The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton & Aaron Burr

Gr 6–9—Although their lives paralleled in many ways, history has lionized Alexander Hamilton while Aaron Burr often has been vilified. Both men were orphaned at an early age (but Hamilton came from an impoverished background, while Burr was born into wealth); both were excellent, motivated students; and both served George Washington. Both later became lawyers and entered politics. While their paths continued to cross in the new country, the men grew to dislike each other. The reasons become clear through St. George's forthright text. The even tone and regular pacing of John Mayer's narration bring the drama and irony of the parallels between and intersections of these two lives into sharp focus. Primary sources used throughout further enhance the narration and clarify the portrait of the relationship between these two men, which ended with a duel and the death of Hamilton.