Fallen Founder

The Life of Aaron Burr

De: Nancy Isenberg

Narrado por: Scott Brick

Generations have been told that Aaron Burr was a betrayer: of Alexander Hamilton, of his country, of those who had nobler ideas. But that version has been shaped by historians and writers from the 18th century on who were blinded by tabloid reports and propaganda created by Burr's political enemies during his lifetime. It is time to discover the real Aaron Burr.

Nancy Isenberg's eye-opening, painstakingly researched biography reveals a true patriot. A brave participant in the Revolutionary War and an Enlightenment figure as much as Jefferson, he was a feminist and an inspired politician, statesman, and legislator who promoted decency instead of the factionalism that threatened the solidity of the young nation. He was a brilliant orator and lawyer who served as New York's attorney general and senator, before his election as vice president.

Burr was, in short, a loyal citizen who had the bad fortune to make a powerful enemy early in his career. Alexander Hamilton was preoccupied with Burr for more than a decade, and subverted his career at every turn through outright lies and slanderous letters. Hamilton and Burr's other political rivals successfully denounced Burr as a man of extreme tastes, but the facts show him to be a man of moderation and open-mindedness generations ahead of time.

Isenberg shows the gritty reality of 18th-century America, with its cutthroat politics, partisan maneuvering, sexual indiscretions, financial fiascos, and media slander. A brilliant restoration of a figure who ran afoul of history, Fallen Founder is a stunningly modern story.

©2007 Nancy Isenberg (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Books on Tape. All rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Full of insight and new research. An important and engaging account." (New York Times Book Review)

"A sterling biography." (Boston Globe)

"Isenberg offers justice to a maligned man." (Wall Street Journal)

Excellent biography

However the author needs to learn the distinction between imply and infer. Wrong every time.

Counterbalance

Good counterbalance to the book on Hamilton by Chernow, I’m sure they both have an element of truth to them

Everyone should read this

Everyone in these reviews say “the author makes Aaron Burr out yo be. Hero" he doesn’t I compared the book Hamilton to this and they are both the same Aaron burr Has a short temper and other

Exciting and little known history. 100%

like most of you I only knew Burr as the guy who shot Hamilton. This book takes a historical look into the man using primary sources mainly from Burrs own writings. it brings him to life and changes your perception of our 3rd Vice President. 100% recommended this book!!!

odf huàour founding fathers

A very interesting, unvarnished and detailed telling of our country's history and the individuals that played key roles in its founding; their humaness, warts and all.

Not perfect!

In order to make a more perfect union, these less than perfect men, created a solid fondation to build these United States.
A well told story that sheds a different light on Aaron Burr. I thoroughly enjoyed the naration. The political intrigue of the 1700's isn't a lot different than that of today. It made me think of a new term, Burred.

very good insight into the "second tier" founders.

Book gives excellent insight into the flaws of America's founders. also well read by the narrator.

Should be read for balance with Hamilton

As I usually find, there are always multiple perspectives on the same events. To know Alexander Hamilton, you must fully consider Aaron Burr.

Excellent follow-up to Chernow's Hamilton

I listened to this on a whim after listening to biographies on Hamilton, Madison, and Jefferson and was very pleasantly surprised! Burr was a fascinating person and decidedly not the one-dimensional villain often portrayed. His reputation was railroaded in life by his enemies and again in history by star-struck biographers wanting to use him as a foil for other founding fathers. This book had me riveted from start to finish.

Interesting book

Really my only criticism is when I listen to non fiction I like to imagine it’s the author teaching me something, and I knew this book was written by a woman so I would have preferred a woman reading it. Otherwise it was very interesting. You you are a Jeffersonian or Hamiltonian it definitely gives you a different view on history.