The Burr Conspiracy: Uncovering the Story of an Early American Crisis

Description

A multifaceted portrait of the early American republic as seen through the lens of the Burr Conspiracy In 1805 and 1806, Aaron Burr, former vice president of the newly formed American republic, traveled through the Trans-Appalachian West gathering support for a mysterious enterprise, for which he was arrested and tried for treason in 1807. This bo

James E. Lewis Jr. is associate professor of history at Kalamazoo College. His books include The Louisiana Purchase: Jefferson's Noble Bargain? and John Quincy Adams: Policymaker for the Union. He lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

"Finalist for the 2018 George Washington Prize" "2017 Finalist in History, ForeWord Reviews' INDIES Book of the Year Awards" "Longlisted for the 2018 Cundill History Prize, McGill University" "Were he to read a book, the President of the United States might profit ably begin with James E. Lewis's The Burr Conspiracy, an authoritative account of the tortured relationship between intelligence and executive power."---Edward G. Gray, Times Literary Supplement "Lucid prose and careful notes make this text one that will interest both scholars of early nationalism and readers simply interested in learning more about Burr beyond his famous duel with Alexander Hamilton." * Publishers Weekly * "Lewis contributes to the conversation with a wholly new analysis of the Burr conspiracy that focuses more on the reaction than on the event itself. . . . A meticulously researched, comprehensive analysis essential to early American scholarship." * Library Journal * "Instead of offering his own narrative of the conspiracy, Lewis reconstructs the 'stories' Americans told themselves in order to decide what Burr's aims were, how he succeeded in winning the support of several hundred men who knew about his plans, and what these events said about the stability of republican government in general and the US in particular. . . . No one can doubt Lewis's diligence as a researcher."---Eric Foner, London Review of Books "In The Burr Conspiracy, James Lewis . . . provides an exhaustive and informative account of the myriad ways in which Burr's contemporaries struggled to make sense 'of swirling rumors and conflicting reports' about the expedition, Burr's trial, and its aftermath. . . . Lewis' splendid book will appeal to readers who enjoy getting into the weeds. It also serves as a cautionary tale for our times." * Tulsa World *