Eagle's Cry: A Novel of the Louisiana Purchase

by David Nevin Narrated by Geoffrey Howard

Overview

French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, whose thirst for power cannot be quenched, has gained control of New Orleans, a move that gives him potential mastery of the Mississippi River Valley. A country as strong as France could stop America's free-trade market from growing along the great waterway. American businesses have begun to thrive on the Mississippi, including that of the widow of Danny Mobry, a shipping tycoon and one of the most sought-after women in New Orleans and Washington.

As France forces the young nation's hand economically and politically, there is a movement in the Northeast to turn toward England. Such a move could bring those states back under the colonial yoke they just shook off. Suddenly the United States is a global nation, as the greatest minds and visionaries of a young America struggle to hold it all together.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

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 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

The stirring story of a young America's battle to remain a democracy. Thomas Jefferson called it"The Second Revolution," and once again a lot of smart money was betting against it. Powerful figures—John Adams and Alexander Hamilton among them—were much unsettled by the idea of a people's government. They looked across the ocean, noted those aristocratic heads rolling in France, and took it all to heart as a cautionary tale. The year is 1799. There's been an election, close and bitterly fought, lost by the Federalists to the Democrats, the party of Jefferson and James Madison. But disaffected Federalists believe that there's a chance to steal it back, if only they can pull off a coup in the Electoral College. To do that, they need the connivance of Aaron Burr, second to Jefferson on the Democratic ticket. In short, they need a betrayal. Burr, handsome, clever, and a politician of consummate skill, is not a man to stand on principle when principle stands in the way of ambition. But the plot fails. Nettled, some Federalists talk of secession—of New York and New England going it alone and forming a new monarchy. Nothing wrong with the old one, they insist, except that George III sat on the throne. Meanwhile, France, now under Napoleon, is saber-rattling: the baby American country could be the breadbasket for the French emperor's on-again/off-again war against the hated British. As President Jefferson and Secretary of State Madison, beleaguered but brilliant, beat back inimical forces, Nevin (Dream West, 1984; 1812, 1996) gives human faces to historical icons: to Jefferson and Madison, yes, but also Merriwether Lewis; Andrew Jackson andhisbeloved Rachel, and, most notably, to Madison's charming, courageous, incomparable Dolley. A shade longer than need be, a bit too heavy on the intricacies of diplomatic to and fro, but again and again that seminal old struggle comes alive with all its drama, bite, and relevance. First printing of 150,000

From the Publisher

Again and again, that seminal old struggle comes alive with all its drama, bite, and relevance.” —Kirkus Starred Reviews

“Once again, David Nevin shows his formidable grasp of history. Great events and personages come to life vividly. His fans will not be disappointed.” —John Jakes, New York Times bestselling author of On Secret Service

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169810769
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	06/26/2005
Series:	The American Story , #3
Edition description:	Unabridged

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