The remarkable true story of a turn-of-the-19th century murder and the trial that ensued—a showdown in which iconic political rivals Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr joined forces to make sure justice was served—from bestselling author of the Edgar finalist; Murder of the Century.In the closing days of 1799; the United States was still a young republic. Waging a fierce battle for its uncertain future were two political parties: the well-moneyed Federalists; led by Alexander Hamilton; and the populist Republicans; led by Aaron Burr. The two finest lawyers in New York; Burr and Hamilton were bitter rivals both in and out of the courtroom; and as the next election approached; their animosity reached a crescendo.But everything changed when a young Quaker woman; Elma Sands; was found dead in Burr's newly constructed Manhattan Well. The horrific crime quickly gripped the nation; and before long accusations settled on one of Elma’s suitors: a handsome young carpenter named Levi Weeks. As the enraged city demanded a noose be draped around his neck; Week's only hope was to hire a legal dream team. And thus it was that New York’s most bitter political rivals and greatest attorneys did the unthinkable—they teamed up.Our nation’s longest running cold case; Duel with the Devil delivers the first substantial break in the case in over 200 years. At once an absorbing legal thriller and an expertly crafted portrait of the United States in the time of the Founding Fathers; Duel with the Devil is a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction.
#843102 in Books 2011-01-11 2011-01-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .79 x 5.21l; .83 #File Name: 0307741966400 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Lincoln as war strategistBy Bradley NelsonThis book; published in 1952; is the standard on analysis of Abraham Lincoln as war strategist and commander-in-chief. Williams offers vivid narrative and sound analysis as he takes the reader through the course of the war. This is highly readable; yet still retains its academic credentials. James McPherson wrote a similar book; Tried by War; but I'm not sure that he has really replaced this book as the standard. It is a short and easy read; but it might be recommended that readers are already familiar with the course of the war because Williams skims over battle details that are not relevant to his thesis. The three days of Gettysburg; for example; are covered in about two sentences. Little is said of Confederate generals or actions except again where it is highly relevant.Williams is highly critical of McClellan; as might be expected; but he is also fair with McClellan; giving him credit for his various strengths. He is critical of Fremont; Rosecrans; Butler; Hooker; Banks; Meade; and somewhat of Burnside. He praises Grant; Sherman; Sheridan; and Thomas. But above all; he praises Lincoln as the greatest military mind of the Union. While he is fair and points out when Lincoln was mistaken; he clearly demonstrates that he had more of a strategic mind than any of his generals; including Grant. Based on reading Williams's book; it seems the only general Lincoln never had cause to be disappointed in was Sherman.This is a great read; again if you are already familiar with the basic course of the war. Strongly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A welcome addition to my Civil War library.By Marty RAs an avid Civil War history reader I will give most anything at least one read. I had heard of Mr. Williams but never read anything by him prior to this and this was absolutely an excellent read. Mr. Williams weaves facts; humor and details is into a very enjoyable book. To be sure a great deal of the material is devoted to McClellan's Lincoln's complicated and contentious relationship but there is plenty of text devoted to other Generals too. Even tho I knew/know a lot of the details this book still offered new insights and IMO a delightful read.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Good book; especially with the film on Lincoln coming out.By Jane C. WebbThis was an interesting book and gives a surprising picture of Lincoln's struggle to find Generals who were adequate for the military task presented by the Civil War. I am the daughter and granddaughter of Army Generals; but one was a doctor and the other an engineer; so my own notions of wartime leadership are based on their observations; not their actions. Still; it was a surprise to find so many General officers drawn from the fighting arm who were inadequate. One completes the book with a healthy respect for Lincoln; whose abilities were amazing; particularly given his background.The book focuses on command and control; and in 1952 when it was first published; the world of war was not yet as sharply defined for us as it is today. Consequently; at times one is frustrated by the treatment; particularly by the conclusion; which leaves the reader hanging.Lincoln and His Generals
