Aaron Burr--Revolutionary War hero, third vice president of the United States and a controversial figure of the early republic--was tried and acquitted of treason charges in 1807, and thereafter departed for self-imposed exile in Europe, his political career in ruins. Adrift in Paris for 15 months, he led a marginal existence on the run from creditors and the courts, getting by on handouts. While other Americans in Paris enjoyed official status that insulated them from life in the capital, Burr dreamed up fruitless schemes and pawned his possessions, yet remained in high spirits, enjoying Parisian theater and cafes. He shopped, flirted, paid for sex and associated with friends old and new while gathering the resolve to return to America.

Burr's Paris journal is a rare item, with only 250 unexpurgated copies printed in 1903. In it he relates his fascinating stories and describes Parisian life at the height of Napoleon's power. Drawing on Burr's journal and other sources, this book provides a self-portrait of the down-and-out Founding Father abroad.

About the Author
Jane Merrill has published in 50 national magazines and has written books on fashion, lifestyle, and eighteenth century culture. She lives on the St. George Peninsula in Maine. John Endicott has practiced law in New York and Connecticut. He lives in Litchfield, Connecticut.

Reviews
"A knowing and deft depiction bringing Burr and Napoleonic Paris to life."-John D. Leshy, Harry D. Sunderland Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus, University of California, Hastings College of the Law; "There's enough material in this interesting book to stage another duel on the Broadway stage with 'Hamilton'."-Gay Talese, Journalist.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786494910
Author Jane Merrill
Format Paperback
Page Count 244
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 431g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 12mm