I found this book to be a solid winner. Isenberg's writing style is easy and engaging, and she tells a compelling story largely vindicating Burr not only from his reputation as murderer, traitor, and libertine, but also vindicating him from his undeserved obscurity compared to others of the period. Though through extensive reading on the Revolutionary period I had some idea of the importance of Aaron Burr, this book fully confirmed my perception that Burr was as worthy of a prominent place in our memory as Hamilton, Madison, Jay, and Marshall (if admittedly not as prominent a place as Franklin or Washington).

On first reading this book, a serious amateur historian may find Isenberg's story to be too favorable to Burr. At times, parts seem to cross from historical revelation to personal advocacy on Burr's behalf. DO NOT BE FOOLED! Isenberg made what I feel was a great decision to allow the narrative to push into advocacy in order to maintain the coherence and flow of the work. But Isenberg provided over 115 pages of notes on her truly remarkable research; each and every time I read something that seemed to depart even slightly from academic objectivity, I referenced the notes, where without fail I not only found the authors detailed description of the source, but where Isenberg also frankly and honestly described alternate views and refuting evidence just as fully sourced as her own opinions.

In the end, I found this writing decision very good. Isenberg bog her readers down with extensive references and discussion of all alternative views, she just laid out her case. At the same time, she respectfully acknowledged alternative opinions, showing a great deal of respect for her readers and presenting a confident style by providing us all the sources we need to decide for ourselves.

Excellent book. I rate this in the league of David McCullough's "John Adams," true standouts in a genre full of solid, intelligent work. ( )

I really enjoyed this biography of a much maligned and poorly understood character in American history. It is interesting to see the political machine in the early days of the republic. It offered me a good perspective of politics today and how our current issues are really just a continuation of that early unstable time.

Isenberg paints a very sympathetic picture of Burr. For the most part, the facts support this opinion, especially from a modern point of view. Unfortunately, in her attempt to exhonerate him of the unfounded murder and treason charges which have persisted throughout history, she is a bit too forgiving in some of his policital blunders. Mainly trusting the wrong people and not knowing when to stop.

Overall, I would say this is a highy entertaining read for anyone who is interested in early American history and can read a story with the knowledge that the protagonists downfall is just around the corner. ( )

http://www.aaronburrassociation.org/ - I found this website while I was researching some items brought up in the book.