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Rivals Unto Death: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr
From the bestselling author of The Greatest Stories Never Told series, the epic history of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr's illustrious and eccentric political careers and their fateful rivalry.
The famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr was the culmination of a story three decades in the making. Rivals unto Death vividly traces their rivalry back to the earliest days of the American Revolution, when Hamilton and Burr -- both brilliant, restless, and barely twenty years old -- elbowed their way onto the staff of General George Washington. The fast-moving account traces their intricate tug-of war, uncovering surprising details that led to their deadly encounter through battlefields, courtrooms, bedrooms, and the wildest presidential election in history, counting down the years to their fateful rendezvous on the dueling ground.
This is politics made shrill accusations, bruising collisions, and a parade of flesh and blood founders struggling--and often failing--to keep their tempers and jealousies in check. Smoldering in the background was a fundamental political divide that threatened to tear the new nation in two, and still persists to this day.
The Burr and Hamilton that leap out of these pages are passionate, engaging, and utterly human characters inextricably linked together as Rivals unto Death.
The famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr was the culmination of a story three decades in the making. Rivals unto Death vividly traces their rivalry back to the earliest days of the American Revolution, when Hamilton and Burr -- both brilliant, restless, and barely twenty years old -- elbowed their way onto the staff of General George Washington. The fast-moving account traces their intricate tug-of war, uncovering surprising details that led to their deadly encounter through battlefields, courtrooms, bedrooms, and the wildest presidential election in history, counting down the years to their fateful rendezvous on the dueling ground.
This is politics made shrill accusations, bruising collisions, and a parade of flesh and blood founders struggling--and often failing--to keep their tempers and jealousies in check. Smoldering in the background was a fundamental political divide that threatened to tear the new nation in two, and still persists to this day.
The Burr and Hamilton that leap out of these pages are passionate, engaging, and utterly human characters inextricably linked together as Rivals unto Death.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published February 21, 2017
33 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Rick Beyer
14Ìýbooks43ÌýfollowersRick Beyer is a best-selling author, an award-winning filmmaker and long-time history enthusiast. His newest book, Rivals Unto Death traces the thirty-year rivalry of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
Beyer has also produced documentary films for The History Channel, A&E, National Geographic, the Smithsonian and others. He is the author of The Greatest Stories Never Told series of history books published by Harper Collins, and described by the Chicago Tribune as “an old fashioned sweetshop full of tasty morsels.�
Beyer has shared his unique take on history in interviews on CBS, MSNBC, CNN, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, NPR, Fox News, and audiences around the country. He has also worked as a radio reporter, a TV news producer, an ad agency creative director, and a janitor (not in that order). And here's a few other things he's done.
•Camp for ten days in the mosquito-infested Siberian Wilderness
•Flee New Orleans the day before Katrina
•Interview Jimmy Carter in the White House
•Climb Mt. Washington 5 times
•Get called stupid by David Brinkley
•Be consoled by Mary Tyler Moore
•Marry a beautiful woman during a lightning storm
A graduate of Dartmouth College, Beyer lives in Lexington, Massachusetts, with his wife, Marilyn Rea Beyer (see above about the lightning storm!)
"In this fascinating dual biography, Beyer brings these two towering figures to vivid life on the page." --New York Times bestselling author Hampton Sides.Beyer is the co-author (with Elizabeth Sayles Sayles) of the New York Times bestseller The Ghost Army of World War II How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks Sound Effects and Other Audacious Fakery. Beyer has spent nearly a decade researching this story. His award-winning documentary film about the unit, premiered on PBS in 2013. The San Francisco Chronicle called the film “mesmerizing,� while TV Guide referred to it as “entrancing.�
Beyer has also produced documentary films for The History Channel, A&E, National Geographic, the Smithsonian and others. He is the author of The Greatest Stories Never Told series of history books published by Harper Collins, and described by the Chicago Tribune as “an old fashioned sweetshop full of tasty morsels.�
Beyer has shared his unique take on history in interviews on CBS, MSNBC, CNN, The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, NPR, Fox News, and audiences around the country. He has also worked as a radio reporter, a TV news producer, an ad agency creative director, and a janitor (not in that order). And here's a few other things he's done.
•Camp for ten days in the mosquito-infested Siberian Wilderness
•Flee New Orleans the day before Katrina
•Interview Jimmy Carter in the White House
•Climb Mt. Washington 5 times
•Get called stupid by David Brinkley
•Be consoled by Mary Tyler Moore
•Marry a beautiful woman during a lightning storm
A graduate of Dartmouth College, Beyer lives in Lexington, Massachusetts, with his wife, Marilyn Rea Beyer (see above about the lightning storm!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 31, 2024
Very informative without being overly wordy. I learned quite a bit about Hamilton that I did not know previously. Good book.
June 13, 2017
At first I thought "This book is entirely redundant with Chernow's ," but I think it may be the other way around. Trenchant as that tome is, this book marshaled the same sum and substance with considerably more economy. Still a bit biased toward Hammy, but go figure.
February 17, 2017
Rivals Unto Death tells the backstory of the Hamilton/Burr duel. Rick Beyer does extensive research to tell the story of the friendship and rivalry of two of the very influential movers and shakers in the foundation of these United States. Mr. Beyer gives them life and explains the motivations of their actions through the writings left after their deaths. Mr. Hamilton although the fatal victim of the duel has a wife who preserves his papers and fights for his good name. Mr. Burr requested that his papers be destroyed and left no family to rehabilitate his memory.
I enjoyed reading this foray into our founding. One thing that seems apparent is that the vision of Alexander Hamilton was a self-sufficient nation and economy, not a global one being pushed today.
I received this book through goodreads.
I enjoyed reading this foray into our founding. One thing that seems apparent is that the vision of Alexander Hamilton was a self-sufficient nation and economy, not a global one being pushed today.
I received this book through goodreads.
April 7, 2021
Fascinating and complex relationship between polar opposite ambitious American revolutionary figures.
November 20, 2020
Reading this book made me realize that the current heated American political scene during election is nothing new, that it has had its crazy moments and its up and downs. This book is about the animosity and competition between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr which most American remember with the duel between these two men that were involved with American politics that result in the death of one after the duel. But rather than focus only on the duel the book looks at both men’s lives and the comparison and contrast between the two of them and how their lives culminated to that unfortunate duel.
I thought the author did a good job comparing and contrasting Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This book is a look at not only the biographical details of both men but also how their paths cross pathed or orbited near one another over the decades. I really enjoyed learning about both men’s upbringing and also their military career during the War of Independence. I thought it was interesting to see how both men were similar in how they were driven, talented and energetic both as officers in the Contintental Army and later in their New York law practice. Yet there were differences between them including their deposition and also how people perceived them.
Overall in my opinion the author did an excellent job in giving us facts and attempted to be fair. There was a sense that later in their politics the book gives you the details of both men’s concerns with the political direction of the country. Yet their concern seem to be the reaction of coming to the opposite conclusion of their upbringing: Alexander Hamilton who grew up poor was concerned about the tyranny of the masses while Aaron Burr who grew up in an affluent household was suspicious of the few rich elites in the political process. The book goes over the scandals of both men while also putting the over the top rhetoric of the political discourse in the context of that being how it was during their time. Sadly with many factors being set it led us to an event where because of honor Hamilton and Burr faced each other in a duel and one would be killed. In one of history’s dispute of what happened that day with the duel which debate linger to today, Hamilton was killed and Burr ended up being quite hated.
Fascinating read and it lead me to put current American politics in perspective and to also pray that our country’s election process would not undermine the republic.
I thought the author did a good job comparing and contrasting Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. This book is a look at not only the biographical details of both men but also how their paths cross pathed or orbited near one another over the decades. I really enjoyed learning about both men’s upbringing and also their military career during the War of Independence. I thought it was interesting to see how both men were similar in how they were driven, talented and energetic both as officers in the Contintental Army and later in their New York law practice. Yet there were differences between them including their deposition and also how people perceived them.
Overall in my opinion the author did an excellent job in giving us facts and attempted to be fair. There was a sense that later in their politics the book gives you the details of both men’s concerns with the political direction of the country. Yet their concern seem to be the reaction of coming to the opposite conclusion of their upbringing: Alexander Hamilton who grew up poor was concerned about the tyranny of the masses while Aaron Burr who grew up in an affluent household was suspicious of the few rich elites in the political process. The book goes over the scandals of both men while also putting the over the top rhetoric of the political discourse in the context of that being how it was during their time. Sadly with many factors being set it led us to an event where because of honor Hamilton and Burr faced each other in a duel and one would be killed. In one of history’s dispute of what happened that day with the duel which debate linger to today, Hamilton was killed and Burr ended up being quite hated.
Fascinating read and it lead me to put current American politics in perspective and to also pray that our country’s election process would not undermine the republic.
April 9, 2017
Alexander Hamilton. First Treasurer of the Secretary. Killed by Aaron Burr in a duel. Immortalized on the $10 bill and in a hit Broadway musical.
Aaron Burr. One of the first Vice Presidents of the United States. Shot and killed Hamilton in a duel. Charged and tried as a traitor. Vilified in history books to this day.
In “Rivals Unto Death: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr�, author Rick Beyer takes a brief look at the lives of the two men involved in the most famous duel in American history. It shows the similarities and differences in their lives, where they ran parallel and where they had tangential encounters. More importantly, the book shows the direct and indirect actions between the two men, and how Burr did not simply wake up one day and say “I think I'll try to shoot Hamilton.�
More importantly, it shows that one of the most lionized figures in American history also had his faults � too numerous to list in a short review � and was actually in a political crevasse when he faced Burr. Conversely, it shows that Burr had some significant accomplishments and aspirations in addition to the actions and decisions which have demonized him in history. Further, it shows how far the favor of The Father Of Our Country, George Washington, influenced even minor aspects of early American history. It would not be much of a spoiler to reveal which man grew to be a trusted advisor, and which managed to consistently p-ss him off.
“Rivals Unto Death: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr� is a quick read, and I would highly recommend it to those with a casual interest in American History. (Those with an in-depth thirst for knowledge on the subject will probably be disappointed in its brevity.)
RATING: 5 stars
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. No obligations were requested nor bestowed, although a reasonably prompt HONEST review was hinted at.
Aaron Burr. One of the first Vice Presidents of the United States. Shot and killed Hamilton in a duel. Charged and tried as a traitor. Vilified in history books to this day.
In “Rivals Unto Death: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr�, author Rick Beyer takes a brief look at the lives of the two men involved in the most famous duel in American history. It shows the similarities and differences in their lives, where they ran parallel and where they had tangential encounters. More importantly, the book shows the direct and indirect actions between the two men, and how Burr did not simply wake up one day and say “I think I'll try to shoot Hamilton.�
More importantly, it shows that one of the most lionized figures in American history also had his faults � too numerous to list in a short review � and was actually in a political crevasse when he faced Burr. Conversely, it shows that Burr had some significant accomplishments and aspirations in addition to the actions and decisions which have demonized him in history. Further, it shows how far the favor of The Father Of Our Country, George Washington, influenced even minor aspects of early American history. It would not be much of a spoiler to reveal which man grew to be a trusted advisor, and which managed to consistently p-ss him off.
“Rivals Unto Death: Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr� is a quick read, and I would highly recommend it to those with a casual interest in American History. (Those with an in-depth thirst for knowledge on the subject will probably be disappointed in its brevity.)
RATING: 5 stars
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. No obligations were requested nor bestowed, although a reasonably prompt HONEST review was hinted at.
March 1, 2017
“Now, Burr not only seemed to have found a home with the opposition camp, he had helped humiliate Hamilton’s father-in-law and replace him as senator from New York.�
Great book about the back-story to the duel that ended two men’s hopes and dreams in one gun shot.
The book starts out on Chapter 10 and counts down to the final duel by going backwards in the count.
This book is one of the most unbiased books I have ever read about the duel and it gives Burr the benefit of the doubt on that final shot. Both men were hotheads and the many things that Hamilton repeatedly accused Burr of doing; it has been proven that Hamilton also did them. Infidelities, back room politics and behind the back name-calling were standard fare in the early days of our republic.
I wonder how our country would have been changed if both men had remained alive and active in politics? I believe we would see many Burr Universities and Hamilton Avenues around the country. They had a very similar background, born poor and proved themselves early with their wealthy friends. Burr stood out on the battlefield while Hamilton was Washington’s secretary and aide to camp.
Two remarkable men came together in a series of quarrels until one day they could no longer put off the final countdown to one of the rivals physical death and the other’s political death.
This is a remarkable story about our country’s beginnings and two men who helped found it. I highly recommend this book that I was given by a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaway.
Great book about the back-story to the duel that ended two men’s hopes and dreams in one gun shot.
The book starts out on Chapter 10 and counts down to the final duel by going backwards in the count.
This book is one of the most unbiased books I have ever read about the duel and it gives Burr the benefit of the doubt on that final shot. Both men were hotheads and the many things that Hamilton repeatedly accused Burr of doing; it has been proven that Hamilton also did them. Infidelities, back room politics and behind the back name-calling were standard fare in the early days of our republic.
I wonder how our country would have been changed if both men had remained alive and active in politics? I believe we would see many Burr Universities and Hamilton Avenues around the country. They had a very similar background, born poor and proved themselves early with their wealthy friends. Burr stood out on the battlefield while Hamilton was Washington’s secretary and aide to camp.
Two remarkable men came together in a series of quarrels until one day they could no longer put off the final countdown to one of the rivals physical death and the other’s political death.
This is a remarkable story about our country’s beginnings and two men who helped found it. I highly recommend this book that I was given by a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Giveaway.
December 27, 2020
I was hooked on this book just from reading the chapter listings, which are written backwards, from 10 to 1, a constant reminder that the events depicted in the book are all leading up to the infamous, fatal duel between Hamilton and Burr.
One of the standout features of this is that it is easily accessible to someone, like me, who doesn't already have a detailed knowledge of the events. I have some background, but often when I read books on the Revolution and the political atmosphere afterwards, I get overwhelmed by the details and the knowledge some authors already expect me to have. This book did not do that. It was detailed, but not to a fault, and selective in what events it chose to highlight. As a result, I learned a lot.
The author does a great job of presenting Hamilton and Burr as equally at fault during their fights, while at the same time justified in their resentment of each other. He really highlights the differences between these two men and how it shaped the way their are viewed today, as well as the many, many times their paths crossed and impacted the other.
(It was also pretty obvious that he had seen the broadway musical, as there were certain phrases from the play that were highlighted in the book. This is not a negative; I thoroughly enjoyed reading the context for those seemingly throwaway lines.)
One of the standout features of this is that it is easily accessible to someone, like me, who doesn't already have a detailed knowledge of the events. I have some background, but often when I read books on the Revolution and the political atmosphere afterwards, I get overwhelmed by the details and the knowledge some authors already expect me to have. This book did not do that. It was detailed, but not to a fault, and selective in what events it chose to highlight. As a result, I learned a lot.
The author does a great job of presenting Hamilton and Burr as equally at fault during their fights, while at the same time justified in their resentment of each other. He really highlights the differences between these two men and how it shaped the way their are viewed today, as well as the many, many times their paths crossed and impacted the other.
(It was also pretty obvious that he had seen the broadway musical, as there were certain phrases from the play that were highlighted in the book. This is not a negative; I thoroughly enjoyed reading the context for those seemingly throwaway lines.)
June 14, 2018
I really loved this book. I particularly liked how it’s set backwards, starting at chapter ten and counting down.
I loved the writing style, and the way that this book is not as bias as some other joint biographies you can find. It truly felt like the author was trying to sit on a fence. It was simple, clear and straight forward. A very good joint biography.
I loved the writing style, and the way that this book is not as bias as some other joint biographies you can find. It truly felt like the author was trying to sit on a fence. It was simple, clear and straight forward. A very good joint biography.
December 22, 2017
Without getting into spoilers.... I love Rick Beyer's writing. He brings history to me in a very real way where I feel connected to the story. I really loved it. It is interesting, reads like an adventure, and fun.
December 3, 2020
This book was excellent. If you have any interest in Alexander Hamilton or Aaron Burr this book provides a great amount of detail to give you a full picture of their interactions. A great companion to the Broadway musical! Definitely recommend!
January 5, 2021
The musical Hamilton has me sliding down a rabbit hole as I read about all the different players and try to understand the history behind and around the musical. This read is a great clarifying lens for those interested in the rivalry between Hamilton and Burr. I learned a lot about the two men but also the crazy political climate of the early nation, if anyone tries to tell you that politics today are ugly they have no sense of history. How did we survive when the nation was literally ran by a bunch of hotheads who were corrupt from the beginning?
January 28, 2020
The best review I can ever give a book is that I kept reading it once I started. Usually I try to read 1 chapter a night of whatever book I am currently reading as part of my daily reading. I finished this book in a couple days, because I did not want to put it down. Almost like a great fiction book (Dan Brown), you just want to know what happens next.
I am a history buff, and this is a part of American history that always draws my interest. It was fun to read a book that was not a puff piece or just played off the current "Hamilton" fandom from the play. What I liked about this book was that it showed the human side of some of our most famous founding fathers and at times made you think differently about some of the more revered ones (Washington, Jefferson). The political meandering and slander was very reminiscent of modern day politics. The biggest difference being that today, hot heads just go to twitter to rant whereas back then it more often than not ended in a duel. Honor is a crazy thing, but men back then viewed it much differently than today.
A very good read and one that will not disappoint the reader.
*I won a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I am a history buff, and this is a part of American history that always draws my interest. It was fun to read a book that was not a puff piece or just played off the current "Hamilton" fandom from the play. What I liked about this book was that it showed the human side of some of our most famous founding fathers and at times made you think differently about some of the more revered ones (Washington, Jefferson). The political meandering and slander was very reminiscent of modern day politics. The biggest difference being that today, hot heads just go to twitter to rant whereas back then it more often than not ended in a duel. Honor is a crazy thing, but men back then viewed it much differently than today.
A very good read and one that will not disappoint the reader.
*I won a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 23, 2017
Recommended to me by my cute book-loving daughter. It was fascinating to learn about Hamilton and Burr's lives and rivalry because I didn't know the history before. It never ceases to amaze me how antagonistic American politics have always been! It's also fascinating to me to learn about the details of the lives of people you've heard about your whole life. Hamilton and Burr were flawed people, as we all are. It's remarkable to think about Hamilton's humble beginnings as an orphan in the Caribbean, and then his ambitions to make something of himself, his love for our new country, his efforts to establish our federal government and national banks, and then read of his arrogance, nastiness, and pride. Burr was probably a lot more likable than he is ever given credit for. I didn't know he'd been one of our vice presidents. I also enjoyed how the author pointed out a handful of moments in their lives where things could have gone in a completely different direction. I'd recommend this if you are an American history buff in the slightest. Really enlightening and educational.
June 2, 2017
One of the best books I've read on the subject -- simple, straight-forward, and clear. I especially appreciated the way the author was able to highlight those moments in both men's careers (and there were, surprisingly, quite a few) when Hamilton and Burr were 'in synch,' cooperating and assisting each other. A number of tantalizing 'What if?s' occur throughout. I also found the author's speculation as to what may very well have happened at Weehawken on that fateful day both men died (for all intents and purposes) quite plausible. (He suggests that the hair-trigger on Hamilton's pistol misfired, Burr waited for the smoke to clear, then took his shot...) Very well-balanced, with much of the mud that has adhered to Burr's name carefully removed. -- The only thing preventing me from giving this the full five-star treatment is Mr. Beyer's insistence that James Madison was present at the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolution. Tsk, tsk!
March 19, 2017
I received a copy of this book as a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaway.
A very readable account of the Hamilton-Burr conflict, the ultimate frenemies. This book is perfect for readers who are interested in the subject (such as fans of the Broadway musical, Hamilton), but don't have sufficient interest or time to commit to a mammoth biography ala . For me, this book was just the right balance of historical information, context, and engagement as I fall into the category of someone who is interested, but not THAT interested in the feud. The writing was very good and excellent for the general reader. Highly recommend!
A very readable account of the Hamilton-Burr conflict, the ultimate frenemies. This book is perfect for readers who are interested in the subject (such as fans of the Broadway musical, Hamilton), but don't have sufficient interest or time to commit to a mammoth biography ala . For me, this book was just the right balance of historical information, context, and engagement as I fall into the category of someone who is interested, but not THAT interested in the feud. The writing was very good and excellent for the general reader. Highly recommend!
April 23, 2017
I received this book as part of a giveaway.
Rick Beyer paints a story arc spanning several decades to the events leading up to the famed duel between Burr and Hamilton and does so in a succinct but informative book. His detailed history of the events from the Revolutionary War to the years following Hamilton's death informs the readers of the history of the two, while making a point to illuminate those areas that remain up for debate. The book is a rapid fire read that gives important details to the broad strokes of the two's relationship through its ups and downs.
This is a great book for those who want an introduction to the feud between the two titans of American history and will leave the readers hungry for more detail and stories for their fascinating lives.
Rick Beyer paints a story arc spanning several decades to the events leading up to the famed duel between Burr and Hamilton and does so in a succinct but informative book. His detailed history of the events from the Revolutionary War to the years following Hamilton's death informs the readers of the history of the two, while making a point to illuminate those areas that remain up for debate. The book is a rapid fire read that gives important details to the broad strokes of the two's relationship through its ups and downs.
This is a great book for those who want an introduction to the feud between the two titans of American history and will leave the readers hungry for more detail and stories for their fascinating lives.
November 9, 2017
Ah, my history is very weak. Although I live about 2 miles from Monticello (by crow, quite a bit longer by vehicle), I didn't even know Aaron Burr was TJ's VP. I knew there was a duel, but I didn't even remember the outcome.
This slim book corrected all that, really digging into the friend/enemy/ally/foe/on/off relationship of Burr and Hamilton. Hamilton, the bastard immigrant from Nevis, and Burr, son of a well-respected family are allies during the Revolutionary War, but become ardent foes with differing political views.
Elections then were even worse than now, it seemed. It took 34 ballots to get TJ elected by the House of Delegates when there was a tie among the voters.
A lot of material in a short book.
This slim book corrected all that, really digging into the friend/enemy/ally/foe/on/off relationship of Burr and Hamilton. Hamilton, the bastard immigrant from Nevis, and Burr, son of a well-respected family are allies during the Revolutionary War, but become ardent foes with differing political views.
Elections then were even worse than now, it seemed. It took 34 ballots to get TJ elected by the House of Delegates when there was a tie among the voters.
A lot of material in a short book.
July 7, 2020
I expected any book that I read about Hamilton after Chernow's masterpiece was going to fall flat - I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, and even learned new things about both Hamilton and Burr along the way.
I did like how this book was very even-handed in its treatment of Aaron Burr - attempting to humanise someone who is so often vilified. My only problem came at times where I felt that Burr was being misrepresented as too much of a tragic hero, ignoring or barely illuminating, some of his most grievous flaws and missteps.
Overall though, I was deeply impressed by this book and think it would provide a perfect entrance into the world of Hamilton literature - from an author who clearly knows the subject and has a passion for it.
I did like how this book was very even-handed in its treatment of Aaron Burr - attempting to humanise someone who is so often vilified. My only problem came at times where I felt that Burr was being misrepresented as too much of a tragic hero, ignoring or barely illuminating, some of his most grievous flaws and missteps.
Overall though, I was deeply impressed by this book and think it would provide a perfect entrance into the world of Hamilton literature - from an author who clearly knows the subject and has a passion for it.
April 6, 2017
A fast reading biography of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr starting with their famous duel and then going back to their beginnings and working back to that fateful day. While this book isn't very long it's full of details of the intertwining lives of Hamilton and Burr, men with very different personalities whose paths crossed over and over sometimes working together sometimes working for opposite sides. While this book was a single story it was written in an easy to read style that alternated between the lives of Hamilton and Burr. I received a free copy of this book through Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ First Reads giveaways.
March 30, 2022
I've been trying to read more nonfiction books that I've had shelved for many years. I don't really remember how I came across this book, but I really enjoyed it. It really cut to the chase and gave good insight on the intertwined relationship between Hamilton & Burr. Like most people, I'm a huge fan of the musical, so we get some good information and background of Hamilton, but not a lot on Burr. Beyer's book definitely had more about Burr, but I still feel like I wanted more.
This book is also roughly ~190 pages, so I recommend for readers who don't want to read Ron Chernow's huge book about Hamilton, but still want more background information about these two men.
This book is also roughly ~190 pages, so I recommend for readers who don't want to read Ron Chernow's huge book about Hamilton, but still want more background information about these two men.
September 6, 2017
I have been fascinated about Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, what really made the fateful duel happen, and how the dispute got that far. This book was very well done, answering all my questions, even for how short it is. Not only that, but the formatting of the book was genius! I enjoyed how it started one week before the duel, jumped way back and then finally caught back up. The chapters even count down, which I thought added a nice touch. I might be picking up some more of Beyer's books in the near future! :)
May 12, 2018
In the acknowledgments, Beyer states that he was asked to write about the rivalry, squeezing the whole story into a compact and accessible volume.
Simply enough, that is what he has done here. It was enjoyable to read in a way that it's less like a history book and more like a good story. There is plenty of historical fact and figures. It gives a concise look at the rivalry between the much popularized Hamilton and Burr.
Is all of this likely covered in Chernow's book? Yes. Have I made it all the way through Chernow's book? No, not even close.
Simply enough, that is what he has done here. It was enjoyable to read in a way that it's less like a history book and more like a good story. There is plenty of historical fact and figures. It gives a concise look at the rivalry between the much popularized Hamilton and Burr.
Is all of this likely covered in Chernow's book? Yes. Have I made it all the way through Chernow's book? No, not even close.
December 23, 2017
I good read to fuel the Hamilton craze. You could argue nothing really new here not covered in Chernow's work but the countdown format building the tension to the inevitable demise was an engaging format that pulled me into the drama. The thought that hunts me the most is that Hamilton deliberately choose the instrument to take his life that had been the very same guns that had taken his sons life three years prior.
July 2, 2021
I listened to this book while driving, so I hope it still counts. I’m counting it anyway. This book just shows that nothing much has changed in the world of politics in 200 years. Politicians, aka humans, still do underhanded things and have their own agendas. I learned a lot of details regarding these two men that I never knew or have forgotten. I will not post my judgements of the two men here. Read the book and decide for yourself. This was a very engaging read (listen)!
August 21, 2018
This is a very readable history of the two men, and how their lives were intertwined. There are so many little stories in history that have been overlooked --- I learned a lot in this fairly short book. Highly recommended for those who have seen Hamilton....you will have a different perspective after reading this book!
November 30, 2019
Well-written and concise. The author very clearly lays out how Hamilton and Burr's lives intersected with each other. I thought I was already quite familiar with the duel incident but found that I actually knew very little of their backstory. It was quite easy to understand their antagonism toward each other but also easy to see how petty it all was in the end. A great little historical read.
July 29, 2020
I recently saw Hamilton and have kinda become slightly obsessed, so this was a natural selection for me to pick up. Very enjoyable and easy to read. I’ve read some very boring historical stories before, but this was not the case. Extremely informative and scratched the itch I had for needing to know more.
April 30, 2017
Just one of those things you're always aware of but never have the full back story to. Glad to have their history fleshed out! And glad to see the author give fair play to Burr; I remember him as a "villain" of American history so it's good to learn his humanness.
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