War of Two, John Sedgwick
War of Two, John Sedgwick
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War of Two
Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Duel that Stunned the Nation

Author: John Sedgwick

Narrator: P.J. Ochlan

Unabridged: 17 hr 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 10/20/2015


Synopsis

A provocative and penetrating investigation into the rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, whose infamous duel left the Founding Father dead and turned a sitting Vice President into a fugitive. In the summer of 1804, two of America's most eminent statesmen squared off, pistols raised, on a bluff along the Hudson River. That two such men would risk not only their lives but the stability of the young country they helped forge is almost beyond comprehension. Yet we know that it happened. The question is why. In War of Two, John Sedgwick explores the long-standing conflict between Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and Vice President Aaron Burr. A study in contrasts from birth, they had been compatriots, colleagues, and even friends. But above all they were rivals. Matching each other's ambition and skill as lawyers in New York, they later battled for power along political fault lines that would not only decide the future of the United States, but define it. A series of letters between Burr and Hamilton suggest the duel was fought over an unflattering comment made at a dinner party. But another letter, written by Hamilton the night before the event, provides critical insight into his true motivation. It was addressed to former Speaker of the House Theodore Sedgwick, a trusted friend of both men, and the author's own ancestor. John Sedgwick suggests that Hamilton saw Burr not merely as a personal rival but as a threat to the nation. Burr would prove that fear justified after Hamilton's death when, haunted by the legacy of his longtime adversary, he embarked on an imperial scheme to break the Union apart.

About John Sedgwick

John Sedgwick is the critically acclaimed author of the novels The Dark House and The Education of Mrs. Bemis, as well as three works of narrative nonfiction and the multigenerational family memoir In My Blood. He has written for GQ, Atlantic Monthly, and Newsweek, and he lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Grumpus

Disclaimers: 1) I won this copy through a First Reads giveaway here at Goodreads and 2) I am a huge fan of Alexander Hamilton. Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton is what started my near Hamilton obsession. Hamilton is certainly an underappreciated founding father and I strongly oppose the proposed......more

Goodreads review by Jaylia3

I didn’t know much about the 1804 duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr before I read this double biography, but that (of course) didn’t stop me from having an opinion: Hamilton, good; Burr (the “victor”), bad. Learning more about them was revelatory and provided some well needed nuance. Jo......more

Goodreads review by Jean

Sedgwick has written a parallel biography of two prominent figures from the Federalist era whose lives came together on the dueling ground. I have always been interested in Alexander Hamilton and have read most of the biographies about him. Hamilton was the chief aide to George Washington during the......more

Sometimes I think Benedict Arnold has received a bad rap. His name has gone down in American history as practically a synonym for treason, the poster child for betrayal - and yet, if you ask me, Aaron Burr deserves it just as much, if not more. At least Arnold was committing treason for a cause and......more