The Burr Conspiracy

"Longlisted for the 2018 Cundill History Prize, McGill University"
"Lewis contributes to the conversation with a wholly new analysis of the Burr conspiracy that focuses more on the reaction than on the event itself. . . . A meticulously researched, comprehensive analysis essential to early American scholarship." * Library Journal *
"Finalist for the 2018 George Washington Prize"
"In The Burr Conspiracy, James Lewis . . . provides an exhaustive and informative account of the myriad ways in which Burr's contemporaries struggled to make sense 'of swirling rumors and conflicting reports' about the expedition, Burr's trial, and its aftermath. . . . Lewis' splendid book will appeal to readers who enjoy getting into the weeds. It also serves as a cautionary tale for our times." * Tulsa World *
"2017 Finalist in History, ForeWord Reviews' INDIES Book of the Year Awards"
"Were he to read a book, the President of the United States might profit ably begin with James E. Lewis's The Burr Conspiracy, an authoritative account of the tortured relationship between intelligence and executive power."---Edward G. Gray, Times Literary Supplement
"Lucid prose and careful notes make this text one that will interest both scholars of early nationalism and readers simply interested in learning more about Burr beyond his famous duel with Alexander Hamilton." * Publishers Weekly *
"Instead of offering his own narrative of the conspiracy, Lewis reconstructs the 'stories' Americans told themselves in order to decide what Burr's aims were, how he succeeded in winning the support of several hundred men who knew about his plans, and what these events said about the stability of republican government in general and the US in particular. . . . No one can doubt Lewis's diligence as a researcher."---Eric Foner, London Review of Books