William McLennan

author

William McLennan

1856–1904

A Montreal notary who turned his deep interest in French Canadian history and folklore into fiction, he became known for lively historical stories and novels. His work helped bring Quebec’s past to a broad English-speaking readership at the end of the 19th century.

2 Audiobooks

Spanish John Being a Memoir, Now First Published in Complete Form, of the Early Life and Adventures of Colonel John McDonell, Known as "Spanish John," When a Lieutenant in the Company of St. James of the Regiment Irlandia, in the Service of the King of Spain Operating in Italy

Spanish John Being a Memoir, Now First Published in Complete Form, of the Early Life and Adventures of Colonel John McDonell, Known as "Spanish John," When a Lieutenant in the Company of St. James of the Regiment Irlandia, in the Service of the King of Spain Operating in Italy

by William McLennan

The Span o' Life: A Tale of Louisbourg & Quebec

The Span o' Life: A Tale of Louisbourg & Quebec

by William McLennan, Jean N. (Jean Newton) McIlwraith

About the author

Born in Montreal on May 8, 1856, he studied at the High School of Montreal and earned a law degree from McGill in 1880. He worked professionally as a notary, but literature became his major creative work, and he was especially drawn to the history, songs, and legends of French Canada.

He wrote short stories and historical novels that introduced many readers to Quebec’s past, including The Span o’ Life, Spanish John, and In Old France and New. He also translated folk songs and took part in the wider movement to make French Canadian culture and history better known in English.

He married Marion Paterson in 1883, and they had three children. He died in Fiesole, Italy, on July 28, 1904, leaving behind a body of work remembered for its warm interest in history, place, and storytelling.