The Seats of the Mighty
This latest entrant in the Early Canadian Literature Series brings back into print Gilbert Parker’s historical romance, which was wildly popular when first published in 1896. The action centers around the Battle of Quebec, in September 1759, which marked a turning point in the French and Indian War, or, as readers outside of the US know it, the Seven Years’ War.
Captain Robert Moray, a Scotsman, is being held as a prisoner of privilege in Quebec, waiting for a hostage exchange with the French. During this time of relative freedom, he has befriended the Duvarney family, and fallen in love with the eldest daughter, Alix, who is beautiful and well-educated. The death of an English general signals the end of Moray’s easy stay in Quebec, and his French nemesis, Monsieur Doltaire, seizes the opportunity to throw Moray into a dank, dark cell at the citadel and begin wooing Alix Duvarney for his own manipulative ends. Politics, intrigue, escape, and trickery ensue, with many plot twists along the way.
Gilbert paints the British, French, and Canadians in broad strokes: the British imperialists are strong, and good, whereas the French are immoral and overreaching. His attitude toward both the French and Native populations is condescending, clearly indicating both his politics and the prevailing feeling of the late 19th century. Readers who can keep this historical context, and original publication era, in mind will find themselves treated to a rollicking tale of action, derring-do, romantic declaration and many-layered ruses. Gilbert based Moray’s character on a real person, and his invention of Doltaire’s character has been praised as pure genius. An afterword, by scholar Andrea Cabajsky, provides excellent critical commentary and cultural context.
