Reviews

"In this absorbing, brisk account, Larson re-creates the dramatic presidential race of 1800...an invaluable study of a crucial chapter in the lives of the founding fathers -- and of the nation."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Pulitzer Prize-winner Larson vividly recounts America's first overtly partisan election.The colorful cast of Founders included Madison, Jay, Pinckney, Monroe and Samuel Adams; the behind-the-scenes machinations of High Federalist leader Alexander Hamilton and Republican organizer Aaron Burr were especially dramatic. Larson does justice to them all and demonstrates his storytelling mastery....[A] smartly conceived, beautifully wrought campaign history, bound to entertain and inform."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

""A Magnificent Catastrophe" offers a thoughtful and extended commentary on the gains and losses inherent in partisanship's triumph." -- Jill Ogline, "The American Scholar"

"A splendid new book." -- George Will, "Washington Post"

"Edward Larson...captures the drama -- and complexity -- of this pivotal event in American history....He is scrupulously fair and balanced." -- Glenn C. Altschuler, "Philadelphia Inquirer"

"Larson... provides one of the finest insights ever written into the history of the founding -- and sometimes faltering -- first steps of our modern democratic republic." -- Thom Hartmann, BuzzFlash.com (Book of the Month Review)

"Larson...both deifies and debunks the founders in "A Magnificent Catastrophe,.".His dramatic tale offers fascinating modern parallels." -- Gil Troy, "New York Times Book Review"

"Smartly conceived, beautifully wrought campaign history, bound to entertain and inform."-- "Kirkus Reviews "(Starred review)

"The best book I've seen so far to prompt reflection on what we're doing as we prepare to elect a new president." -- John Wilson, "Books and Culture"

"Through Larson's story, the reader can see the two-party system forming itself." -- Bruce Ramsey, "Seattle Times"

"In this absorbing, brisk account, Larson re-creates the dramatic presidential race of 1800...an invaluable study of a crucial chapter in the lives of the founding fathers -- and of the nation."-- "Publishers Weekly"
"Pulitzer Prize-winner Larson vividly recounts America's first overtly partisan election.The colorful cast of Founders included Madison, Jay, Pinckney, Monroe and Samuel Adams; the behind-the-scenes machinations of High Federalist leader Alexander Hamilton and Republican organizer Aaron Burr were especially dramatic. Larson does justice to them all and demonstrates his storytelling mastery....[A] smartly conceived, beautifully wrought campaign history, bound to entertain and inform."-- "Kirkus Reviews"
""A Magnificent Catastrophe" offers a thoughtful and extended commentary on the gains and losses inherent in partisanship's triumph." -- Jill Ogline, "The American Scholar"
"A splendid new book." -- George Will, "Washington Post"
"Edward Larson...captures the drama -- and complexity -- of this pivotal event in American history....He is scrupulously fair and balanced." -- Glenn C. Altschuler, "Philadelphia Inquirer"
"Larson... provides one of the finest insights ever written into the history of the founding -- and sometimes faltering -- first steps of our modern democratic republic." -- Thom Hartmann, BuzzFlash.com (Book of the Month Review)
"Larson...both deifies and debunks the founders in "A Magnificent Catastrophe,.".His dramatic tale offers fascinating modern parallels." -- Gil Troy, "New York Times Book Review"
"Smartly conceived, beautifully wrought campaign history, bound to entertain and inform."-- "Kirkus Reviews "(Starred review)
"The best book I've seen so far to prompt reflection on what we're doing as we prepare to elect a new president." -- John Wilson, "Books and Culture"
"Through Larson's story, the reader can see the two-party system forming itself." -- Bruce Ramsey, "Seattle Times"