Alexander Hamilton
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.90 (915 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0143034758 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 832 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2017-11-30 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
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. At a critical time to look back to our roots, Alexander Hamilton will remind readers of the purpose of our institutions and our heritage as Americans.“Nobody has captured Hamilton better than Chernow” —The New York Times Book Review Ron Chernow's new biography,
Full and well-drawn portrait of Hamilton; less so for his opponents Daniel Putman This book is a beautifully rendered portrait of Hamilton, both his public life and his private life. As so many other reviewers have noted, the book is an example of first-rate biographical research and most of the book is well-written.Up to chapter 16, “Dr. Pangloss,” the story is superbly told. But, when Thomas Jefferson enters Hamilton’s life, much of the book becomes a contrast between Hamilton, who had his own well-documented personal failings, with Jefferson who, if the text is to be believed, had nothing but personal failings. Jefferson is variously described as hypocritical, duplicitous and connivi. Dave Schan said A great man, a flawed man, a challenging environment. Hamilton is a commitment, around 800 pages worth. It falls a bit too strongly in praise of Hamilton. He was pretty unfair, for example, in his anonymous criticisms of rival politicians. It also took a very long time to outline Hamilton's poor relationships with Jefferson and Adams. His affair was dealt with in painful detail. Beyond these limitations, Hamilton gives a good behind-the-scenes look at the early days of the founding of American government. Hamilton was well read and used his knowledge to set up commerce and financial systems we have greatly benefitted from. For these reasons, the book has much to offer.. Donna S. Meredith said Thoroughly researched and very informative. I learned so much from reading this biography. I found out I admire the heck out of Hamilton and disliked Jefferson. I thought I knew something about early American history, but I had no idea how contentious we Americans have been since our very founding. It is easy to understand now that we have always been a deeply divided country and in light of the recent election, I have no reason to think this is going to change.
From the start, Chernow argues that Hamilton’s premature death at age 49 left his record to be reinterpreted and even re-written by his more long-lived enemies, among them: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. Chernow argues that in contrast to Jefferson and Washington’s now outmoded agrarian idealism, Hamilton was "the prophet of the capitalist revolution" and the true forebear of modern America. Hamilton’s achievements as first Secretary of the Treasury, co-author of The Federalist Papers, and member of the Constitutional Convention were clouded after his death by strident claims that he was an arrogant, self-serving monarchist. Chernow delves into the almost 22,000 pages of letters, manuscripts, and articles that make up Hamilton’s legacy