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Noel B. Gerson
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The Great American Rascal: The Turbulent Life of Aaron Burr (Heroes and Villains from American History) Kindle Edition

by Noel B. Gerson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 169 ratings
On July 11th, 1804, Aaron Burr faced and killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel.

These two men have received new interest following the success of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical, Hamilton, but who was the real Aaron Burr?

Noel B. Gerson uncovers the rise of a man who lost his father at the age of one, entered Princeton as a sophomore at thirteen, took part in Colonel Benedict Arnold’s expedition to Quebec, became a national hero for saving an entire brigade from capture during the New York Campaign, and after the war rose to become a leading figure in New York politics, becoming vice-president in 1800 before the infamous duel occurred four years later.

Yet, the story of Aaron Burr does not end there. Gerson goes on to expose the rest of his long and turbulent life, providing insight into the western conspiracy, the trial for treason, and his struggle to return to America after four years of self-imposed exile in Europe.

This book is an engrossing biography of one of the most notorious figures in the history of the United States. It is an ideal read for those who wish to find out more about a person who could have been one of the greatest of Americans, in an age of giants, but whose personal flaws ultimately led to his demise.

“Very interesting reading… it runs with the speed of a novel and the vividness of phrase of an acute commentator… Meant to be read… and boy, is it readable!” — Bestsellers

“The extraordinary vitality and charm of Burr come through in this swift-moving and wholly admirable book.” — Christian Science Monitor

“Moves faster than most historical novels because Burr was quicker and more unbelievable than most fictional heroes… an enjoyable, lively account of a fascinating figure.” — Mankind Magazine

“An absorbing biography of the Revolutionary war hero… the author portrays Burr as a brilliant man with an overwhelming ego and charm to match — a con man, forger, sharpshooting bully mistrusted by Washington and Jefferson, yet able to rise to high office in a career that occasionally suggests some modern parallels.” — Publishers Weekly
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  1. Part of series
    Heroes and Villains from American History
  2. Print length
    287 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 3, 2021
  5. File size
    1.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08KQ7Y15V
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 3, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 287 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800550940
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Heroes and Villains from American History
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 169 ratings

About the author

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Noel B. Gerson

Noel B. Gerson

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
169 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the biography engaging and well-written, describing it as a gripping tale. They appreciate the author's exceptional prose.

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10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful and readable biography.

"...I wish I could express myself so well. It was a delight to read in addition to being a gripping story." Read more

"...Well done as a history with facts and modest supposition about what Burr might have thought. A good read." Read more

"...Very enjoyable, with twists and turns and surprises around every corner." Read more

"...This book was exciting, sad at times, but most of all gave our former Vice President Warmth." Read more

4 customers mention "Story quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as an excellent and gripping tale.

"...This one was exceptional. Mr. Gerson tells Burr's story well but what I want to mention here is the rich sentences and word choices...." Read more

"...Finally, a factual recitation of Burr’s life and activities that strives not to pitch a sympathetic tone, or pitch the image of a spawn of..." Read more

"What a great story this was! The longer I read, the harder it was to pause. The audacity and ingenuity of this man was unrivaled...." Read more

"Excellent tale of a little-known life..." Read more

3 customers mention "Author's style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's writing style, praising its exceptional prose, with one customer noting how the author explains his views.

"...Burr's story well but what I want to mention here is the rich sentences and word choices. I wish I could express myself so well...." Read more

"...The longer I read, the harder it was to pause. The audacity and ingenuity of this man was unrivaled...." Read more

"...The author explains his views;an notes the unknowns" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jcar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping story, exceptional prose
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read lots of biographies. This one was exceptional. Mr. Gerson tells Burr's story well but what I want to mention here is the rich sentences and word choices. I wish I could express myself so well. It was a delight to read in addition to being a gripping story.
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  • maclaugh
    4.0 out of 5 stars Burr is a difficult subject, this treats him with facts.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Of the many scoundrels in American history, Aaron Burr is one of the largest. Finally, a factual recitation of Burr’s life and activities that strives not to pitch a sympathetic tone, or pitch the image of a spawn of satan.
    Well done as a history with facts and modest supposition about what Burr might have thought.
    A good read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • JOSO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly satisfying.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I have read various accounts of the life thef Washington, Hamilton's lengthly biography, as well as Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold and Henrry Morgan. Not only do I happily endorse it but please do recommend it to your friends
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  • Richard
    5.0 out of 5 stars An 18th Century “Catch Me if You Can”
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    What a great story this was! The longer I read, the harder it was to pause. The audacity and ingenuity of this man was unrivaled.
    I suppose I thought this would be just biography of the Revolutionary Era, but it was much more. Very enjoyable, with twists and turns and surprises around every corner.
    One person found this helpful
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  • TheStallion
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I have Read Thus Far !!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This Book opens with the quote...." I live my life as I deem appropriate and fitting. I offer no apologies, no explanations - I hate them. -Aaron Burr"
    I bought this book by accident......I really was trying to purchase "American Scoundrel" But since I received this book already I figured I'd keep it around. I have a greater respect for Aaron Burr and our founding fathers. Every page kept me wanting more. I felt like I was right in Burr's back pocket as he was a misfit but highly intelligent child to his time in the Army to his many elected offices he held but It was also showed his fall from grace. He was a man with such great promise that should have taken his place with our Nation's forefathers.This book was exciting, sad at times, but most of all gave our former Vice President Warmth.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Jim G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Some much that I never knew or heard of before
    Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderful read. Highly interesting.

    I have recommended this book to several of my friends. I am sure they are sick of me talking about it.
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  • Gman
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Great American Rascal. Aaron Burr
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Aaron Burr was a man of many talents, he was a brilliant lawyer. He was well read in all the books that he purchased, but he was so self-absorbed in his own greatness that he was never able to take direction from anyone. He adored his wife and daughter, and both pasted way before his eventual downfall and failure.
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  • William L. Rowe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent balanced and very readable biography of a complex man with a complex life
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A very enjoyable bio of a fascinating man from a dynamic time. The author explains his views;an notes the unknowns
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ceiswyn
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great summary and introduction
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is an eminently readable biography, and offers fascinating insights into Burr's character. My one reservation is that it does not always distinguish clearly between fact and speculation, and sometimes makes confident statements where other histories may have dissenting opinions.

    Edit: Having read some other biographies and texts, I am increasingly dubious as to the reliability of this one.
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