"Burr" by Gore Vidal is a historical novel centered around Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States. Set against the backdrop of early American history, the book intricately explores Burr's life, his political ambitions, and his complex relationships with key figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. The narrative delves into Burr's motivations and the controversies surrounding his career, highlighting the personal and political struggles he faced in a fledgling nation.
The novel is presented as a fictional memoir, allowing readers to engage closely with Burr's thoughts and experiences. Vidal employs a conversational style, blending facts with fictional elements to create a rich tapestry of early American politics. Through Burr's perspective, the author examines themes of ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of power in a new democracy.