Another great Gore Vidal historic novel in which he weaves together real events and the lives of historic people in something more interesting and readable than fiction. I knew little of Aaron Burr before Vidal’s biographic drama based on the journals, letters, media coverage, court records, etc of the day. What I recalled from my horribly lacking public education “history” coursework on Burr was that he shot Hamilton in a duel. The real Aaron Burr was an energetic, intelligent, thoughtful, if not at times short-sighted, treasure to the new America of his time. Perhaps even more worthwhile is the insight gained on the “founding fathers” through Burr’s own interactions with and impressions of these highly flawed, now-deified, political opportunists as history has been written by those who manipulated for themselves the control of the curricula’s pen. Particularly fun are Burr’s opinions of the worst soldier and general ever, George Washington, and the hypocritical, self-important, highly flawed Thomas Jefferson.
Vidal published Burr in 1973. The political intrigues, power plays, war lust, and human frailties from almost 200 years prior are well-described, and now, 40 years after the book’s publication, are as relevant and evident in the politicos and world stage today as ever. Nothing new under the sun. He describes events of centuries past similar to what is evidenced today: political violence, blackmail, the exploitation and creation of international incidents to start wars and mold public opinion,… Meanwhile, he captures the backdrop and events of the times: catastrophes, fads, disease, diet, mores, daily life.
This is a book that once finished, you hold to your chest in appreciation, process for a while, and wonder if you shouldn’t start over immediately with the first page.