Agnes: The Biography of Lady Macdonald

R.G. Moyles is a professor of English at the University of Alberta,
co-author of Imperial Dreams and Colonial Realities: British Views of
Canada, 1880-1914, and co-editor of The Collected Works of E.J. Pratt.

For too many years, Lady Agnes Macdonald has been, for most Canadians,
the little-known wife of a well-known man. Now Reynolds’s excellent
biography makes us aware that, as well as being a helpmate and political
confidante, Agnes was, in many respects, as intelligent, clever, and
independent as Sir John himself. Of course, had she not been the wife of
Canada’s most flamboyant (and interesting) Prime Minister—one who
brought the disparate provinces into Confederation and who undertook to
unify this vast new country—she would probably not deserve a
biography. Indeed, as Reynolds readily admits, any biography of Agnes
must be inextricably linked to Sir John’s public career and private
life. This does not mean, however, devoted wife though she was, that she
lacked individuality. Far from it. Reynolds shows us the unique and
hidden aspects of Lady Macdonald’s life and personality, shows us
Agnes, not merely wife and confidante and Ottawa socialite, but a person
with strong feelings, independent views and a powerful intellect. Though
she was never daring enough to become politically involved, and was by
no means a feminist, nevertheless she was politically astute, led an
interesting life sometimes removed from the political sphere, and made a
unique contribution in her very entertaining writing for leading
journals. In fact, anyone who has read her descriptive sketches will
know that she had not only a lively imagination but also great skill as
a writer.

In Agnes, republished as part of the Carleton Women’s Experience
Series, Reynolds admirably blends the private and public aspects of Lady
Macdonald’s life, shows how she was both a helpmate and an individual
in her own right, and reminds us that the sacrifices demanded of a great
politician’s wife are as great as those of the politician himself.
This book is indeed worth reading and rereading.