Stewart's Literary Works: From Constitutional History to Historical Fiction
Blending a professional background in law with a passion for storytelling, Stewart has authored a diverse collection of works that span the spectrum of American history. His writing is characterized by a deep dive into the legal frameworks and pivotal personalities that shaped the United States, transitioning from rigorous nonfiction analysis to immersive historical novels.
Key Facts
- Legal Influence: His nonfiction works are heavily informed by his experience as a constitutional lawyer.
- Nonfiction Focus: Specializes in the U.S. Constitution, presidential impeachments, and Founding Fathers.
- Fiction Series: Author of the "Deception" series and the ongoing "Overstreet Saga" trilogy.
- Diverse Eras: His writing covers periods from the mid-18th century through the early 20th century.
Nonfiction: Analyzing the American Legal Foundation
Stewart's nonfiction bibliography is rooted in his expertise in constitutional law. His first book, The Summer of 1787, examines the creation of the United States Constitution, drawing directly from his professional legal experience.
His interest in the mechanisms of government accountability led to the publication of Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy (2009). This work was inspired by Stewart's own experience defending a Senate impeachment trial, which provided the necessary insight to analyze the first presidential impeachment in U.S. history.
Continuing his exploration of high-stakes legal battles, Stewart wrote American Emperor: Aaron Burr's Challenge to Jefferson's America (2011). This book details the treason trial of former Vice President Aaron Burr, who was accused of planning a private invasion of Spanish lands in North America and encouraging the secession of Western territories.
In more recent years, Stewart has focused on the collaborative efforts of the nation's founders. Madison's Gift: Five Partnerships that Built America was released by Simon & Schuster in February 2015. He further expanded his biographical work in 2021 with the publication of George Washington: The Political Rise of America's Founding Father.
Historical Fiction: The Deceptions and Sagas
In addition to his factual accounts, Stewart has ventured into historical fiction, often weaving mysteries into real-world historical settings. In September 2013, he released his first novel, The Lincoln Deception, which investigates the secrets surrounding the John Wilkes Booth conspiracy.
This approach continued with The Wilson Deception (2015), set during the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, and The Babe Ruth Deception (2016), which focuses on Babe Ruth's initial two years with the New York Yankees from 1920 to 1921.
Stewart has since embarked on a more expansive narrative project called The Overstreet Saga. This planned trilogy follows a family of German immigrants arriving on the Maine coast in 1753. The first installment, The New Land, was released in November 2021, followed by the second book, The Burning Land, in April 2023.
| Title | Year | Genre | Primary Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Summer of 1787 | N/A | Nonfiction | U.S. Constitution |
| Impeached | 2009 | Nonfiction | Andrew Johnson Trial |
| American Emperor | 2011 | Nonfiction | Aaron Burr Treason Trial |
| The Lincoln Deception | 2013 | Fiction | John Wilkes Booth Conspiracy |
| Madison's Gift | 2015 | Nonfiction | Founding Partnerships |
| The Wilson Deception | 2015 | Fiction | 1919 Paris Peace Conference |
| The Babe Ruth Deception | 2016 | Fiction | Babe Ruth (1920-21) |
| The New Land | 2021 | Fiction | German Immigrants in Maine |
| George Washington | 2021 | Nonfiction | Political Rise of Washington |
| The Burning Land | 2023 | Fiction | The Overstreet Saga |
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Stewart to write about presidential impeachment?
Stewart's experience defending a Senate impeachment trial served as the primary motivation for writing Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy.
What is the subject of American Emperor?
The book explores the treason trial of former Vice President Aaron Burr, specifically his plans for a private invasion of Spanish lands and the potential secession of America's Western territories.
What are the books in the "Deception" series?
The series includes The Lincoln Deception, The Wilson Deception, and The Babe Ruth Deception.
What is The Overstreet Saga?
It is a planned trilogy following a family of German immigrants who settled on the Maine coast in 1753. The first two books are The New Land and The Burning Land.
How did Stewart's legal career influence his writing?
As a constitutional lawyer, Stewart used his professional expertise to inform his analysis of the U.S. Constitution in The Summer of 1787 and other historical legal battles.