Flowers, Guns, and Money

More about the book

The book explores the multifaceted career of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who played various roles in early 19th-century America, including Secretary of War, ambassador to Mexico, and Congressman. It highlights his self-interested actions and contributions, such as introducing the poinsettia to the U.S. from Mexico. Through Poinsett's life, the narrative critiques the era's themes of selfishness, greed, and the exploitation of federal power, painting a complex picture of an influential yet morally ambiguous figure in American history.