The heartbreak of Aaron Burr
(Book)

Despite his laudable achievements as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and his service as vice president, history has not been kind to the image of Aaron Burr. Fairly or not, his fatal shooting of Alexander Hamilton and his leadership of the murky plot to carve out a separate nation in the West have branded him as a ruthlessly ambitious schemer. Brands reveals another side of Burr in this examination of his extensive correspondence with his beloved daughter, Theodosia. We see a doting Burr urging his wife to micromanage his young daughter's education. On the eve of his duel with Hamilton, he thanks Theodosia for the happiness she has brought him. The letters deal with more than personal relations, as Burr discourses upon subjects as varied as sexual equality and political rivalry. The ultimate heartache comes when Theodosia is lost at sea while aboard a schooner in 1812, under still-disputed circumstances. This useful, often emotionally stirring work offers a surprising view of an enigmatic personality.--Freeman, Jay Copyright 2010 Booklist

The relationship of Aaron Burr and his daughter Theodosia Burr Alston is one of the most affecting bonds in the history of major American political figures. Each cherished and doted on the other after the death of Burr's wife when their daughter was 11. And more tragedy was to come: after the death of Theodosia's son, she herself drowned at sea in 1813, aged 29, thus leaving two crushed men, her husband and her father. University of Texas-Austin historian Brands (The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin) brings alive this story largely through the affectionate letters between father and child. But it's a slight, curious work. Written in the present tense, which gives it a formal, Gallic tone, it's all narrative and takes us nowhere into character. The history it rehearses has long been known, and it introduces not a single idea. Burr's enigmatic politics and schemes are warp and woof of all written history of the era. But Theodosia? Here, Brands lets us down. For example, it's clear from her letters that she abetted her father by egging him on in many of his schemes instead of cautioning him against acting unwisely. What could have been an insightful dual portrait is instead an insubstantial, if pleasing, work. Illus. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

The word "heartbreak"-not to mention the book's subtitle-may imply that Brands (history, Univ. of Texas, Austin; Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt) has taken a turn toward melodrama, but he fairly presents the dramas of Burr's life in the second in his "American Portraits" series of entertaining historical snapshots. Readers who know Burr only as the man who shot Alexander Hamilton will learn that he tied with Jefferson for electoral college presidential votes and became vice president. After the fatal duel, Burr went west to attempt self-reinvention but found more trouble when the Jefferson administration claimed he meant to lead the western states in secession; Brands uses the trial record to create a gripping account of Burr's acquittal. Referencing Burr's published correspondence with his daughter Theodosia, he goes on to paint an intimate portrait of Burr as committed feminist and doting father. Theodosia's disappearance at sea en route to a reunion with her father is heartbreaking. VERDICT Brands uses the documentary record to produce a compelling riff on a quintessentially American character. It's a historical tearjerker recommended to the general reader.-Sebastian Stockman, Emerson Coll., Boston (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Most schoolchildren can tell you that Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Brands (History/Univ. of Texas; The Murder of Jim Fisk for the Love of Josie Mansfield, 2012, etc.) chronicles the story of the downward trajectory his fortunes endured thereafter. Burr's relationship and devotion to his only child, Theodosia, produced a wealth of correspondence that allows us to see his tortured, often-desperate persona. His break with Thomas Jefferson over political issues and the outrage after Hamilton's death finished Burr's political life. More importantly, the press of creditors suggested it was a good time to get out of town. He left New York and headed west to investigate the possibilities of land speculation. While traveling he became convinced of an impending war with Spain, either in Mexico or Florida. He raised a great deal of capital to buy a tract of land in the Louisiana Territory and to outfit an expeditionary force. Burr never actually stated the purpose for the 15 boats, 500 men, firearms and provisions, but his intentions made many nervous. It was to be his ultimate undoing. Jefferson didn't trust him, and many others saw his moves as an attempt to split the United States in two. Despite charges of treason, no indictment could be reached after two hearings, but Jefferson rejected the findings and called for his arrest. Burr attempted to evade capture but was eventually taken and transported to Richmond to stand trial. The second in the author's series entitled American Portraits, this is one of the increasingly popular "small stories" that give so much insight into the men, women and events of history. A short but thrilling page-turner. Brands burrows into Burr's psyche and exposes his failings as he details the outstanding talents that were so sadly wasted.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Despite his laudable achievements as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and his service as vice president, history has not been kind to the image of Aaron Burr. Fairly or not, his fatal shooting of Alexander Hamilton and his leadership of the murky plot to carve out a separate nation in the West have branded him as a ruthlessly ambitious schemer. Brands reveals another side of Burr in this examination of his extensive correspondence with his beloved daughter, Theodosia. We see a doting Burr urging his wife to micromanage his young daughter's education. On the eve of his duel with Hamilton, he thanks Theodosia for the happiness she has brought him. The letters deal with more than personal relations, as Burr discourses upon subjects as varied as sexual equality and political rivalry. The ultimate heartache comes when Theodosia is lost at sea while aboard a schooner in 1812, under still-disputed circumstances. This useful, often emotionally stirring work offers a surprising view of an enigmatic personality. Copyright 2012 Booklist Reviews.

The word "heartbreak"—not to mention the book's subtitle—may imply that Brands (history, Univ. of Texas, Austin; Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt) has taken a turn toward melodrama, but he fairly presents the dramas of Burr's life in the second in his "American Portraits" series of entertaining historical snapshots. Readers who know Burr only as the man who shot Alexander Hamilton will learn that he tied with Jefferson for electoral college presidential votes and became vice president. After the fatal duel, Burr went west to attempt self-reinvention but found more trouble when the Jefferson administration claimed he meant to lead the western states in secession; Brands uses the trial record to create a gripping account of Burr's acquittal. Referencing Burr's published correspondence with his daughter Theodosia, he goes on to paint an intimate portrait of Burr as committed feminist and doting father. Theodosia's disappearance at sea en route to a reunion with her father is heartbreaking. VERDICT Brands uses the documentary record to produce a compelling riff on a quintessentially American character. It's a historical tearjerker recommended to the general reader.—Sebastian Stockman, Emerson Coll., Boston

The relationship of Aaron Burr and his daughter Theodosia Burr Alston is one of the most affecting bonds in the history of major American political figures. Each cherished and doted on the other after the death of Burr's wife when their daughter was 11. And more tragedy was to come: after the death of Theodosia's son, she herself drowned at sea in 1813, aged 29, thus leaving two crushed men, her husband and her father. University of Texas–Austin historian Brands (The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin) brings alive this story largely through the affectionate letters between father and child. But it's a slight, curious work. Written in the present tense, which gives it a formal, Gallic tone, it's all narrative and takes us nowhere into character. The history it rehearses has long been known, and it introduces not a single idea. Burr's enigmatic politics and schemes are warp and woof of all written history of the era. But Theodosia? Here, Brands lets us down. For example, it's clear from her letters that she abetted her father by egging him on in many of his schemes instead of cautioning him against acting unwisely. What could have been an insightful dual portrait is instead an insubstantial, if pleasing, work. Illus. (May)