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Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
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Alexander Hamilton (edition 2005)

by Ron Chernow (Author)

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8,0081611,080 (4.33)244
Taking on a massive biography like this is no simple task. I wasn't sure I needed or wanted to know all about that was here on Hamilton. But having gotten through it I was glad I did. Chernow delivers on not only a detailed account of this great man's life, but a remarkable assessment of his character and what drove him to greatness. But we also get the foibles and weaknesses of the man which led to his failures, and gives a complete picture on what he was really all about.

Along with personal caricature the book also is a virtual historical textbook and then some on how he fit in such a key way with so many important events and decisions that shaped our great country. Hamilton maybe as much or more than any other man we find was instrumental in not only the founding of our country but to an extent what it is today.

Many of the great figures he interacted with, collaborated with, and squared off against are all profiled in remarkable detail. I was rather taken but the bitterness of the rivalries and differences depicted primarily with the opposition Republicans, our today Democrats. The enmity and passions reminded me so much of today's political scene.

At times the long nature of detailed political points and contentions got a bit boring but it was made up for with the descriptive personalities and failings of personal conduct. The tragic conclusion with his final confrontation with Burr was very dramatic. Also the aftermath of his wife, Eliza's life completed what was a remarkable biography. ( )
  knightlight777 | Jul 11, 2018 |
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I was inspired to read this after seeing the musical, Hamilton. I found the story of Alexander Hamilton's life fascinating. I was especially interested in the sections where the founding fathers were writing the Constitution and where Mr. Hamilton was building the treasury departments and other federal institutions.

I was struck by many similarities to today's political life. And surprised...we hear about the decline of thoughtful debate, the fierceness of partisanship, and how things used to be better. Yet the US Government ran a deficit in its earliest years. People declined Cabinet jobs because of public scrutiny. And members of Congress literally came to blows with canes and fireplace tongs. Plus ca change....

The book is very well researched and written in an accessible style. I think the author may have injected a little too much interpretation of Hamilton's words or actions at times, but overall he did a great job of bringing this part of U.S. history to life. ( )
  LynnB | Jan 24, 2024 |
Excellent read. It certainly changed my perspective on Jefferson and Madison (and to a lesser extent, Adams). Highly recommended. ( )
  Treebeard_404 | Jan 23, 2024 |
I decided to move it down from 4 to 3 stars. The section on the Federalist Papers along with Hamilton's work on the first bank was quite interesting. Many of Hamilton's contemporaries were two dimensional (Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Burr, and Washington). I think Chernow stretched in trying to understand the motivation and thinking of Hamilton. I would rather an author just use a narrative style to tell the story with facts that are easily corroborated along with quotes from primary sources. ( )
  wvlibrarydude | Jan 17, 2024 |
Show events as they occurred. Don't tell about events that happened later.
  AlvaLewis | Dec 15, 2023 |
Don't be intimidated by the number of pages (nearly a thousand) and the density of the text. Whether or not you've seen the Tony Award-winning musical "Hamilton" inspired by Chernow's comprehensive examination of the life and works of Alexander Hamilton, the "ten dollar founding father without a father," this book will have you turning pages long past midnight.

Although Hamilton himself lived a life worthy of any Greek epic, his days were frequently spent in study, his legal practice, and in the construction of a post-Revolution American nation. Perhaps inspired by the legendary writing of Hamilton himself, Chernow has made financial history, legal definitions, and nation-building riveting. The result is an excellent biography of a man whose brilliance was often hampered by his pride and temper. Although Hamilton's extramarital dalliances (real or imagined) and premature death at the hands of Aaron Burr made it easy for his enemies to dismiss his work and smear his reputation, his colossal achievements in his adopted home and on global economics leave a shadow that stretches to the present day.

Hamilton is by turns fascinating, compelling, frustrating - but never boring. Chernow captures the Hamilton that his devoted wife Eliza Schulyer Hamilton fought so hard to preserve against the slander of his enemies - a brilliant self-taught man who charmed, chattered, and clawed his way to the top of an exclusive society bent on keeping outsiders at bay; a courageous soldier and early abolitionist who sought to distance himself from his past in the violent and bloody West Indies slave trade; and a devoted husband and father who cherished his children even though he was often absent from their daily lives. ( )
  brunnyd | Dec 7, 2023 |
Masterpiece! ( )
  TRIPLEHHH | Sep 15, 2023 |
I picked up this book based on Lin-Manuel Miranda's enthusiasm for it and the subsequent popularity of his Broadway hit, Hamilton. It's a daunting tome, at almost 800 pages. It took me 5 months to get through it, mostly due to only reading it part-time and finishing several other books during that period. But it is well worth the persistence.

I found it easy to read and quite compelling. No matter how many facts and quotes the author managed to cram into it (and I'm certain he left out far more), almost every word is fascinating. The story of Hamilton's rise from obscurity to successful lawyer would be story enough. Add in his Revolutionary War exploits and contributions to the Constitution and early government and his life is quite astounding. This book doesn't overlook his foibles and failures, either. It all paints a quite different picture of that period of American history than I had ever heard before. ( )
  zot79 | Aug 20, 2023 |
If you are a fan of the musical or just intrigued by understanding one of the most significant political powers in the world, this is a must. It is a hefty amount, so I recommend reading it via audiobook. Strap yourself in for 35 hours of history. Or, you can do it double-time speed as I did. ( )
  Elise3105 | Aug 13, 2023 |
Now I know more about Alexander Hamilton than I do about myself.

But seriously, Chernow is a heavyweight. I can't think of a better-written biography. There's a reason Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired!



"How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore
And a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot
In the Caribbean by Providence, impoverished, in squalor
Grow up to be a hero and a scholar?"


Well, here's your answer. ( )
  beckyrenner | Aug 3, 2023 |
Finally finished with this behemoth. It took me 3 months to read, and was the biggest, most dense non-fiction book I've ever read. But it was worth it. Extremely, EXTREMELY well researched and written. Not a single detail of Hamilton's life was left out. Be warned though, the author uses a TON of... ( )
  kylecarroll | Jul 9, 2023 |
outstanding
Hamilton is to capitalism in America as Madison is to the Constitution ( )
  pollycallahan | Jul 1, 2023 |
This biography identifies three villains in the life of Hamilton -- Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and Mariah Reynolds -- though each fades in perniciousness when his successor arrives on the scene. This succession culminates in Reynolds, who is depicted as essentially devouring unborn babies. ( )
  proustbot | Jun 19, 2023 |
This impressive work leaves no detail of Hamilton's life unexplored. It's dense, educational, and surprisingly fascinating. What I found most amazing is how many parallels there are to today's political scene. While it is tempting to think that politics has never been as uncivil, scary, or contentious as it is today, this book will disabuse you of such a notion. Chernow serves up plenty of partisan politics in this biography as the Federalists and the Republicans disagree on nearly every front and the ramifications of every alliance. It makes gripping reading even though the ending is known. What especially surprised me was the press and how the press was used. Important political figures regularly launched attacks in the media using pen names to mask their identity against their enemies.

Of course, Hamilton is a historical figure with a life worth examining. His very modest beginnings from a broken family, his especially close relationship with Washington, his infidelity, his enormous family, the financial struggles and his "no novelist could come up with this" demise . . .it's quite riveting. Through it all, his ability to comprehend and synthesize massive amounts of information cement his role in history.

The book merits 5 stars for scholarship and those who love biography and history will probably grant it. For me, it felt a little too much like work to read it to quite get it to the five star level, but I was very glad I did read it and definitely recommend. ( )
  Anita_Pomerantz | Mar 23, 2023 |
I save "fives" for the rare book that becomes a classic. This one is a "4 1/2."

The book, and Ron Chernow, is exceptional, scholarly and entertaining at the same time. I had not realized how central a character was in American life. And how much of a "rags to riches" (well not financially but in terms of impact) he was. Alexander Hamilton's life, warts and all, is exposed. He was a true genius but then again, he operated in a sea of such people; John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin to name a few.

The book amply demonstrates that when the chips were down, he made what are now considered the right choices. He picked his political enemy, Thomas Jefferson, over Aaron Burr when it came to the deadlocked 1800 election. After romantic dalliances he returned to hearth and home. What wasn't explained was Chernow's strong distaste for John Adams. Generally the kind of people who like Adams would like Hamilton, or so you'd think.

But those are quibbles; I recommend the book, strongly. ( )
  JBGUSA | Jan 2, 2023 |
Well written and researched, giving an in-depth account of the formation of the US constitution and financial system. Chernow tended to display his bias against the Republicans at times but at a tolerable level. Highly recommended. ( )
  MatthewFrend | Nov 24, 2022 |
Very well written biography of one of the seminal founding fathers. Having read Adams' biography last year, I now appreciate the animosity these two men had (from Adams' point of view, Hamilton was a monarchist). I was quite surprised to learn how much Hamilton did to create the United States (and having grown up in Virginia, the Federalist Papers were all about the genius of Madison when it was really Hamilton who was the moving force). I was also very surprised to learn about Jefferson's anti-Washington (as in the president) views. I need to read a biography of TJ to get his side of the story. ( )
  wahoo8895 | Nov 20, 2022 |
Through hard work, ambition, and education, Alexander Hamilton rose from poverty and adverse circumstances to become one of the founding fathers of the US. This book covers Hamilton’s humble beginnings in the Caribbean islands, early immigration to the US, role as trusted aide to George Washington, heroism at Yorktown, position as Secretary of the Treasury, authorship of The Federalist Papers, and contribution to the creation of a national bank. It illuminates his political opposition to Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Monroe, and Burr. It includes personal attributes, such as marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler, abolitionist views, involvement in America’s first sex scandal, and staunch defense of his integrity. This last is interesting in that he would rather put his marital infidelity on display than be perceived as lacking integrity in his political office. And, of course, it plays into his dramatic duel with Aaron Burr.

I had high expectations of this acclaimed biography and all were met or exceeded. I listened to the audio version, fluidly read by Scott Brick. Audio is a satisfying way to experience this book. Though it took 36 hours, it engaged my interest throughout. Detailed and descriptive, Chernow gives the reader a sense of the strengths and weaknesses of the man and his dedication to ensuring the endurance of the US constitution. I felt like I got to know what Alexander Hamilton was like as a person and learned more about this consequential period in American history.
( )
  Castlelass | Oct 30, 2022 |
An excellent biography of Alexander Hamilton. Chernow exposes both his vast contributions to US government and his significant failings which led to his untimely demise. Extraordinary detail and scholarship is evident in the book, yet it reads more like a novel. This book has given me the greatest insights unto our founding fathers than any other history I have read in the past. Required reading for all who want to know more about US history. ( )
  WEPhillips | Oct 20, 2022 |
(35) I have been obsessed with Hamilton rather a few years later than everyone else because I did not see the musical until this year. It lived up to the hype and so I felt I needed to read the text. It took me forever; all month essentially and at times it was dry - but given my curiosity and the fact I listen to the soundtrack basically every day - this was well worth the time investment. Hamilton was indeed an amazing man and unfortunately despite his brilliance and industry - he had a tragic flaw of vanity and combativeness that held him back from achieving all he could. I don't think I knew anything about his origins in the West Indies and that he was essentially a destitute orphan who was essentially self-educated in his early years. Truly impressive.

I only knew the Founding Fathers from the boring facts in history books but I can see that I should likely be reading more biographies. So many lessons and reverberations really in the modern day. Hamilton was afraid the uneducated rabble would be commandeered by a demagogue to 'rebel' - just for rebellions sake. Umm... yup. He was afraid of direct democracy and favored a more patrician system for which he was vilified - but anyone who is honest will look at the culturally polarized country divided on lines essentially of education (with rich autocrats or religious zealots leading the rabble) and see Hamilton's fears writ large.

Anyway - I digress. Chernow does a great job bringing Hamilton to life. I communed with him in my mind and thanked him if he is still conscious in the afterlife. The author paints Burr the villain much more than the musical especially given his dissolute post-duel life. I will definitely look for some well-written biographies to continue to flesh out my non-fiction reading life. I am not throwing away my shot! ( )
  jhowell | Jul 28, 2022 |
This was a compelling biography. As one of the founding fathers who did not try to hold himself above politics, his life provides a compelling look into how political strife has been part of the US from the very beginning. Hamilton's involvement in early fiscal policy was also a good view into how there was never a period in which the US was a self-sufficient nation. From the very beginning, modern financial tools have been a necessity. That doesn't mean that the nature of both of these hasn't changed. Rather, we should remember that democracy has always existed against a backdrop of conflict, compromise, and often outright enmity. That may not sound like a hopeful takeaway, but given how we have managed to adapt and thrive despite that, I find it encouraging. ( )
  eri_kars | Jul 10, 2022 |
Great bio of A. Ham! ( )
  natmo | Jun 1, 2022 |
Useful window into the Revolution and beginning of our country from one of the Founding Father's perspective. ( )
  mozviking | Mar 9, 2022 |
I'm certain for decades to come, this biography will be considered THE biography of Alexander Hamilton. Chernow is thorough in exploring his subject, going into Hamilton's birth and childhood in the Caribbean all the way through a lengthy explanation of the infamous duel with Aaron Burr. The Hamilton that emerges is a complicated man, one who contributed vital ideas to the founding documents, but also one who had many rivalries with his fellow founders and testy relationships with Jefferson and Madison as well as Burr. All of this makes for a lengthy book, but one that is well worth the effort to better understand this complicated founder. ( )
  wagner.sarah35 | Mar 7, 2022 |
I admit, I've forgotten vast swathes of American history that I learned in school. I also originally bought this book in 2007, when the stories would have been much fresher (being in the midst of AP US History and all).

I gather from the tone that Alexander Hamilton is much maligned. I'm guessing this comes from Jeffersonian, Madisonian, and John Adams biographies. This book is meant as a comprehensive view of Hamilton, and to celebrate his accomplishments.

Chernow *tries* to review the negative of Hamilton. But he seems baffled by Hamilton's flaws, and consequently doesn't spend much time on them. This chapter introduced adultery and blackmail over said adultery, but has now moved on to British textile industrialization. Did it make Chernow uncomfortable?

I enjoyed the book. Sources are cited, events are placed in context, the language and vision is good. It's just loooooooooong. Which one could expect of the entire story of a controversial founding father's life, I suppose.

I still need to figure out why I liked this so much more than the Devil in the White City. There was still tons of foreshadowing to duels and dueling, and most of Hamilton's enemies were portrayed in extremely negative fashion. ( )
  Tikimoof | Feb 17, 2022 |
This is the abridged version of the biography that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda. When you read Ron Chernow's book you can feel the rhythm of the musical.

It pays to have a good background of the players and times in order to better appreciate this book. I do not know if the reason I feel so strongly this way is that I was listening to the abridged version but it may have been.

You may have noticed I have been slogging through presidential biographies. I probably will not do them all. The more I learn about Thomas Jefferson the less I like him--and I didn't like him very much before because of the editing his Bible thing. From what I learned about John Adams in this book I don't want to read anymore.

Ron Chernow brought Alexander Hamilton alive to me, warts and all. It is a really good book.

It is a shame that Alexander Hamilton's life was cut short by his own stupidity. He had so many brilliant ideas. ( )
  nab6215 | Jan 18, 2022 |
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