Eagle's Cry: Library Edition

Nevin, David

ISBN 10: 0312855117 / ISBN 13: 9780312855116

Published by Forge (TOR), New York, New York, U.S.A., 2000

About this Item

Very slight shelf/edge wear.

Seller Inventory # 7601

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Eagle's Cry: Library Edition
• Publisher: Forge (TOR), New York, New York, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0312855117
• ISBN 13: 9780312855116
• Binding: A Hardbound Book
• Edition: First Edition First Printing.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine in Mylar Cover
• Seller catalogs:
  • HISTORICAL FICTION

About this title

Synopsis

With the death of George Washington, symbol of American unity and a man who abhorred factions, comes the two party system. And with it, comes inherent struggle that the young nation is ill prepared for. A dashing Aaron Burr has a grip on New York, and a coup detat is planned that could bring the two leaders down. Madison learns that Napolean Bonaparte has forced the Spanish to turn New Orleans over to him and thereby potentially take control of the Mississippi River Valley. A country as strong as France could stop the aspiring free trade market growing on the Mississippi River, including the business of widow Danny Mulberry, a New Orleans shipping tycoon and one of the most sought after woman in New Orleans. As the young nation's hands are forced economically and politically by France, there is a movement in the Northeast to turn towards England. This could bring them under the Imperial yoke they just shook off. Suddenly the nation is a global nation, as the greatest minds and visionaries of a young America struggle to hold it together.

Reviews

The second installment in Nevin's (1812) American Story series actually marks the chronological beginning of this epic history of the early years of American democracy. Covering the politically chaotic years from 1799 to 1803, Nevin spins a complex, plodding yarn of conspiracy and intrigue as the fledgling U.S. suffers internal strife and external pressure from the French, Spanish and British. Numerous parallel stories march along through the years as major historical figures maneuver, scheme and plot for personal advantage, the good of the nation or both. Thomas Jefferson barely wins the presidential race in 1800 and is criticized for being weak and too cozy with the French. Secretary of State James Madison must posture and bluff to deflect the Spanish and prevent the French from reasserting control over New Orleans and the Louisiana Territory. Vice-president Aaron Burr hates President Jefferson and all Democrats and plots with a treacherous army general to break with the Union and create a separate Federalist empire in New York and New England. Capt. Meriwether Lewis hungers for adventure and dreams of leading an expedition in search of the Northwest Passage. Other less weighty characters struggle with issues of slavery, diplomacy, women in business and affairs of the heart, but the meat of this story is the historical significance of Burr's treason and the Louisiana Purchase. While historically colorful and accurate, the narrative drags along, offering little suspense or excitement and succeeding better as a history lesson than a novel. However, the simmering controversy over Thomas Jefferson's descendants and two recent books on Aaron Burr (Thomas Fleming's The Duel and Arnold Rogow's A Fatal Friendship) may have created readership for another look at these controversial igures. (Oct.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Nevin, the author of the acclaimed novel 1812, provides an intriguing overview of the fractious early days of the American republic in his latest novel. As the newly minted nation struggles to forge a cohesive identity, Thomas Jefferson's radical vision of a modern democracy is threatened by both domestic and international strife. While the crafty Aaron Burr pursues his own private and public agendas, France poses a more tangible danger, necessitating delicate diplomatic negotiations and the controversial acquisition of the Louisiana territory. Brimming with personal and political tension, the gripping narrative vividly re-creates a seminal moment in the infancy of the U.S. An intelligent, well-crafted drama featuring a cast of authentically rendered historical characters. Margaret Flanagan
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