Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic

Joanne B. Freeman

What was it really like to be a political leader in the early American republic, where reputation and honor could lead to a duel?

At a glance

You will notice how a dispute over policy was often also a dispute over personal standing and pride
You will see why even brave men accepted duels out of fear of public opinion rather than courage
You will recognize how early politicians fought with gossip, strategic leaks and pamphlets to destroy a rival's reputation