Fallen Founder by Nancy Isenberg

This book which tells the story of Thomas Jefferson's first Vice President Aaron Burr is a very interesting read. The author clearly feels that Burr has been given a raw deal by history. Many of us know of the duel then Vice President Burr and Alexander Hamilton in 1804 in which Hamilton was killed. What we do not know is the story of the years of insults and intrigue by Hamilton which led up to it.

We also have learned of Burr and Jefferson gaining the same amount of votes in the Electoral College and the beginning the fears of Jefferson that Burr might eventually attempt to usurp the throne. This led to Jefferson's attempt to convict Burr in the court of public opinion of what Isenberg feels were trumped up treason charges during Jefferson's second term. It should be noted that the courts in at least three states eventually agreed that no treason had taken place.

It has been said that the victors usually write the history. In his lifetime Burr was not the victor and the history often told is not flattering to him. Isenberg attempts to offer another side of the story. It is a very interesting read and one that might take the halo off our memory of Thomas Jefferson, if only for a moment of two.