Big Books of 2026
Burr

Questions About Burr

by Gore Vidal

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Answered Questions (2)

Are you a Burrite, or a Hamiltonian? And why? These pivotal figures have been divisive up to the present time. When I said I was reading Burr people chimed in with very definite opinions. What do you think?
Phillip Always been a Hamiltonian. Though, I don't think I'm THAT elite, but ... certainly not the idealized yeoman farmer of Jefferson's view. And what does …moreAlways been a Hamiltonian. Though, I don't think I'm THAT elite, but ... certainly not the idealized yeoman farmer of Jefferson's view. And what does meaning a Burrite mean? It's hard to know what he stands for, other than his own advancement and always being right. Not that Hamilton doesn't have those qualities, but usually they have a purpose of building up the country. Not sure what firm principal Burr holds onto.(less)
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sammary of the book?
Michael Mabry I liked the fact that Washington wasn't portrayed as a godlike perfect man. The first time I heard anything negative about him was in the movie The Ga…moreI liked the fact that Washington wasn't portrayed as a godlike perfect man. The first time I heard anything negative about him was in the movie The Gambler with James Cann. He plays a professor and says -

George Washington was, I think, the typically good man. Take it as you please. He was 90% of the force which made the American Revolution. Know Washington and you will know practically...all there is to understand about the American republic." That's the way William Carlos Williams begins his essay. Washington is a good man
and a supreme symbol of America. But as we get into the details...of this personal vision of the father of our land...we find that he is not so simple.That he wanted women violently...but stayed tied to the apron of his wife. That he lived in constant rage...but lost his temper only once. That he was a man of massive size and frame...but wore waistcoats, lace and gloves. So that by the time the piece ends...we find that Williams has reversed himself completely. "Washington is the typical sacrifice to the mob. In a great many ways, thoroughly disappointing."

Not saying I agree with all of Burr's and Williams's opinions. But they area better than the story of Washington cutting down the cherry tree(less)
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