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24 Oak Knoll Press
Distributed for The Grolier Club
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covering all aspects of the book.
Burriana
A Catalogue of Rare Books, Pamphlets, Letters,
Manuscripts, Documents, & Objects by, about, or
Relating to Aaron Burr and his Contemporaries
by Brian Davon Hardison
This book was produced to accompany the exhibition “Aaron Burr
Returns to New York,” on show at the Grolier Club May 15–July 28,
2012; but it is also a detailed record of all the most important items from
Brian Hardison’s superb and comprehensive collection of Aaron Burr, Jr.,
(1756–1836).
Soldier, lawyer, statesman, and
the third Vice President of the United
States under Jefferson, Burr was also
one of the most maligned figures of
the founding era, accused of attempting
to steal the Presidential election of
1800 from Thomas Jefferson, of murdering
Alexander Hamilton in 1804,
and of treason in 1807. Yet a careful
examination of contemporary documents,
including the five hundred
plus items described in this catalogue,
reveals a far more complex persona,
one whose support for women’s rights, the arts and the
nascent anti-slavery movement were among the most progressive
of his time. The documents show a military hero, a highly skilled lawyer, a caring family
man, and a great philanthropist, not to mention a very able politician. Hero or villain, Burr was
an enormously influential (if controversial) public figure whose impact continues to be felt today.
The catalogue is organized chronologically
and focuses on major events in Burr’s life,
including his role in the first murder trial in
United States history, the presidential elections
of 1796 and 1800, and his trial for treason. Illustrated in color throughout, the
book contains a thirteen-page introduction, useful appendices, and an index.
2012, hardcover, 6 x 9.25 inches, 306 pages
ISBN 9781605830384, Order No. 109478, $75.00
Available online at www.oakknoll.com/fall2012