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Aaron Burr: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Aaron Burr and the Most Famous Duel in American History
Explore the Captivating Life of Aaron Burr and His Duel with Alexander Hamilton Based on his early achievements, Aaron Burr Jr. should have become an obscure but respected figure in American history. An officer in the Continental Army, a high flying lawyer, and an influential politician, his career peak was becoming the third vice president in US history. But after all these achievements, Burr's name is now associated with corruption and cruelty. He killed a man in an illegal duel while in office, and interest in that man, Alexander Hamilton, has revived Burr's reputation as one of history's villains. It was a reputation earned not just through the duel, in which he killed one of the brightest lights in the political firmament, but through a treasonous conspiracy after leaving the vice presidency. Who was Aaron Burr? What drove him to such achievements and such failures? And how did a respected politician become a publicly reviled villain? Pick up this book now to find out. This Book Covers Aaron Burr as Get the book now and learn more about Aaron Burr
106 pages, Hardcover
Published February 21, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 8, 2018
First, a disclaimer, I am not particularly a fan of short flowing stylistic pieces of popular historical biographies. Yes, these types of work bring history in a more engaging manner, but often at the expense of completeness and accuracy. The true test for one attempting to try their hand at writing popular history is to balance the entertaining prose with complete objectivity. This writer failed.
If you are interested in a non-bias account of Burr's life, this is not it. The author frequently editorializes about the immoral, ambitious character of Burr while just as often glorifying Alexander Hamilton. If this hero worship happened once or twice one might be forgiven, but to this degree it became distracting and almost sickening.
I know enough about Hamilton 's actions to know he was no saint. I would suggest reading about Hamilton's action in the Whiskey Rebellion, Hamilton 's use of the Alien and Sedation Act to go after people who wrote against him, his support of Miranda invasion into Latin America with supposed British backing, his support of land speculation on the backs of war veterans, Hamilton secret dealings with Britain in the 1790's, and his call to overturn the NY elections in 1800 to name a few actions on Hamilton 's part that were not are stellar.
The author has a premise which he does a good job of maintaining. His missive is that Burr was an immoral, murdering traitor, words he uses repeatedly. To keep at this premise, he ignored any positive that might disproof this. Even complimentary statements are done with a backhanded slur.
It is true Burr was ambitious and certainly had many faults. That said, there was certainly positive attributes that Burr exhibited. A good biographer could have brought these forward while still laying out Burr's
shortcomings. While much of Burr's political leanings are less known than other political leaders at that time, they are certainly still easily discoverable
Although, you are led to believe Burr had no ideology that is simply not true. In fact, his stance in many areas explain in part why he was not trusted. A look at some of Burr's more radical ideas included the right for women to vote, the right for women to serve in a presidential cabinet position, right of free blacks to serve on juries and to sue whites.
Some of his actions certainly put him in opposition of powerful people. For example, his letter chastising Washington and his administration about the poor treatment of friendly Indians probably didn't help to instill trust in him when coupled with Burr's alleged support of an invasion into Canada to take back land owed to these same Indians. A plausible reason why Burr's activities in the conspiracy raised concerns includes his pro-immigration and anti-slavery stances as well as a call for religious and ethnic freedom. (Burr had the support of the Catholic church in Louisiana).
I believe the author has too rudimentary understanding of some of the incidents he attempts to relate. For some of these situations, it is understandable. Even as an attorney I would find the nuances of the Burr conspiracy a difficult matter to explain. Although it would be difficult, it would not be impossible.
Unfortunately, the author's lack of facts offers little insight into why an acquittal was really the only verdict that could have occurred. Despite the author's blanket conclusion, it was not merely Marshall's strict interpretation of the treason clause. The prosecution had poor witnesses including drunks and the feeble-minded. The conspiracy letter was doctored. Much of the evidence was not known at the time and even if it had been there were problems with proving veracity, heresay, and protection against self incrimination.
It is the Burr Conspiracy where balance is clearly not presented. I believe offering Burr's own statement that Jefferson knew of Burr's action as he was taking them, evidenced by the meetings Jefferson and Burr had at the time would have added some balance. Burr's agent Bollman provided in complete detail what Burr was attempting to do; it was not treason. The fact Jefferson lied to Bollman stating that he would not use that information was just one of the despicable actions Jefferson took to in hopes of seeing Burr convicted. Also see Jefferson's statement in his Annus noting Burr was not guilty of treason. Burr's later involvement in Latin American liberation would have also helped the reader come to a fuller understanding. Burr was offered the rank of General in the liberation after he returned back to America. Based on the information that I know I don't believe what Burr was doing was as innocent as Burr stated at trial, but likely not treason either. But let the reader decide that based on enough facts to draw their own conclusions.
The author makes many statements that are not accurate. I will set forth a simple conclusion which demonstrate a misunderstanding of the facts. The author states as an assemblyman, Burr voted against a worker's bill. What Burr actually voted against was a mechanics lien that provided protection to a select group of merchants. As the Board of Revision, noted in its objection that the bill was prone to manipulation and monopoly with the potential for city corruption. Not only did the author draw the wrong conclusion, but looked at this bill in a vacuum. The author ignored Burr's support for bills on debtor relief, lowering property ownership requirements, and decreasing criminal punishment for lesser charges, just to name a few that showed his support for those who were of the working class. This was one the many errors I dicovered in my reading.
It would have taken only a few hours of research to provide a more balance and more thorough biography that provided insight into Burr. The author either ignored doing the research and therefore was lazy. Worse, he ignored the findings of the research and therefore was dishonest. Neither is excusable.
I believe by reducing the incinerating language and offering some balance, the author may have put totes her a short biography that was both engaging and educational. As it stands, the author's bias and lack of knowledge is such one could not have faith in any other biographies in this series.
If you are interested in a non-bias account of Burr's life, this is not it. The author frequently editorializes about the immoral, ambitious character of Burr while just as often glorifying Alexander Hamilton. If this hero worship happened once or twice one might be forgiven, but to this degree it became distracting and almost sickening.
I know enough about Hamilton 's actions to know he was no saint. I would suggest reading about Hamilton's action in the Whiskey Rebellion, Hamilton 's use of the Alien and Sedation Act to go after people who wrote against him, his support of Miranda invasion into Latin America with supposed British backing, his support of land speculation on the backs of war veterans, Hamilton secret dealings with Britain in the 1790's, and his call to overturn the NY elections in 1800 to name a few actions on Hamilton 's part that were not are stellar.
The author has a premise which he does a good job of maintaining. His missive is that Burr was an immoral, murdering traitor, words he uses repeatedly. To keep at this premise, he ignored any positive that might disproof this. Even complimentary statements are done with a backhanded slur.
It is true Burr was ambitious and certainly had many faults. That said, there was certainly positive attributes that Burr exhibited. A good biographer could have brought these forward while still laying out Burr's
shortcomings. While much of Burr's political leanings are less known than other political leaders at that time, they are certainly still easily discoverable
Although, you are led to believe Burr had no ideology that is simply not true. In fact, his stance in many areas explain in part why he was not trusted. A look at some of Burr's more radical ideas included the right for women to vote, the right for women to serve in a presidential cabinet position, right of free blacks to serve on juries and to sue whites.
Some of his actions certainly put him in opposition of powerful people. For example, his letter chastising Washington and his administration about the poor treatment of friendly Indians probably didn't help to instill trust in him when coupled with Burr's alleged support of an invasion into Canada to take back land owed to these same Indians. A plausible reason why Burr's activities in the conspiracy raised concerns includes his pro-immigration and anti-slavery stances as well as a call for religious and ethnic freedom. (Burr had the support of the Catholic church in Louisiana).
I believe the author has too rudimentary understanding of some of the incidents he attempts to relate. For some of these situations, it is understandable. Even as an attorney I would find the nuances of the Burr conspiracy a difficult matter to explain. Although it would be difficult, it would not be impossible.
Unfortunately, the author's lack of facts offers little insight into why an acquittal was really the only verdict that could have occurred. Despite the author's blanket conclusion, it was not merely Marshall's strict interpretation of the treason clause. The prosecution had poor witnesses including drunks and the feeble-minded. The conspiracy letter was doctored. Much of the evidence was not known at the time and even if it had been there were problems with proving veracity, heresay, and protection against self incrimination.
It is the Burr Conspiracy where balance is clearly not presented. I believe offering Burr's own statement that Jefferson knew of Burr's action as he was taking them, evidenced by the meetings Jefferson and Burr had at the time would have added some balance. Burr's agent Bollman provided in complete detail what Burr was attempting to do; it was not treason. The fact Jefferson lied to Bollman stating that he would not use that information was just one of the despicable actions Jefferson took to in hopes of seeing Burr convicted. Also see Jefferson's statement in his Annus noting Burr was not guilty of treason. Burr's later involvement in Latin American liberation would have also helped the reader come to a fuller understanding. Burr was offered the rank of General in the liberation after he returned back to America. Based on the information that I know I don't believe what Burr was doing was as innocent as Burr stated at trial, but likely not treason either. But let the reader decide that based on enough facts to draw their own conclusions.
The author makes many statements that are not accurate. I will set forth a simple conclusion which demonstrate a misunderstanding of the facts. The author states as an assemblyman, Burr voted against a worker's bill. What Burr actually voted against was a mechanics lien that provided protection to a select group of merchants. As the Board of Revision, noted in its objection that the bill was prone to manipulation and monopoly with the potential for city corruption. Not only did the author draw the wrong conclusion, but looked at this bill in a vacuum. The author ignored Burr's support for bills on debtor relief, lowering property ownership requirements, and decreasing criminal punishment for lesser charges, just to name a few that showed his support for those who were of the working class. This was one the many errors I dicovered in my reading.
It would have taken only a few hours of research to provide a more balance and more thorough biography that provided insight into Burr. The author either ignored doing the research and therefore was lazy. Worse, he ignored the findings of the research and therefore was dishonest. Neither is excusable.
I believe by reducing the incinerating language and offering some balance, the author may have put totes her a short biography that was both engaging and educational. As it stands, the author's bias and lack of knowledge is such one could not have faith in any other biographies in this series.
March 4, 2018
Aaron Burr from student to revolutionary to a lawyer to Vice President to a scoundrel.
Reading about history as an adult is so much different than being forced to read about it in school. I can only imagine how much more history I would be familiar with now as an adult if I had really wanted to learn about the past.
This book covers Aaron Burr in much more detail than I ever remember reading in a history class. It covers his youth, schooling, his involvement in the Revolutionary War, his family life and his days as a lawyer and politician. He rose to the Vice Presidency under Thomas Jefferson only to be removed as Vice President when Jefferson ran for his second term.
I had no clue that just months after the duel where he shot and killed Alexander Hamilton he was involved in a conspiracy to create a new country.
I highly recommend this book.
Reading about history as an adult is so much different than being forced to read about it in school. I can only imagine how much more history I would be familiar with now as an adult if I had really wanted to learn about the past.
This book covers Aaron Burr in much more detail than I ever remember reading in a history class. It covers his youth, schooling, his involvement in the Revolutionary War, his family life and his days as a lawyer and politician. He rose to the Vice Presidency under Thomas Jefferson only to be removed as Vice President when Jefferson ran for his second term.
I had no clue that just months after the duel where he shot and killed Alexander Hamilton he was involved in a conspiracy to create a new country.
I highly recommend this book.
February 8, 2018
Kindle Unlimited, interesting and though had read the basic story in history class, rubbish at names and never stuck in my head that it was Hamilton he had duel with. Of particular note with this topic would be Captivating History books on The Culper Ring: A Captivating Guide to George Washington's Spy Ring and its Impact on the American Revolution and of course Alexander Hamilton: A Captivating Guide to one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America
Explore the Captivating Life of Aaron Burr and His Duel with Alexander Hamilton - Free History BONUS Inside!
Based on his early achievements, Aaron Burr Jr. should have become an obscure but respected figure in American history. An officer in the Continental Army, a high flying lawyer, and an influential politician, his career peak was becoming the third vice president in US history.
But after all these achievements, Burr's name is now associated with corruption and cruelty. He killed a man in an illegal duel while in office, and interest in that man, Alexander Hamilton, has revived Burr's reputation as one of history's villains. It was a reputation earned not just through the duel, in which he killed one of the brightest lights in the political firmament, but through a treasonous conspiracy after leaving the vice presidency. Who was Aaron Burr? What drove him to such achievements and such failures? And how did a respected politician become a publicly reviled villain? Pick up this book now to find out.
This Book Covers Aaron Burr as
A Young Man
A Revolutionary
A Politician
A Vice President
A Duellist
A Conspirator
And an Exile
Nikola Tesla: A Captivating Guide to the Life of a Genius Inventor
The Culper Ring: A Captivating Guide to George Washington's Spy Ring and its Impact on the American Revolution
Alexander Hamilton: A Captivating Guide to one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America
Aaron Burr: A Captivaing Guide to the Life of Aaron Burr and the Most Famous Duel in American History
World War 2: A Captivating Guide from Beginning to End (The Second World War and D Day Book 1)
D Day: A Captivating Guide to the Battle for Normandy (The Second World War and D Day Book 2)
The Second World War: A Captivating Guide to World War II and D Day
Winston Churchill: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Winston S. Churchill
Franklin Roosevelt: A Captivating Guide to the Life of FDR
Churchill and Roosevelt: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Franklin and Winston
Adolf Hitler: A Captivating Guide to the Life of the Führer of Nazi Germany
Korean War: A Captivating Guide to the Korean War History
Vietnam War: A Captivating Guide to the Second Indochina War
Cold War: A Captivating Guide to the Korean War and Vietnam War
Jackie Kennedy: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
John Kennedy: A Captivating Guide to the Life of JFK
Kennedy: A Captivating Guide to the Life of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis
World History: Captivating Stories of Events That Shaped Our Planet (Forgotten History, History of the World, History Books)
African American History: A Captivating Guide to the People and Events that Shaped the History of the United States
Haitian Revolution: A Captivating Guide to the Abolition of Slavery
Black History: A Captivating Guide to African American History and the Haitian Revolution
Maya Civilization: A Captivating Guide to Maya History and Maya Mythology (Mayan Civilization, Aztecs and Incas Book 1)
Aztec: A Captivating Guide to Aztec History and the Triple Alliance of Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan (Mayan Civilization, Aztecs and Incas Book 2)
Ancient Civilizations: A Captivating Guide to Mayan History, the Aztecs, and Inca Empire
Ancient Greece: A Captivating Guide to Greek History Starting from the Greek Dark Ages to the End of Antiquity
Roman Mythology: A Captivating Guide to Roman Gods, Goddesses, and Mythological Creatures (Classical Mythology)
Celtic Mythology: A Captivating Guide to the Gods, Sagas and Beliefs
Norse Mythology: Captivating Stories of the Gods, Sagas and Heroes (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 1)
Egyptian Mythology: Captivating Stories of the Gods, Goddesses, Monsters and Mortals (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 2)
Greek Mythology: A Captivating Guide to the Ancient Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 3)
Mythology: A Captivating Guide to Greek Mythology, Egyptian Mythology, and Norse Mythology (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 4
Greek Mythology: A Fascinating Guide to Understanding the Ancient Greek Religion with Its Gods, Goddesses, Monsters and Mortals (Greek Mythology - Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology Book 1)
Norse Mythology: A Fascinating Guide to Understanding the Sagas, Gods, Heroes, and Beliefs of the Vikings (Greek Mythology - Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology Book 2)
Egyptian Mythology: A Fascinating Guide to Understanding the Gods, Goddesses, Monsters, and Mortals (Greek Mythology - Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology Book 3
Explore the Captivating Life of Aaron Burr and His Duel with Alexander Hamilton - Free History BONUS Inside!
Based on his early achievements, Aaron Burr Jr. should have become an obscure but respected figure in American history. An officer in the Continental Army, a high flying lawyer, and an influential politician, his career peak was becoming the third vice president in US history.
But after all these achievements, Burr's name is now associated with corruption and cruelty. He killed a man in an illegal duel while in office, and interest in that man, Alexander Hamilton, has revived Burr's reputation as one of history's villains. It was a reputation earned not just through the duel, in which he killed one of the brightest lights in the political firmament, but through a treasonous conspiracy after leaving the vice presidency. Who was Aaron Burr? What drove him to such achievements and such failures? And how did a respected politician become a publicly reviled villain? Pick up this book now to find out.
This Book Covers Aaron Burr as
A Young Man
A Revolutionary
A Politician
A Vice President
A Duellist
A Conspirator
And an Exile
Nikola Tesla: A Captivating Guide to the Life of a Genius Inventor
The Culper Ring: A Captivating Guide to George Washington's Spy Ring and its Impact on the American Revolution
Alexander Hamilton: A Captivating Guide to one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America
Aaron Burr: A Captivaing Guide to the Life of Aaron Burr and the Most Famous Duel in American History
World War 2: A Captivating Guide from Beginning to End (The Second World War and D Day Book 1)
D Day: A Captivating Guide to the Battle for Normandy (The Second World War and D Day Book 2)
The Second World War: A Captivating Guide to World War II and D Day
Winston Churchill: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Winston S. Churchill
Franklin Roosevelt: A Captivating Guide to the Life of FDR
Churchill and Roosevelt: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Franklin and Winston
Adolf Hitler: A Captivating Guide to the Life of the Führer of Nazi Germany
Korean War: A Captivating Guide to the Korean War History
Vietnam War: A Captivating Guide to the Second Indochina War
Cold War: A Captivating Guide to the Korean War and Vietnam War
Jackie Kennedy: A Captivating Guide to the Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
John Kennedy: A Captivating Guide to the Life of JFK
Kennedy: A Captivating Guide to the Life of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis
World History: Captivating Stories of Events That Shaped Our Planet (Forgotten History, History of the World, History Books)
African American History: A Captivating Guide to the People and Events that Shaped the History of the United States
Haitian Revolution: A Captivating Guide to the Abolition of Slavery
Black History: A Captivating Guide to African American History and the Haitian Revolution
Maya Civilization: A Captivating Guide to Maya History and Maya Mythology (Mayan Civilization, Aztecs and Incas Book 1)
Aztec: A Captivating Guide to Aztec History and the Triple Alliance of Tenochtitlan, Tetzcoco, and Tlacopan (Mayan Civilization, Aztecs and Incas Book 2)
Ancient Civilizations: A Captivating Guide to Mayan History, the Aztecs, and Inca Empire
Ancient Greece: A Captivating Guide to Greek History Starting from the Greek Dark Ages to the End of Antiquity
Roman Mythology: A Captivating Guide to Roman Gods, Goddesses, and Mythological Creatures (Classical Mythology)
Celtic Mythology: A Captivating Guide to the Gods, Sagas and Beliefs
Norse Mythology: Captivating Stories of the Gods, Sagas and Heroes (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 1)
Egyptian Mythology: Captivating Stories of the Gods, Goddesses, Monsters and Mortals (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 2)
Greek Mythology: A Captivating Guide to the Ancient Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 3)
Mythology: A Captivating Guide to Greek Mythology, Egyptian Mythology, and Norse Mythology (Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology Book 4
Greek Mythology: A Fascinating Guide to Understanding the Ancient Greek Religion with Its Gods, Goddesses, Monsters and Mortals (Greek Mythology - Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology Book 1)
Norse Mythology: A Fascinating Guide to Understanding the Sagas, Gods, Heroes, and Beliefs of the Vikings (Greek Mythology - Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology Book 2)
Egyptian Mythology: A Fascinating Guide to Understanding the Gods, Goddesses, Monsters, and Mortals (Greek Mythology - Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology Book 3
January 1, 2024
Very Interesting Short Biography
I found this biography of Aaron Burr to be a great source of information about an interesting man. I do wish it would have had more information about the charges related to Hamilton’s death and whether they were ever dropped, but overall it was very well done. I plan to read more of the books in this series in the future for a concise review of major historical topics and figures.
I found this biography of Aaron Burr to be a great source of information about an interesting man. I do wish it would have had more information about the charges related to Hamilton’s death and whether they were ever dropped, but overall it was very well done. I plan to read more of the books in this series in the future for a concise review of major historical topics and figures.
March 18, 2020
To most of us the story of Aaron Burr begins and ends with the duel with Alexander Hamilton. If you read 'Man without a country ' you might have even felt sorry for Burr. Not after reading this biography, however. This biography is well worth reading to broadening your historical prospective.
August 22, 2025
I wanted to find out what happened to Aaron Burr after he killed Alexander Hamilton, and this little read didn't disappoint. He could have been a force for good but his ambitious, selfish nature just led him into more trouble and sadly, he died alone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2019
A really surprisingly good biography of a not well-know persona.
Such a waste of effort and capacity. But, at the end, he deserved his fate.
Such a waste of effort and capacity. But, at the end, he deserved his fate.
March 5, 2020
Good for what it is, but extremely short.
August 30, 2020
Good book, Burr is a piece of crap, no morals at all.
September 11, 2020
good overview. Helps understand how our country developed with personalities influencing developments.
September 20, 2020
This was a short and concise dive into the life of a flawed but accomplished man. His role and impact on early American history was well worth discovering.
October 26, 2021
Don't bother. Poorly written.
July 19, 2020
I watched Hamilton on TV and decided to read a book about Aaron Burr. What little I knew of him revolved around his being not a nice person. Truth is, he was worse than that. A lot worse.
Seems he had an ego the size of a planet, liked to play around with all the women he could (whether or not they were married made no difference), wanted power, couldn't understand why people didn't like him and so on. The book goes into his birth, the various jobs that he had, his plan to buy land in the West and set himself up as a Napoleon-type figure and how he killed Alexander Hamilton in an illegal duel.
The book does a good job of pointing out all of this (and other things). How he didn't end up behind bars, deported or shot is beyond me.
Seems he had an ego the size of a planet, liked to play around with all the women he could (whether or not they were married made no difference), wanted power, couldn't understand why people didn't like him and so on. The book goes into his birth, the various jobs that he had, his plan to buy land in the West and set himself up as a Napoleon-type figure and how he killed Alexander Hamilton in an illegal duel.
The book does a good job of pointing out all of this (and other things). How he didn't end up behind bars, deported or shot is beyond me.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews