Aaron Burr was one of the most astounding and perplexing men in American history. A man who had lost the Presidency of the United States to Thomas Jefferson by only one vote in the House of Representartives, and who had himslef been Vice President, he nevertheless became notorious overnight by killing Alexander Hamilton in their famous New Jersey duel. But he went further. Burr, ever restless, ventured into the Midwest and West engaging in "strange doings" that included secret meetings on Blennerhassett Island and efforts to raise a private militia. Was he really anxious to establish himself as Emperor of Mexico? What were the motives and the ambitions of this curious and powerful man?