A review by snowbenton
Scandalmonger by William Safire

5.0

A fascinating, shocking, delightful mostly-true tale of the years of the Adams and Jefferson presidencies. It follows the adulterous scandal that barred Hamilton from the presidency, the numerous sexual scandals that nearly cost Jefferson his re-election, the tensions with France and England, and how a saucy and fearless journalist named Callender brought it all about. Everyone who ever thought American history was boring should read this book, and everyone who ever thought American history was interesting should read it twice. The end notes are detailed and tell you a lot about what really happened and it’s fascinating that so much of the dialogue was taken from letters—it really gives you a feel for what the country was like at the time (and how little people have really changed).

Cannot recommend enough.