In 'Burr', Gore Vidal reimagines the life of Aaron Burr, the once-controversial vice president of the United States. The narrative unfolds through a rich tapestry of historical figures and events, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of power, ambition, and betrayal in a fledgling nation. As Burr navigates the perilous waters of early American politics, he reflects on his legacy and the tumultuous era that shaped him. With sharp wit and astute observations, Vidal crafts a provocative portrait of a man often overshadowed by history. This thought-provoking novel challenges readers to reconsider the complexities of morality and the nature of fame.
By Gore Vidal
Published: 1973
"The past is never dead. It's not even past."
For readers who can’t get enough of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, Gore Vidal’s stunning novel about Aaron Burr, the man who killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel—and who served as a successful, if often feared, statesman of our fledgling nation. Here is an extraordinary portrait of one of the most complicated—and misunderstood—figures among the Founding Fathers. In 1804, while serving as vice president, Aaron Burr fought a duel with his political nemesis, Alexander Hamilton, and killed him. In 1807, he was arrested, tried, and acquitted of treason. In 1833, Burr is newly married, an aging statesman considered a monster by many. But he is determined to tell his own story, and he chooses to confide in a young New York City journalist named Charles Schermerhorn Schuyler. Together, they explore both Burr's past—and the continuing civic drama of their young nation. Burr is the first novel in Gore Vidal's Narratives of Empire series, which spans the history of the United States from the Revolution to post-World War II. With their broad canvas and sprawling cast of fictional and historical characters, these novels present a panorama of American politics and imperialism, as interpreted by one of our most incisive and ironic observers.
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“The past is never dead. It's not even past.”
Burr
By Gore Vidal
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Gore Vidal (1925-2012) was an acclaimed American author, playwright, and political critic, known for his provocative and insightful explorations of American society and politics. His notable works include 'The City and the Pillar,' 'Julian,' and 'Burr,' which showcase his masterful command of narrative and dialogue, as well as his keen ability to intertwine historical events with fictional elements. Vidal's writing style is characterized by its wit, erudition, and unapologetic confrontation of taboo subjects, often challenging societal norms and values. Over his prolific career, he became a prominent voice in American literature, recognized for both his literary contributions and his outspoken views on various political affairs.
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