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Secondary sourceBook1885

The Story of Louis Riel: The Rebel Chief

J. E. Collins · 1885

An 1885 biography of Louis Riel written by journalist J. E. Collins shortly after the North-West Rebellion.

This early biography, written just after the rebellion, shaped how the public first understood Riel's life and actions.

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Full text (public-domain edition)

About this source

What it is

This book, written by journalist J. E. Collins and published in Toronto in 1885, tells the life story of Louis Riel soon after the North-West Rebellion.

Why it matters

Written while Riel's case was still fresh and controversial, the book reflects how contemporaries viewed him — Collins calls him an 'apostle of insurrection' while also saying he wants to be fair to him. It shows the strong, divided feelings Canadians had about Riel at the time, mixing condemnation with an attempt at balance.

Look closer

  • What words does the author use to describe Riel, and what do they suggest about his opinion?
  • Why might a biography written right after a rebellion be less reliable than one written later?
  • What does the author say he will try to do fairly, and does the opening paragraph suggest he succeeds?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Louis Riel on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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