Tecumseh

Written by James Laxer and illustrated by Richard Rudnicki
GROUNDWOOD BOOKS – publication pending 2012
ISBN 978-1-55498-123-6

This richly illustrated book tells the remarkable life story of Tecumseh, one of the great leaders of North America’s First Peoples, culminating in the events of the War of 1812.

Tecumseh was born during turbulent times when the thirteen colonies that were to become the United States had begun to rebel against British rule and settlers were pushing westward, encroaching on the traditional lands of the native peoples. As a young man he realized that unless native peoples came together to form a great confederacy, they would never hold onto their land. And so he began to encourage other tribes to join forces with his own Shawnee people against the invaders. He was a great orator and became a rallying figure for the beleaguered tribes.

When the US declared war on Great Britain in June 1812, Tecumseh sided with the British, developing a magnetic friendship with Major General Isaac Brock, commander of British troops in Upper Canada. Tecumseh and Brock agreed that one of the goals of their alliance should be to restore lands that had been taken from native peoples. Even though Tecumseh’s dreams were never fulfilled, he remains a symbol of justice for the First Peoples of North America.

James Laxer’s informative text and Richard Rudnicki’s exceptional, thoroughly researched illustrations combine to make an outstanding pictorial biography and tribute to Tecumseh on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Includes an epilogue, a timeline, a glossary, further reading and maps.

I painted over 40 illustrations for this book. Here are some of them. The images have been extensively researched: I consulted with several experts in their field, consulted a large number of books, and had many artefacts in my studio. I wanted the paintings as true as I could make them to honour those people in the story, and to be respectful to my readers.