Rating: 
Summary: I¿m a Dead Man!
Review: The circumstances and situations that lead to the duel and subsequent death of Alexander Hamilton, at the hands of Aaron Burr, are grounds for great historical debate. Prior to reading Thomas Fleming's "Duel" I was taught to believe that Hamilton accused Burr of incest and that Burr hesitated before fatally shooting Hamilton in the groin. After reading "Duel" I have a better and more importantly, concrete, understanding of the events that brought about and transpired on the day Alexander Hamilton was shot. Thomas Fleming takes time to explain the political motives and major players of the early 1800s. Fleming explains family life, work life, political life and general media approval or disapproval of Hamilton and Burr by way of newspaper printings. This method of explanation leaves no gaps for conspiracy theories and gives the reader concrete information to make their own assumptions. Fleming remains very objective throughout the book, never taking either mans' side in the situation or showing too little or too much sympathy for the characters involved. The inevitable outcome of the book was not up for debate but the exact actions and repercussions have been and Fleming does a terrific job to explain, while not dictating, his understanding of this American story. I highly recommend "Duel" to anyone interested in history, politics, the person on the ten-dollar bill, and/or Aaron Burr.
Rating:
Summary: Very Detailed Telling of the Tale
Review: The details of the political world of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton are both the triumph and the undoing of this book. Thomas Fleming has obivously put a lot of energy into his research, to the point where all of the politicians mentioned and the events they are related to becomes a little overwhelming. Many of these details are fascinating as well, however. The various schemes that Burr was involved with are fascinating, as is the precarious state the Union itself was in at the time. And of course the telling of the duel itself is extremely well written. The retelling of the deadly contest between Burr and Hamilton by Thomas Fleming made me sympathize with both of them. The author does a very good job at sketching both protaganists in a fair, objective light, and steers clear of demonization, especially of Burr. A great, if sometimes complicated, read.
Rating:
Summary: Not Always Balanced... But Always Entertaining
Review: Thomas Fleming's "Duel" paints history with broad, vivid, and colorful strokes and gives to the history a certain drama and interaction that makes it an engaging product to the reader. However, the reader should be forewarned that the account given to the times of Hamilton and Burr is not (always) balanced. Fleming's open and articulated biases make it hard for the reader to accept "Duel" as an "objective" piece of history. With that said, there are some real gems to be found in this book. Fleming's account of the genesis and execution of the Sedition Act is incredible. Also of great worth was Fleming's account of Hamilton's libel appeal before New York State's highest court. Until that time, TRUTH could not be asserted as a defense in a libel prosecution. Fleming illuminates this with great detail. Many reviewers find sympathy with Aaron Burr, who has commonly been portrayed as a villain. Fleming does a lot of heavy lifting to rehabilitating Burr's historical character, but Fleming also leaves some of Burr's deceit intact (Burr's dreams of ruling a Western Empire). What I find curious is that many reviewers felt little sympathy for Alexander Hamilton. While it is true that Fleming's account does portray Hamilton as a washed-up Federalist, it is important to note that (generally) ANY Federalist after 1800 was a washed-up Federalist. The Federalist fall after 1800 was sudden and complete. Fleming portrays Hamilton as having many admirable qualities (i.e. intelligence, diligence, a desire to re-invent himself - at least religiously, etc.) The real villainry in Fleming's work is reserved for Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is the mythical "Founding Father" that takes the hardest (deserved?) fall. All in all, "Duel" is an engaging read and highly recommended - even with its apparent drawbacks.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: Well written and accurate. A must for anyone who wishes to understand the true context of this event.
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