Alexander Hamilton by Chernow, Ron (March 29, 2005) Paperback

Great to be able to read about Hamilton as i saw the musical

Ron Chernow’s “Alexander Hamilton” is an extensive, thorough examination of a life extraordinary in itself and to the nation. The personal saga of an illegitimate Caribbean youth from a broken family who learned several languages, business in the trading houses, relocated to New York, and obtained an education is inspiring enough. From there he became an aide to George Washington during the Revolution, promotor of the Constitution, proto-Secretary of the Treasury who set the Federal government on the road to an independent financial basis and America toward industrialization before falling out of favor and ending his life on the dueling grounds at Weehawken, New Jersey.Hamilton’s life took many turns. His attachment to George Washington was his ticket to success and influence. His marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler, a daughter of one of the most prominent families in New York, drew him into the political elite. His unfailing hard work made him a success at law, the military and politics. Hamilton was a man of contradictions. Though a devoted family man he was likely duped into the first major sexual scandal in American politics. A self-made man of aristocratic pedigree but impoverished beginnings, he was publicly portrayed as a spokesman for privilege by men more privileged than himself. A tough negotiator for American interests against Britain, he was pilloried as an advocate of an American crown for one of George III’s sons. A Principal author of the Federalist Papers, he was suspected of harboring ambitions of establishing a military despotism. A skilled negotiator, a series of blunders removed him from the center of political action and led to his death.This work is very long and introduces the reader to many events and issues in the life of Hamilton and the early Republic. In addition to the tale of its subject, these pages also say much about Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Aaron Burr and other characters in our early national drama. I have heard this book criticized as too long and too and detailed. It is long but I think that its tasks justify the length. Completion of this tome does require commitment to persevere to the end, but it is worthwhile. I found it thorough, but not overly detailed. I recommend this to anyone with a serious interest in Alexander Hamilton and the early days of American Independence.