Fallen Founder

The Life of Aaron Burr

By: Nancy Isenberg

Narrated by: Scott Brick

A controversial challenge to the works of Ron Chernow and David McCullough

Lin-Manuel Miranda's play "Hamilton" has reignited interest in the founding fathers; and it features Aaron Burr among its vibrant cast of characters. With Fallen Founder, Nancy Isenberg plumbs rare and obscure sources to shed new light on everyone's favorite founding villain. The Aaron Burr whom we meet through Isenberg's eye-opening biography is a feminist, an Enlightenment figure on par with Jefferson, a patriot, and—most importantly—a man with powerful enemies in an age of vitriolic political fighting. Revealing the gritty reality of eighteenth-century America, Fallen Founder is the authoritative restoration of a figure who ran afoul of history and a much-needed antidote to the hagiography of the revolutionary era.©2007 Nancy Isenberg; (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Books on Tape. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Full of insight and new research. An important and engaging account."--New York Times Book Review

"A sterling biography."--Boston Globe

"Isenberg offers justice to a maligned man."--Wall Street Journal

"Isenberg's meticulous biography reveals a gifted lawyer, politician, and orator who championed civility in government and even feminist ideals, in a political climate that bears a marked resemblance to our own."--Washington Post

Not perfect!

In order to make a more perfect union, these less than perfect men, created a solid fondation to build these United States.
A well told story that sheds a different light on Aaron Burr. I thoroughly enjoyed the naration. The political intrigue of the 1700's isn't a lot different than that of today. It made me think of a new term, Burred.

very good insight into the "second tier" founders.

Book gives excellent insight into the flaws of America's founders. also well read by the narrator.

Should be read for balance with Hamilton

As I usually find, there are always multiple perspectives on the same events. To know Alexander Hamilton, you must fully consider Aaron Burr.

Excellent follow-up to Chernow's Hamilton

I listened to this on a whim after listening to biographies on Hamilton, Madison, and Jefferson and was very pleasantly surprised! Burr was a fascinating person and decidedly not the one-dimensional villain often portrayed. His reputation was railroaded in life by his enemies and again in history by star-struck biographers wanting to use him as a foil for other founding fathers. This book had me riveted from start to finish.

Interesting book

Really my only criticism is when I listen to non fiction I like to imagine it’s the author teaching me something, and I knew this book was written by a woman so I would have preferred a woman reading it. Otherwise it was very interesting. You you are a Jeffersonian or Hamiltonian it definitely gives you a different view on history.