Status
Available
Call number
Publication
New York : Penguin Books, 2005, c2004.
Description
Biography & Autobiography. History. Politics. Nonfiction. HTML: The #1 New York Times bestseller, and the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton! Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation. "Grand-scale biography at its best�??thorough, insightful, consistently fair, and superbly written . . . A genuinely great book." �??David McCullough �??A robust full-length portrait, in my view the best ever written, of the most brilliant, charismatic and dangerous founder of them all." �??Joseph Ellis Few figures in American history have been more hotly debated or more grossly misunderstood than Alexander Hamilton. Chernow�??s biography gives Hamilton his due and sets the record straight, deftly illustrating that the political and economic greatness of today�??s America is the result of Hamilton�??s countless sacrifices to champion ideas that were often wildly disputed during his time. �??To repudiate his legacy,�?� Chernow writes, �??is, in many ways, to repudiate the modern world.�?� Chernow here recounts Hamilton�??s turbulent life: an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean, he came out of nowhere to take America by storm, rising to become George Washington�??s aide-de-camp in the Continental Army, coauthoring The Federalist Papers, founding the Bank of New York, leading the Federalist Party, and becoming the first Treasury Secretary of the United States.Historians have long told the story of America�??s birth as the triumph of Jefferson�??s democratic ideals over the aristocratic intentions of Hamilton. Chernow presents an entirely different man, whose legendary ambitions were motivated not merely by self-interest but by passionate patriotism and a stubborn will to build the foundations of American prosperity and power. His is a Hamilton far more human than we�??ve encountered before�??from his shame about his birth to his fiery aspirations, from his intimate relationships with childhood friends to his titanic feuds with Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Monroe, and Burr, and from his highly public affair with Maria Reynolds to his loving marriage to his loyal wife Eliza. And never before has there been a more vivid account of Hamilton�??s famous and mysterious death in a duel with Aaron Burr in July of 1804. Chernow�??s biography is not just a portrait of Hamilton, but the story of America�??s birth seen through its most central figure. At a critical time to look back to our roots, Alexander Hamilton will remind readers of the purpose of our institutions a… (more)
Media reviews
Library Journal
In this favorable, hefty biography of Alexander Hamilton, Chernow (The Warburgs; The House of Morgan) makes the case for him as one of the most important Founding Fathers, arguing that America is heir to the Hamiltonian vision of the modern economic state. His sweeping narrative chronicles the
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complicated and often contradictory life of Hamilton, from his obscure birth on Nevis Island to his meteoric rise as confidant to Washington, coauthor of The Federalist Papers, and America's first Treasury secretary, to his bizarre death at the hands of Aaron Burr. A running theme is the contradictions exhibited during his life: a member of the Constitutional Convention, Hamilton nevertheless felt that the Constitution was seriously flawed and was fearful of rule by the people. A devoted father and husband, he had two known affairs. Lastly, he was philosophically and morally opposed to dueling, and yet that's how he met his end. Although quite sympathetic to Hamilton, Chernow attempts to present both sides of his many controversies, including Hamilton's momentous philosophical battles with Jefferson. Chernow relies heavily on primary sources and previously unused volumes of Hamilton's writings. A first-rate life and excellent addition to the ongoing debate about Hamilton's importance in the shaping of America. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member labwriter
I believe a 2-star rating deserves an explanation, so consider this that rather than a review.
First off, for the love of God, Chernow, your book is too long. Lots of biographies are 700+ pages, you may say. True, but before you judge the length by the number of pages, look at the number of words
My second objection to Chernow's book is his unrelenting bias towards Hamilton and against EVERYONE else. OK, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not much. I understand that his agenda was to rehabilitate Hamilton's reputation, but his constant pro/con bias (as in his never-ending Jefferson bashing) became predictable and tedious.
Third, I agree with the terse reviewer below: "Dull." I found a few exceptions to that, particularly Chernow's description of the duel between Hamilton and Burr (thank goodness, because that's largely why I stayed with the book--I wanted to see how it came out. OK, that's a joke.). Otherwise, I found the book to be strangely devoid of the background of time and place that brings a subject to life. Again, for an excellent example of that, see David McCullough's John Adams. You would never catch ANYONE trying to make a mini-series out of the Chernow book.
Thus the two-star rating, and quoting from my own rating scheme, that seems about right: "Two-star I had hopes for this book. There was something about it that kept me reading--if fiction, maybe a good character--and I thought it would get better. Two stars says that it didn't. This may also indicate the kind of reading that is uphill or "plodding"--the kind that's real work for the reader. I usually have a specific reason for continuing a two-star book, especially nonfiction. A two-star rating might also indicate a book that really disappointed me in some way--one that for some reasons I had high or good expectations for and it didn't live up to those."
First off, for the love of God, Chernow, your book is too long. Lots of biographies are 700+ pages, you may say. True, but before you judge the length by the number of pages, look at the number of words
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packed on each page due to the miniscule font. Contrast, for example, the eye-friendly handsome font of the David McCullough book about John Adams. The Hamilton book probably has three times as many words to the page. My second objection to Chernow's book is his unrelenting bias towards Hamilton and against EVERYONE else. OK, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not much. I understand that his agenda was to rehabilitate Hamilton's reputation, but his constant pro/con bias (as in his never-ending Jefferson bashing) became predictable and tedious.
Third, I agree with the terse reviewer below: "Dull." I found a few exceptions to that, particularly Chernow's description of the duel between Hamilton and Burr (thank goodness, because that's largely why I stayed with the book--I wanted to see how it came out. OK, that's a joke.). Otherwise, I found the book to be strangely devoid of the background of time and place that brings a subject to life. Again, for an excellent example of that, see David McCullough's John Adams. You would never catch ANYONE trying to make a mini-series out of the Chernow book.
Thus the two-star rating, and quoting from my own rating scheme, that seems about right: "Two-star I had hopes for this book. There was something about it that kept me reading--if fiction, maybe a good character--and I thought it would get better. Two stars says that it didn't. This may also indicate the kind of reading that is uphill or "plodding"--the kind that's real work for the reader. I usually have a specific reason for continuing a two-star book, especially nonfiction. A two-star rating might also indicate a book that really disappointed me in some way--one that for some reasons I had high or good expectations for and it didn't live up to those."
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LibraryThing member santhony
This is an extremely interesting and educational biography of one of the most fascinating Founding Fathers. I'd venture to say that even those who consider themselves relatively knowledgeable on the subject of American history have only a cursory understanding of the importance of Alexander
If quizzed, the extent of most people's knowledge concerning Hamilton would be that he was Treasury Secretary under Washington, authored the Federalist Papers and was shot in a duel by Aaron Burr, then Vice President under Thomas Jefferson. While accurate, this is only a tiny part of Hamilton's contributions.
While Thomas Jefferson is regarded as the author of the Declaration of Independence and James Madison is recognized as primary author of the Constitution, Hamilton actually established the institutions and framework for what actually became our government. While many of the Founding Fathers were philosophers, writers and thinkers, Hamilton was, in addition to all those things, a doer. He built from scratch what became the financial system that to this day funds the U. S. government.
Even Hamilton's most vocal detractors would have to concede that he was an extraordinary man and an extremely intelligent and capable administrator. However, reading this biography, I cannot help but feel that Chernow has crossed the line, falling into the very common trap of hero worship to the detriment of objectivity.
Throughout his life, Hamilton engaged in some of the most personal and vicious feuds in American political history. Chief among these with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. To read this biography, one would be left with the impression that these men were venal, dishonest, lying, cheating opportunists while Hamilton, on the contrary was largely the opposite. Even in those cases where Hamilton made major errors in judgment, the author tries to downplay the character flaws indicated by these instances. The extent to which the author assassinates the character of such men as Jefferson, Madison and John Adams really detracts from what is otherwise a very fine synopsis of the life and accomplishments of Hamilton. The other Founding Fathers do not have to be painted in such a negative light to fully appreciate the contributions of Hamilton; contributions which have not been fully advertised or appreciated by the general public.
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Hamilton. If quizzed, the extent of most people's knowledge concerning Hamilton would be that he was Treasury Secretary under Washington, authored the Federalist Papers and was shot in a duel by Aaron Burr, then Vice President under Thomas Jefferson. While accurate, this is only a tiny part of Hamilton's contributions.
While Thomas Jefferson is regarded as the author of the Declaration of Independence and James Madison is recognized as primary author of the Constitution, Hamilton actually established the institutions and framework for what actually became our government. While many of the Founding Fathers were philosophers, writers and thinkers, Hamilton was, in addition to all those things, a doer. He built from scratch what became the financial system that to this day funds the U. S. government.
Even Hamilton's most vocal detractors would have to concede that he was an extraordinary man and an extremely intelligent and capable administrator. However, reading this biography, I cannot help but feel that Chernow has crossed the line, falling into the very common trap of hero worship to the detriment of objectivity.
Throughout his life, Hamilton engaged in some of the most personal and vicious feuds in American political history. Chief among these with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. To read this biography, one would be left with the impression that these men were venal, dishonest, lying, cheating opportunists while Hamilton, on the contrary was largely the opposite. Even in those cases where Hamilton made major errors in judgment, the author tries to downplay the character flaws indicated by these instances. The extent to which the author assassinates the character of such men as Jefferson, Madison and John Adams really detracts from what is otherwise a very fine synopsis of the life and accomplishments of Hamilton. The other Founding Fathers do not have to be painted in such a negative light to fully appreciate the contributions of Hamilton; contributions which have not been fully advertised or appreciated by the general public.
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LibraryThing member mugwump2
180 people have already said this book rocks...: I am #181. This biography blew me away. Athough the duel and outcome were not a surprise to say the least (I live in Weehawken, for one), I found myself crying my eyes out for Hamilton in the end. Add a half a star to the 5 if you've been a New
My only problem was not with Chernow -- it was that the print was small and the huge paperback unwieldly. As I read this while pregnant, I found reading this particular book physically challenging and would take breaks with other books. But as the book was amazing and I vowed I'd finish it before I launched, I reached the finish line in month 9.
Hurrah for Hamilton and Chernow!
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Yorker -- because your enjoyment will be that much greater. My only problem was not with Chernow -- it was that the print was small and the huge paperback unwieldly. As I read this while pregnant, I found reading this particular book physically challenging and would take breaks with other books. But as the book was amazing and I vowed I'd finish it before I launched, I reached the finish line in month 9.
Hurrah for Hamilton and Chernow!
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LibraryThing member nmele
Chernow is a Hamilton partisan, but amply justifies his regard for this much maligned founding father. I did not think I would enjoy this tome but it is fast-paced and fascinating. I knew Hamilton had written some of the Federalist Papers, but didn't know he had written the majority of them; I knew
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he created the Treasury, but not that he founded the Coast Guard, led the United States' first standing army and created its navy; he was a successful attorney and banker, to boot. Show Less
LibraryThing member SeriousGrace
Ron Chernow is the master architect when building biographies. His reconstruction of Alexander Hamilton's life is as detailed as it is complete. Chernow had plenty to work with as Hamilton's early years were as rich with intrigue as his later political years. But, Chernow doesn't stop there.
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Besides given a thorough snapshot of the political and historical times, he dips into the biographies of the influential people around Hamilton as well: John Adams, George Clinton, Elizabeth Schuyler, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and of course, Aaron Burr, to name a few. As an aside, I was surprised to learn that Hamilton enjoyed settling disputes with duels. He was quick to suggest them, enough so that his encounter with Burr was not the first, but definitely his last. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBD1
My favorite Hamilton bio. Well-written, well-researched, extensive but very readable.
LibraryThing member DonSiano
This is a definitive biography of Alexander Hamilton, who was one of the founders of our great nation, and a most fascinating man he was. His accomplishments were great, and the story of his life cannot help but be instructive to devotees of "The Daily Show" which captures the caliber of our
It would be a terrific class assignment for an undergraduate to "compare and contrast" Hamilton's writings with those of a Bush or a Kerry, a Kennedy or a Clinton. It would make them tremble for our political system, that currently throws up such clowns and showmen into the public space instead of statesmen and accomplished men such as Hamilton, Washington and Jefferson. Hamilton never had a speechwriter---indeed he wrote much of Washington's famed farewell address. Hamilton never had a ghostwriter--he wrote most of the Federalist Papers himself in a mere seven months. His output was prodigious, and his role in getting the Constitution ratified unmatched by any man. He never went to Yale. His dad never amounted to much. His physical courage was displayed for all to see in the battles he fought during the revolution, and in his final confrontation with Burr. Not for him a hide-out in the National Guard, nor did he fight in an unjust war. A man of honor, clearly a doer and a thinker, a principled man, a genius.
Chernow's tome tells the story with eloquence and scholarship, in a lively way that rarely bogs down in tedious detail. Not without some shortcomings, though. His research into Hamilton's childhood and his forebears was, I thought, a bit too detailed. The endless recounting of the scurrilous attacks on Hamilton's background and character by relative non-entities are over-emphasized, but in a world that mostly associates in its mind Jefferson with Sally Hemmings, this is only to be expected, I suppose. Likewise for Hamilton's encounter with a pair of blackmailers. I'd rather that Chernow had spent as much effort on the ideas contained in the Federalist Papers, which I felt were, as Hamilton's crowning achievement, somewhat slighted.
In spite of all this, this book is really a wonder, and will reward any sentient American, even those who mostly get their political instruction from such comedians that inhabit our political space as John Stewart, Jay Lenno, and Dan Rather.
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current crop of politicos so well. It would be a terrific class assignment for an undergraduate to "compare and contrast" Hamilton's writings with those of a Bush or a Kerry, a Kennedy or a Clinton. It would make them tremble for our political system, that currently throws up such clowns and showmen into the public space instead of statesmen and accomplished men such as Hamilton, Washington and Jefferson. Hamilton never had a speechwriter---indeed he wrote much of Washington's famed farewell address. Hamilton never had a ghostwriter--he wrote most of the Federalist Papers himself in a mere seven months. His output was prodigious, and his role in getting the Constitution ratified unmatched by any man. He never went to Yale. His dad never amounted to much. His physical courage was displayed for all to see in the battles he fought during the revolution, and in his final confrontation with Burr. Not for him a hide-out in the National Guard, nor did he fight in an unjust war. A man of honor, clearly a doer and a thinker, a principled man, a genius.
Chernow's tome tells the story with eloquence and scholarship, in a lively way that rarely bogs down in tedious detail. Not without some shortcomings, though. His research into Hamilton's childhood and his forebears was, I thought, a bit too detailed. The endless recounting of the scurrilous attacks on Hamilton's background and character by relative non-entities are over-emphasized, but in a world that mostly associates in its mind Jefferson with Sally Hemmings, this is only to be expected, I suppose. Likewise for Hamilton's encounter with a pair of blackmailers. I'd rather that Chernow had spent as much effort on the ideas contained in the Federalist Papers, which I felt were, as Hamilton's crowning achievement, somewhat slighted.
In spite of all this, this book is really a wonder, and will reward any sentient American, even those who mostly get their political instruction from such comedians that inhabit our political space as John Stewart, Jay Lenno, and Dan Rather.
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
This is going to be a rambling review because I learned so much and had an absolute blast listening to this behemoth that I cannot put my thoughts into anything resembling cohesiveness.
I know you won't be surprised when I say this but history books are wrong, y'all. The founding fathers were not
For one thing, Thomas Jefferson was an asshat who ignored the truth for his entire life because to tell lies made him appear nobler than Hamilton. I mean, Hamilton sat through two different congressional reviews of his policies and actions while Secretary of the Treasury and was proved innocent of any wrongdoing both times, but Jefferson STILL told his followers that Hamilton misappropriated funds and continued to do so for the rest of his life! And that was only one example. Mr. Chernow includes so many other examples of Jefferson ignoring the truth to better his image for his followers.
One of the most egregious examples of this is the fact that Thomas Jefferson passed himself off as an everyman and accused Hamilton of being an elitist when Jefferson is the one with slaves and money and only hobnobbed with the crème de la crème of society while Hamilton frequently had money issues and was self-made. In fact, this is the image passed down to us by history because winners write the history books, and Jefferson had an additional twenty plus years to distort the truth about Hamilton after his death.
Plus, I have a sneaking suspicion that Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and their Republican party, led to the Civil War. Mr. Chernow doesn't tell us so in so many words, but there are a lot of steps Jefferson and Madison take that have a direct effect on the North versus the South fissure. It makes you rethink everything you learned about the founding of the country and the causes of the Civil War.
Other things I learned - Mr. Chernow loves Alexander Hamilton. There is no removal of bias in this biography. To be fair, he does present Hamilton with all his flaws, like freaking admitting to an affair in the newspaper. But there is no doubt he adores Hamilton with his use of words like remarkable, talented, extraordinary, genius, gifted, brilliant, and any other positive adjective one can use to describe a person. I say this with the belief that I do not feel Mr. Chernow vilified any one person in Hamilton's favor. He corroborates his more defamatory descriptions of certain individuals with letters from peers or personal writings to show how others thought the same. He is so careful to prove his point that it serves to drive home the point that pretty much anything you learned about Hamilton in school was incorrect.
In addition, if you think Lin-Manual Miranda told the entire story and that reading or listening to Alexander Hamilton is redundant, you are wrong. Mr. Miranda, among other things, played with the timeline of certain events. He ignored Angelica's husband. He barely touched the feud with John Adams, who was a whiny little cretin. He misled his audience into Aaron Burr's reasons for challenging Hamilton to the duel. He downplayed Hamilton's and Washington's relationship over the years. Plus, there were plenty of other scandals and details that Mr. Miranda could not include in his musical, if only because it would have made it ten hours long. Still, it was a lot of fun to come across a line in the book that ended up becoming a song in the musical, as much fun as it was to find out where Mr. Miranda played with history to tell his version of the story.
I cannot remember when I last enjoyed such a lengthy audiobook. At thirty-six hours, it is a commitment, and some of the details of Hamilton's life requires careful attention to details. Still, I enjoyed every minute of this experience, including the huge swath of fiscal policy Hamilton created. Scott Brick is a fantastic narrator in his own right, and you can tell he had a lot of fun narrating this one. In fact, I think Mr. Brick has a man-crush on Hamilton himself. It makes the whole thing even more fun to hear an unabashed admirer of Hamilton narrate his story.
The musical made me a fan, but Alexander Hamilton made me a true believer in the man's genius as well as the unfair treatment he received at the hands of his foes during his life and after it. Mr. Chernow spares no detail in examining the life of this remarkable man. I only wish he had written it after the orange president took office because I would love to hear some of his comparisons between past and present now.
I know you won't be surprised when I say this but history books are wrong, y'all. The founding fathers were not
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this noble group of leaders. Based on Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton, they were among some of the most egotistical, power-hungry people that I have ever read about. In fact, you have to wonder if a certain orange president models his own behavior after them because they were THAT. BAD.For one thing, Thomas Jefferson was an asshat who ignored the truth for his entire life because to tell lies made him appear nobler than Hamilton. I mean, Hamilton sat through two different congressional reviews of his policies and actions while Secretary of the Treasury and was proved innocent of any wrongdoing both times, but Jefferson STILL told his followers that Hamilton misappropriated funds and continued to do so for the rest of his life! And that was only one example. Mr. Chernow includes so many other examples of Jefferson ignoring the truth to better his image for his followers.
One of the most egregious examples of this is the fact that Thomas Jefferson passed himself off as an everyman and accused Hamilton of being an elitist when Jefferson is the one with slaves and money and only hobnobbed with the crème de la crème of society while Hamilton frequently had money issues and was self-made. In fact, this is the image passed down to us by history because winners write the history books, and Jefferson had an additional twenty plus years to distort the truth about Hamilton after his death.
Plus, I have a sneaking suspicion that Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, and their Republican party, led to the Civil War. Mr. Chernow doesn't tell us so in so many words, but there are a lot of steps Jefferson and Madison take that have a direct effect on the North versus the South fissure. It makes you rethink everything you learned about the founding of the country and the causes of the Civil War.
Other things I learned - Mr. Chernow loves Alexander Hamilton. There is no removal of bias in this biography. To be fair, he does present Hamilton with all his flaws, like freaking admitting to an affair in the newspaper. But there is no doubt he adores Hamilton with his use of words like remarkable, talented, extraordinary, genius, gifted, brilliant, and any other positive adjective one can use to describe a person. I say this with the belief that I do not feel Mr. Chernow vilified any one person in Hamilton's favor. He corroborates his more defamatory descriptions of certain individuals with letters from peers or personal writings to show how others thought the same. He is so careful to prove his point that it serves to drive home the point that pretty much anything you learned about Hamilton in school was incorrect.
In addition, if you think Lin-Manual Miranda told the entire story and that reading or listening to Alexander Hamilton is redundant, you are wrong. Mr. Miranda, among other things, played with the timeline of certain events. He ignored Angelica's husband. He barely touched the feud with John Adams, who was a whiny little cretin. He misled his audience into Aaron Burr's reasons for challenging Hamilton to the duel. He downplayed Hamilton's and Washington's relationship over the years. Plus, there were plenty of other scandals and details that Mr. Miranda could not include in his musical, if only because it would have made it ten hours long. Still, it was a lot of fun to come across a line in the book that ended up becoming a song in the musical, as much fun as it was to find out where Mr. Miranda played with history to tell his version of the story.
I cannot remember when I last enjoyed such a lengthy audiobook. At thirty-six hours, it is a commitment, and some of the details of Hamilton's life requires careful attention to details. Still, I enjoyed every minute of this experience, including the huge swath of fiscal policy Hamilton created. Scott Brick is a fantastic narrator in his own right, and you can tell he had a lot of fun narrating this one. In fact, I think Mr. Brick has a man-crush on Hamilton himself. It makes the whole thing even more fun to hear an unabashed admirer of Hamilton narrate his story.
The musical made me a fan, but Alexander Hamilton made me a true believer in the man's genius as well as the unfair treatment he received at the hands of his foes during his life and after it. Mr. Chernow spares no detail in examining the life of this remarkable man. I only wish he had written it after the orange president took office because I would love to hear some of his comparisons between past and present now.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Read it for the obvious reason; enjoyed it as a companion to the musical and as a corrective to the necessary compression of events in the musical. The main thing I noticed: American politics has a long history of totally asinine disputes; sometimes I thought very little had changed. Also, as
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I’ve noted before, American political pundits are terrible. I particularly loved the one who declared, before Washington’s second term ended, that John Adams was finished in politics. Show Less
LibraryThing member rabidgummibear
I'm very much experiencing various emotions upon finishing this book. It's an incredible life and incredible thing to learn about in such detail.
Highly recommend the audio version.
Highly recommend the audio version.
LibraryThing member GoofyOcean110
Very very detailed. Listening to Scot Brick read this is good, but I find for some reason I can only take in limited doses and I've put it down a few times.
LibraryThing member BruceAir
Like a lot of U.S. citizens, I'm still catching up on my American History. Chernow's book may approach hagiography, but it still does much to move the story of the American Revolution and the early days of the republic beyond the myths perpetuated about the Founding Fathers by high-school
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textbooks—and political operatives. Show Less
LibraryThing member nbmars
Alexander Hamilton's wife Eliza lived fifty years after her husband was killed in a duel by Aaron Burr, and would frequently say thereafter that she longed for a reunion with "her Hamilton." After some 730 pages of being enmeshed in Hamilton's life, I found myself feeling a bit of the same way.
Hamilton had a remarkable intellect, was a prolific writer, and contributed hugely to the poltical and philosophical underpinnings of the new American republic. Yet his years in public life were also fraught with unbelievable pettiness and nastiness from his fellow Founders. [Hamilton contributed his share, but the author makes a good case that he spent more time on the defense than the offense. He notes "Through the years, Hamilton was to exhaust himself in efforts to refute lies that grew up around him like choking vines. ... These myths were perhaps the inevitable reaction to a man so briliiant, so outspoken, and so sure of himself." Chernow also surmises that "Since critics found it hard to defeat him on intellectual ground, they stopped to personal attacks." (Hamilton's status as a "bastard" by birth facilitated this process.)] Certainly, as Chernow observed, "The contentious culture of these early years was both the apex and the nadir of American political expression."
Chernow guides us through Hamilton's life and times with immense detail, but this enables the reader to obtain a very good exposure to many important contributions of Hamilton, including his fiscal policies (as he veritably created our entire economic system) and The Federalist Papers (fifty-one out of eighty-five of which have been attributed to Hamilton). We also get a thorough accounting of Hamilton's relationship with George Washington. This is a rewarding book that enlightens readers both on Hamilton the man and on the political landscape and personalities of the country's beginnings. Highly recommended.
(JAF)
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Hamilton had a remarkable intellect, was a prolific writer, and contributed hugely to the poltical and philosophical underpinnings of the new American republic. Yet his years in public life were also fraught with unbelievable pettiness and nastiness from his fellow Founders. [Hamilton contributed his share, but the author makes a good case that he spent more time on the defense than the offense. He notes "Through the years, Hamilton was to exhaust himself in efforts to refute lies that grew up around him like choking vines. ... These myths were perhaps the inevitable reaction to a man so briliiant, so outspoken, and so sure of himself." Chernow also surmises that "Since critics found it hard to defeat him on intellectual ground, they stopped to personal attacks." (Hamilton's status as a "bastard" by birth facilitated this process.)] Certainly, as Chernow observed, "The contentious culture of these early years was both the apex and the nadir of American political expression."
Chernow guides us through Hamilton's life and times with immense detail, but this enables the reader to obtain a very good exposure to many important contributions of Hamilton, including his fiscal policies (as he veritably created our entire economic system) and The Federalist Papers (fifty-one out of eighty-five of which have been attributed to Hamilton). We also get a thorough accounting of Hamilton's relationship with George Washington. This is a rewarding book that enlightens readers both on Hamilton the man and on the political landscape and personalities of the country's beginnings. Highly recommended.
(JAF)
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LibraryThing member CritEER
- 2005 Honorable Mention Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award (recognizes books of exceptional merit written on the Revolutionary War era)
- A.H. life story is off the chart given his accomplishments
- The best biography on any individual I have read
- None of the founding fathers had such a varied,
- Huge war hero...raised his own militia, drilling them and once winning their loyalty was selected as commander; later Chief of Staff for Gen George Washington; and lastly selected for field command at Yorktown
- As Chief of Staff, drafted many of Gen G.W orders and sent frequently to negotiate with general officers (Gen Gates felt insulted to be directed by A.H.)
- Delegate to Constitution Convention and a huge promoter of the proposed constitution
- Took the lead in writing the Federalist Papers, essays/arguments/defense for the constitution that influenced states to ratify constitution
- As first Secretary of Treasury led the financial revolution that would establish the new nation into a world economic power (1) pushed to have the Federal government assume state debts incurred during the revolution (2) prepared a Report on Manufactures, President G.W. and A.H. aim was to have government invigorate manufacturing activity (3) founded the First National Band and the U.S. Coast Guard with the aim to collect US tariffs/duties/excise taxes
- A.H. financial revolution provided financial stability and investor confidence when it was not present before. Had to fight Jefferson/Madison concerns that the Federal government was growing to strong and the conflict that the US was moving from a nation of farmers to an industrial future
- A.H. life story is off the chart given his accomplishments
- The best biography on any individual I have read
- None of the founding fathers had such a varied,
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historic and interesting life- Huge war hero...raised his own militia, drilling them and once winning their loyalty was selected as commander; later Chief of Staff for Gen George Washington; and lastly selected for field command at Yorktown
- As Chief of Staff, drafted many of Gen G.W orders and sent frequently to negotiate with general officers (Gen Gates felt insulted to be directed by A.H.)
- Delegate to Constitution Convention and a huge promoter of the proposed constitution
- Took the lead in writing the Federalist Papers, essays/arguments/defense for the constitution that influenced states to ratify constitution
- As first Secretary of Treasury led the financial revolution that would establish the new nation into a world economic power (1) pushed to have the Federal government assume state debts incurred during the revolution (2) prepared a Report on Manufactures, President G.W. and A.H. aim was to have government invigorate manufacturing activity (3) founded the First National Band and the U.S. Coast Guard with the aim to collect US tariffs/duties/excise taxes
- A.H. financial revolution provided financial stability and investor confidence when it was not present before. Had to fight Jefferson/Madison concerns that the Federal government was growing to strong and the conflict that the US was moving from a nation of farmers to an industrial future
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LibraryThing member billiecat
When a biographer sets out to write a significant work about someone - at least, anyone who is not absolutely evil - he must like the person he has chosen to spend so much time on at least a little. After all, life's too short to spend it in the company of people we don't much care for.
In writing
For a reasonably skeptical reader, this is not a terrible thing. As Chernow notes, Jefferson and Adams disagreed on many things but agreed on their hatred for Hamilton, and as they lived for a quarter century after his death, they were able to shape their respective legacies at the expense of his. I suppose the scales could use a little balancing.
Although I am no historian, I have read a few books about the period, and I was able to detect Chernow's "spin." However, Chernow's caricature of Jefferson and Adams, and his downplaying of Hamilton's clear errors and faults (such as his heavy handed interference in the Adams administration and his infidelity) detract from this otherwise excellent book. Chernow should not have felt the need to smooth over Hamilton's rough edges and cast stones at his adversaries.
In writing
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his book, Chernow spent a considerable amount of time in the company of Hamilton, and it is clear that he likes his subject. It is also clear, to anyone who has read, for example, "Founding Brothers" or David McCullough's "John Adams," that we are getting the Hamiltonian side of the tumultuous years following the Revolutionary War.For a reasonably skeptical reader, this is not a terrible thing. As Chernow notes, Jefferson and Adams disagreed on many things but agreed on their hatred for Hamilton, and as they lived for a quarter century after his death, they were able to shape their respective legacies at the expense of his. I suppose the scales could use a little balancing.
Although I am no historian, I have read a few books about the period, and I was able to detect Chernow's "spin." However, Chernow's caricature of Jefferson and Adams, and his downplaying of Hamilton's clear errors and faults (such as his heavy handed interference in the Adams administration and his infidelity) detract from this otherwise excellent book. Chernow should not have felt the need to smooth over Hamilton's rough edges and cast stones at his adversaries.
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LibraryThing member PointedPundit
The Most Important American Figure Never to Become President
During the 1980s, during the period when Bank of New York launched its hostile take-over of Irving Bank, the following anecdote circulated.
As Alexander Hamilton was getting into the boat to be rowed across the Hudson River to Weehawken
The story concluded, unfortunately, the aide and all of his successors took Hamilton at his word.
The anecdote, though funny at the time of the take-over, could not have a weaker historical foundation. Ron Chernow’s biography relates the details of an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan who rose to become George Washington’s key aide-de-camp, battlefield hero, Constitutional Convention delegate, co-author of The Federalist Papers, Federalist Party head and the country’s first Treasury Secretary.
Hamilton was a rare revolutionary: fearless warrior, master administrator and blazing administrator. No other moment in American history could have better employed Hamilton’s abundant talents and energy.
As Treasury Secretary, the country benefited from his abilities as a thinker, doer, skilled executive and political theorist. He was a system builder who devised and implemented interrelated policies.
As in the Revolution, Hamilton and Washington complemented each other. Washington wanted to remain above the partisan fray. He was gifted with superb judgment. When presented with options, he almost always made the correct choice. His detached style left room for assertiveness. Especially in financial matters, Hamilton stepped into the breach.
Washington was sensitive to criticism, yet learned to control his emotions. Hamilton, on the other hand, was often acted without tact and was naturally provocative.
Perhaps the main reason Hamilton accomplished so much was Washington agreed with his vision of 13 colonies welded into a single, respected nation. Chernow presents a well-written and nuanced portrait that arguably is the most important figure in American history that never attained the presidency. Though his foreign birth denied him the ultimate prize, his accomplishments produced a far more lasting impact than many who claimed it.
During the 1980s, during the period when Bank of New York launched its hostile take-over of Irving Bank, the following anecdote circulated.
As Alexander Hamilton was getting into the boat to be rowed across the Hudson River to Weehawken
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where he was scheduled to duel Aaron Burr, he turned to his aide and said, “Don’t do anything until I return.”The story concluded, unfortunately, the aide and all of his successors took Hamilton at his word.
The anecdote, though funny at the time of the take-over, could not have a weaker historical foundation. Ron Chernow’s biography relates the details of an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan who rose to become George Washington’s key aide-de-camp, battlefield hero, Constitutional Convention delegate, co-author of The Federalist Papers, Federalist Party head and the country’s first Treasury Secretary.
Hamilton was a rare revolutionary: fearless warrior, master administrator and blazing administrator. No other moment in American history could have better employed Hamilton’s abundant talents and energy.
As Treasury Secretary, the country benefited from his abilities as a thinker, doer, skilled executive and political theorist. He was a system builder who devised and implemented interrelated policies.
As in the Revolution, Hamilton and Washington complemented each other. Washington wanted to remain above the partisan fray. He was gifted with superb judgment. When presented with options, he almost always made the correct choice. His detached style left room for assertiveness. Especially in financial matters, Hamilton stepped into the breach.
Washington was sensitive to criticism, yet learned to control his emotions. Hamilton, on the other hand, was often acted without tact and was naturally provocative.
Perhaps the main reason Hamilton accomplished so much was Washington agreed with his vision of 13 colonies welded into a single, respected nation. Chernow presents a well-written and nuanced portrait that arguably is the most important figure in American history that never attained the presidency. Though his foreign birth denied him the ultimate prize, his accomplishments produced a far more lasting impact than many who claimed it.
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LibraryThing member LindaLGraham
I found myself wishing I could give this book more than five stars. It's been on my shelf for years, but I finally picked it up to read last summer. A biography of the first Secretary of the Treasury, the man credited with shaping this country’s financial system – yawn. I expected something
Instead, I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed it. I was hooked from the first sentence: “In the early 1850s, few pedestrians strolling past the house on H Street in Washington, near the White House, realized that the ancient widow seated by the window, knitting and arranging flowers, was the last surviving link to the glory days of the early republic.”
No matter what one’s politics, there’s no denying Hamilton was a genius. True, one can argue the book is slanted pro-Hamilton, however Chernow seems to have plenty of facts to back up his deductions. If you’re at all interested in America’s early politics, read it; you won’t be disappointed.
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dry, something that would be a struggle to get through. Instead, I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed it. I was hooked from the first sentence: “In the early 1850s, few pedestrians strolling past the house on H Street in Washington, near the White House, realized that the ancient widow seated by the window, knitting and arranging flowers, was the last surviving link to the glory days of the early republic.”
No matter what one’s politics, there’s no denying Hamilton was a genius. True, one can argue the book is slanted pro-Hamilton, however Chernow seems to have plenty of facts to back up his deductions. If you’re at all interested in America’s early politics, read it; you won’t be disappointed.
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LibraryThing member RitaKay
I really enjoyed reading about the life of Alexander Hamilton. Chernow gives great historical detail about Hamilton's life. It's a long book, but the rich vocab keeps the reader turning the pages of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys United States history during this period
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of time. Show Less
LibraryThing member carterchristian1
If Hamilton's son who died in a duel before his father was alive now I would be in love. His portrait shows one of the most delightful looking young man I have ever seen. Now getting serious about Hamilton. He learned about international finance in the Caribbean before the age most kids finish high
He also played an important role in organizing our army after he left the cabinet.
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school by working in a business office, then when somewhat older attended secondary school. He was brilliant and we can really give him credit for his astute way of dealing with the debt of the new nation, organizing the office of the Secretary of the Treasury, which today December 2008 we are learning may be the most important office in the US government...as it was then....And we can further appreciate Washington for understanding what treasure (no pun intended) Hamilton really was.He also played an important role in organizing our army after he left the cabinet.
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LibraryThing member zenitsky
This was one of the best biographies I have read. Chernow provides a moving narrative of the action filled life of the most brilliant of our founding fathers. The author thinks highly of his subject and provides the reader with a thoroughly researched but slightly biased view of this great, but
I felt a deep attachment to this great man and marveled at his energy, intellect, and the vision that he help define for his beloved adopted country.
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flawed individual, who was cut down by a bullet in the most infamous duel in our nations history. I felt a deep attachment to this great man and marveled at his energy, intellect, and the vision that he help define for his beloved adopted country.
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LibraryThing member gabri71685
Outstanding biography by Chernow of one of the most talented and intriguing Founding Fathers of America!
LibraryThing member Garp83
If it takes me forever to read a thick, heavy tome comprised of hundreds and hundreds of pages of small-font text, I tend to think of it as a “brick,” even as I persevere to work my through it. I must say that I never thought of Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton that way, although it shared
While the level of detail devoted to Hamilton’s life and endeavors is virtually encyclopedic -- and can at times be intimidating to the general reader – his biography of this, one of the most critical Founders, is truly magnificent. If any such work deserves the notable appellation “best one-volume biography,” then Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton should be the model it is measured against. As others have noted, it is this work that has rescued Hamilton from -- if not the dustbin of history -- then the dusty back stacks, long overshadowed by the founding deities of Washington and Jefferson and the rest. Many Americans know only of Hamilton that he adorns the ten dollar bill, and perhaps that he was killed in a duel by Burr. Most are entirely unaware that he was responsible for the economic foundation of the early Republic that largely still endures, and even more significantly, that in this and other arenas he was a central player in creating the nation that is the United States.
Chernow, like most biographers, clearly favors his subject, although as a fine historical craftsman he does not hesitate to describe Hamilton’s many weaknesses and foibles, especially his enormous ego, self-righteousness and sensitivity to slights, real and perceived. In his fondness for Hamilton, Chernow can perhaps to be more forgiving of these flaws than I would be, but he nevertheless reveals them unhesitatingly in fleshing out the many contradictions inherent in this vain, arrogant, brilliant intellect who towered over many of his peers even in the company of giants.
It’s a long book, but it is a great ride, especially as it becomes increasingly clear that despite his genius and devotion and work ethic in creating the new nation, Hamilton alienates nearly every other major figure – with the exception of Washington – that he works alongside. And, tragically, it is not simply alienation – his personality and approach seem to provoke hatred that is outsize to the various clashes in philosophy and ideology that set him apart from his rivals and peers. It is clear that the accomplished Hamilton is not merely disliked but actively reviled by much of the founding generation. Events combine with his flawed character to exacerbate his often childish temperament, such that in his pique he not only self-destructs his own political career but apparently is singly most responsible for annihilating the viability of the Federalist Party that he once led in his attempt to destroy John Adams and prevent his re-election to the Presidency. Jefferson and Adams, once bitter enemies, later reconciled and became again good friends, but long after Hamilton’s death Adams still excoriated him in his writings, as did other survivors of that generation. To my mind, it is this more than anything else which explains how it was that his former colleague and the sitting Vice-President Aaron Burr could shoot him to death in that duel in Weehawken in 1804.
Ironically, it is that pathetic end that resurrected Hamilton from an otherwise ignominious exile from public life; at his death the formerly illustrious political figure who once might have contemplated the Presidency was virtuously detached from every hemisphere of government of the nation that he helped create, a largely despised outcast on the margins of political life. The duel that was his martyrdom turned him into a hero again in the public imagination and he was restored to the pantheon of the nation’s Founders. It took this great biography by Chernow to resurrect him once again for a new generation.
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much of these characteristics, including a daunting 737 pages of small print. I had been reading Chernow’s magisterial biography of Hamilton on and off for over a year before I completed it, largely because I was reading several other massive books at the same time – but I kept coming back!While the level of detail devoted to Hamilton’s life and endeavors is virtually encyclopedic -- and can at times be intimidating to the general reader – his biography of this, one of the most critical Founders, is truly magnificent. If any such work deserves the notable appellation “best one-volume biography,” then Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton should be the model it is measured against. As others have noted, it is this work that has rescued Hamilton from -- if not the dustbin of history -- then the dusty back stacks, long overshadowed by the founding deities of Washington and Jefferson and the rest. Many Americans know only of Hamilton that he adorns the ten dollar bill, and perhaps that he was killed in a duel by Burr. Most are entirely unaware that he was responsible for the economic foundation of the early Republic that largely still endures, and even more significantly, that in this and other arenas he was a central player in creating the nation that is the United States.
Chernow, like most biographers, clearly favors his subject, although as a fine historical craftsman he does not hesitate to describe Hamilton’s many weaknesses and foibles, especially his enormous ego, self-righteousness and sensitivity to slights, real and perceived. In his fondness for Hamilton, Chernow can perhaps to be more forgiving of these flaws than I would be, but he nevertheless reveals them unhesitatingly in fleshing out the many contradictions inherent in this vain, arrogant, brilliant intellect who towered over many of his peers even in the company of giants.
It’s a long book, but it is a great ride, especially as it becomes increasingly clear that despite his genius and devotion and work ethic in creating the new nation, Hamilton alienates nearly every other major figure – with the exception of Washington – that he works alongside. And, tragically, it is not simply alienation – his personality and approach seem to provoke hatred that is outsize to the various clashes in philosophy and ideology that set him apart from his rivals and peers. It is clear that the accomplished Hamilton is not merely disliked but actively reviled by much of the founding generation. Events combine with his flawed character to exacerbate his often childish temperament, such that in his pique he not only self-destructs his own political career but apparently is singly most responsible for annihilating the viability of the Federalist Party that he once led in his attempt to destroy John Adams and prevent his re-election to the Presidency. Jefferson and Adams, once bitter enemies, later reconciled and became again good friends, but long after Hamilton’s death Adams still excoriated him in his writings, as did other survivors of that generation. To my mind, it is this more than anything else which explains how it was that his former colleague and the sitting Vice-President Aaron Burr could shoot him to death in that duel in Weehawken in 1804.
Ironically, it is that pathetic end that resurrected Hamilton from an otherwise ignominious exile from public life; at his death the formerly illustrious political figure who once might have contemplated the Presidency was virtuously detached from every hemisphere of government of the nation that he helped create, a largely despised outcast on the margins of political life. The duel that was his martyrdom turned him into a hero again in the public imagination and he was restored to the pantheon of the nation’s Founders. It took this great biography by Chernow to resurrect him once again for a new generation.
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LibraryThing member zen_923
What I really love about this book is that it is well-written. The author was able to present the events in Alexander Hamilton's life in a manner that excites the reader. The author was able to effectively impress upon the reader the hardships that he faced throughout his life and how he overcame
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them through sheer force of will. The author was also able to give us a unique insight in Hamilton's mind through his letters especially on the days before the infamous duel. The only comment I have for this biography, is that throughout the book, the author seems to transform from a neutral observer into an apologist defending Hamilton's worst mistakes. Overall however, I love this biography of Alexander Hamilton and I highly recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member ALincolnNut
After winning many accolades for biographies set during America's Gilded Age, Ron Chernow turns his attention to the revolutionary times of the early American republic with "Alexander Hamilton." In a lengthy volume, Chernow attempts to solve the riddle of the enigmatic figure whose powerful
Of those most prominent in early American history, Hamilton surely is the most unlikely founding father. Born to an unwed couple in the Caribbean, Hamilton arrived in New York an apparent orphan in 1774. Though he began courses at what is today known as Columbia University, he withdrew from school to focus on the difficulties with Britain, eventually joining the Continental Army. The ambitious Hamilton was recommended for George Washington's personal staff, eventually rising to the rank of colonel.
After the war, Hamilton pursued a law career in New York City. However, his interest in politics commanded most of his attention. Named a delegate to the convention charged with reviewing the Articles of Confederation, Hamilton became a tireless worker in helping to craft a new basis for the fledgling American government. After the Constitution was written, he worked tirelessly for its ratification, especially in his home state of New York. Toward this end, he teamed with John Jay and James Madison to write a series of newspaper articles explaining and defending the document; in short order, Hamilton wrote the majority of the essays, now known as "The Federalist Papers."
Based on the recommendation of Robert Morris, the Philadelphia merchant who frequently coordinated the funding for the Continental Army, Hamilton was Washington's unlikely candidate to head the new Treasury Department. To the close working relationship forged with Washington during the war and at the Constitutional Convention, Hamilton added an impressive financial acumen and solid political instincts that made him the first president's most trusted advisor. This prestige, though, made Hamilton a target, leading to political investigations and accusations that hounded Hamilton until his untimely death in a dual with then sitting vice-president Aaron Burr.
As might be imagined, Chernow finds much to relate in Hamilton's incredibly eventful life. Of special interest to Chernow is Hamilton's prodigious output of pseudonymous newspaper articles, government reports, political advice, and personal correspondence. Partially, this is because Hamilton was a man of ideas that have shaped American history; partially, though, it seems that Chernow is utterly amazed at how quickly Hamilton could write, sometimes turning out several polished pieces in a week. Alongside this, Chernow gives great attention to Hamilton's consistent honesty and his complex family relationships, including the strains he introduced to those relationships by admitting to an affair while serving as Secretary of the Treasury.
If there is one disappointing aspect of this immensely fine biography, it is that Chernow, like others before him, is unable to explain in much detail exactly how Hamilton gained such a sophisticated knowledge of economic philosophy, though he reports that the precocious young man read such treatises during his spare time while serving in the Army during the Revolutionary War. To his credit, though, Chernow deftly describes and contextualizes Hamilton's political and economic arguments. Beyond that, he draws on extensive research to offer a compelling portrait of this essential brilliant figure in United States history.
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arguments likely secured the ratification of the Constitution and whose financial system as the first Secretary of the Treasury laid the foundation for, and seemingly still guides, the wildly successful American economy.Of those most prominent in early American history, Hamilton surely is the most unlikely founding father. Born to an unwed couple in the Caribbean, Hamilton arrived in New York an apparent orphan in 1774. Though he began courses at what is today known as Columbia University, he withdrew from school to focus on the difficulties with Britain, eventually joining the Continental Army. The ambitious Hamilton was recommended for George Washington's personal staff, eventually rising to the rank of colonel.
After the war, Hamilton pursued a law career in New York City. However, his interest in politics commanded most of his attention. Named a delegate to the convention charged with reviewing the Articles of Confederation, Hamilton became a tireless worker in helping to craft a new basis for the fledgling American government. After the Constitution was written, he worked tirelessly for its ratification, especially in his home state of New York. Toward this end, he teamed with John Jay and James Madison to write a series of newspaper articles explaining and defending the document; in short order, Hamilton wrote the majority of the essays, now known as "The Federalist Papers."
Based on the recommendation of Robert Morris, the Philadelphia merchant who frequently coordinated the funding for the Continental Army, Hamilton was Washington's unlikely candidate to head the new Treasury Department. To the close working relationship forged with Washington during the war and at the Constitutional Convention, Hamilton added an impressive financial acumen and solid political instincts that made him the first president's most trusted advisor. This prestige, though, made Hamilton a target, leading to political investigations and accusations that hounded Hamilton until his untimely death in a dual with then sitting vice-president Aaron Burr.
As might be imagined, Chernow finds much to relate in Hamilton's incredibly eventful life. Of special interest to Chernow is Hamilton's prodigious output of pseudonymous newspaper articles, government reports, political advice, and personal correspondence. Partially, this is because Hamilton was a man of ideas that have shaped American history; partially, though, it seems that Chernow is utterly amazed at how quickly Hamilton could write, sometimes turning out several polished pieces in a week. Alongside this, Chernow gives great attention to Hamilton's consistent honesty and his complex family relationships, including the strains he introduced to those relationships by admitting to an affair while serving as Secretary of the Treasury.
If there is one disappointing aspect of this immensely fine biography, it is that Chernow, like others before him, is unable to explain in much detail exactly how Hamilton gained such a sophisticated knowledge of economic philosophy, though he reports that the precocious young man read such treatises during his spare time while serving in the Army during the Revolutionary War. To his credit, though, Chernow deftly describes and contextualizes Hamilton's political and economic arguments. Beyond that, he draws on extensive research to offer a compelling portrait of this essential brilliant figure in United States history.
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LibraryThing member HadriantheBlind
Excellent biography on all counts. Covers the many contradictory facets of this figure and dazzles you with the force of his achievements, yet also makes you sympathize with him, from his rise from obscurity to his sudden fall.
Subjects
Awards
LA Times Book Prize (Finalist — Biography — 2004)
National Book Critics Circle Award (Finalist — Biography — 2004)
The Economist Best Books (2004.9)
Benjamin Franklin Award (2005)
Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award (honorable mention — 2005)
George Washington Book Prize (Winner — 2005)
Booklist Editor's Choice: Adult Books (Biography — 2004)
Christian Science Monitor Best Book (Nonfiction — 2004)
Notable Books List (2005)
Language
Original publication date
2004-04-26
Physical description
818 p.; 24 inches
ISBN
0143034758 / 9780143034759