shipping
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Please mail your cheque to:
Chantecler Press
P.O.Box 10
36 Doctor Henry Road
Arundel, Qc, JOT-IAO
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This Page was made by Jason E-mail me at chemical_mind@hotmail.com