On todays episode of Modern Notion Daily, our guest is Sasha Abramsky, author of The House of Twenty Thousand Books (New York Review Books, September 2015). Abramsky recalls his grandparents London home, filled with a vast rare book collection—but more importantly, he remembers the ideas discussed among those treasured volumes. Later in the hour, reporter Jessie Wright-Mendoza tells the story of Harman Blennerhassett, who helped Aaron Burr in his attempt to create a treasonous state.

Music this hour:

Lord Gordons by Andy McGann

“Soldiertype (militarised)” by Ketsa, from the album What’s Without’s Within

“Miri’s Magic Dance” by Kevin MacLeod, from the album Oddities

“Forgiven Not Forgotten” by Jahzzar, from the album Kuddelmuddel

“The Presidents March” by The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, from the album Celebrating 50 Years

Sound effects:

Courthouse Lobby Ambience by Tomlija