About the book
When James Ogilvie arrived in America in 1793, he was a deeply ambitious but impoverished teacher. By the time he returned to Britain in 1817, he had become a bona fide celebrity known simply as Mr. O, counting the nation’s leading politicians and intellectuals among his admirers. And then, like so many meteoric American luminaries afterward, he fell from grace.
The Strange Genius of Mr. O is at once the biography of a remarkable performer — a gaunt Scottish orator who appeared in a toga — and a story of the United States during the founding era. Ogilvie’s career featured many of the hallmarks of celebrity we recognize from later eras: glamorous friends, eccentric clothing, scandalous religious views, narcissism, and even an alarming drug habit. Yet he captivated audiences with his eloquence and inaugurated a golden age of American oratory. Examining his roller-coaster career and the Americans who admired (or hated) him, this fascinating book renders a vivid portrait of the United States in the midst of invention.
Editions of The Strange Genius of Mr. O
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469660516
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469660530
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890858955
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469660523
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890858948
Read an Excerpt
When James Ogilvie arrived in America in 1793, he was a deeply ambitious but impoverished teacher. By the time he returned to Britain in 1817, he had become a bona fide celebrity known simply as Mr. O, counting the nation’s leading politicians and intellectuals among his admirers. And then, like so many meteoric American luminaries afterward, he fell from grace.
The Strange Genius of Mr. O is at once the biography of a remarkable performer — a gaunt Scottish orator who appeared in a toga — and a story of the United States during the founding era. Ogilvie’s career featured many of the hallmarks of celebrity we recognize from later eras: glamorous friends, eccentric clothing, scandalous religious views, narcissism, and even an alarming drug habit. Yet he captivated audiences with his eloquence and inaugurated a golden age of American oratory. Examining his roller-coaster career and the Americans who admired (or hated) him, this fascinating book renders a vivid portrait of the United States in the midst of invention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Strange Genius of Mr. O about?
When James Ogilvie arrived in America in 1793, he was a deeply ambitious but impoverished teacher. By the time he returned to Britain in 1817, he had become a bona fide celebrity known simply as Mr. O, counting the nation’s leading politicians and intellectuals among his admirers. And then, like so many meteoric American luminaries afterward, he fell from grace.
The Strange Genius of Mr. O is at once the biography of a remarkable performer — a gaunt Scottish orator who appeared in a toga — and a story of the United States during the founding era. Ogilvie’s career featured many of the hallmarks of celebrity we recognize from later eras: glamorous friends, eccentric clothing, scandalous religious views, narcissism, and even an alarming drug habit. Yet he captivated audiences with his eloquence and inaugurated a golden age of American oratory. Examining his roller-coaster career and the Americans who admired (or hated) him, this fascinating book renders a vivid portrait of the United States in the midst of invention.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Strange Genius of Mr. O?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of The Strange Genius of Mr. O?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469660516
How long is The Strange Genius of Mr. O and how many pages does it have?
The Strange Genius of Mr. O has 360 page(s)
Is The Strange Genius of Mr. O part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Strange Genius of Mr. O?
Carolyn Eastman
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Strange Genius of Mr. O is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469660516) and ebook(ISBN 9781469660530) and ebook(ISBN 9798890858955) and ebook(ISBN 9781469660523) and pdf(ISBN 9798890858948)
Where can I buy The Strange Genius of Mr. O online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Strange Genius of Mr. O?