Expert: Sidney Allinson - 11/20/2004

Question
Hi!Thank-you so much for your help and information, I am so glad that I picked you!Me and my partner have already rented your book out of the library and he is starting to read some of it now. We will defenetly wnat to read some to get a better understanding of this area. Yes, I didnt mention the exact question but this is it "How is the rebellion of 1837 Upper Canada so important to the history of Canada?Why has it had a great impact on Canadian History?".My name is Ava and I am 14 and I am in grade 9 and I go to the York School in Toronto,Canada. I am very glad that I have come in touch with you becuase I did reserach mostly on google but unfortunaetly found hardly anything, good enough. I have to make a 20 minute presentation on those two question.If there is anythign else that you can give me (and I will look into the other link you gave me) please do so. So far you have been a great help. Me and my partner thank-you very much!!!!Love Ava

Answer
Hi, Ava.
Thanks for clarifying your questions.
The absolute best factual historical book to refer to is:
LIVES AND TIMES OF THE PATRIOTS,
by Edwin C. Guilet.
It is in some branches of the Toronto Public Libraries.
However, it is an old book and may take a bit of tracking
down to find out which branches have copies available for you to borrow.
If all else fails, I do know LIVES AND TIMES OF THE PATRIOTS
is held held at the Central Reference Library at Bloor and
Yonge Sts.,
I believe that my previous reply to you did briefly explain why the rebellion was significant to Canadian history.

Important note to you:

My novel, JEREMY KANE mentions all the real-life people involved on both sides during the rebellion, and is very accurate about what happened during the Mackenie Rebellion and to the rebels who were transported to prison camaps in Australia. But it also includes some *fictional* characters. So here is a caution to you -- do NOT, repeat do not, use the name of "D'Arcy Renard" in your class presentation. Renard is a fictional character I included to help the story along.
If you and your friend can access LIVES AND TIMES OF THE PATRIOTS, you will have lots more information to be able to give a really cool presentation to the class.
Let me know how you make out.
Best regards.
-- Sidney Allinson.