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Alexander Hamilton | 
 enlarge | Author: Ron Chernow
Publisher: Penguin Press
List Price: $35.00
Buy New: $8.99
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Rating:  250 reviews
Format: Bargain Price
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 832
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.9
Dimensions (in): 9.4 x 6.1 x 2.1
Dewey Decimal Number: 973.4092
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review
Building on biographies by Richard Brookhiser and Willard Sterne Randall, Ron Chernows Alexander Hamilton provides what may be the most comprehensive modern examination of the often overlooked Founding Father. From the start, Chernow argues that Hamiltons 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. Hamiltons 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 Hamiltons legacy to reveal a man with a sophisticated intellect, a romantic spirit, and a late-blooming religiosity. One fault of the book, is that Chernow is so convinced of Hamiltons excellence that his narrative sometimes becomes hagiographic. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Chernows account of the infamous duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804. He describes Hamiltons final hours as pious, while Burr, Jefferson, and Adams achieve an almost cartoonish villainy at the news of Hamiltons passing. A defender of the union against New England secession and an opponent of slavery, Hamilton has a special appeal to modern sensibilities. Chernow argues that in contrast to Jefferson and Washingtons now outmoded agrarian idealism, Hamilton was "the prophet of the capitalist revolution" and the true forebear of modern America. In his Prologue, he writes: "In all probability, Alexander Hamilton is the foremost figure in American history who never attained the presidency, yet he probably had a much deeper and more lasting impact than many who did." With Alexander Hamilton, this impact can now be more widely appreciated. --Patrick O'Kelley
Product Description
Ron Chernow, the renowned author of Titan whom the New York Times has called as elegant an architect of monumental histories as weve seen in decades, vividly re-creates the whole sweep of Alexander Hamiltons turbulent lifehis exotic, brutal upbringing; his titanic feuds with celebrated rivals; his pivotal role in defining the shape of the federal government and the American economy; his shocking illicit romances; his enlightened abolitionism; and his famous death in a duel with Aaron Burr in July 1804. Drawing upon extensive, unparalleled research including nearly fifty previously undiscovered essays highlighting Hamiltons fiery journalism as well as his revealing missives to colleagues and friendsthis biography of the extraordinarily gifted founding father who galvanized, inspired, and scandalized the newborn nation is the work by which all others will be measured.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 245 more reviews...
 Exellent Bio November 8, 2008
An excellent biography on the most convertersial, and one of the most important, founding fathers. The book covers nearly every aspect of Hamilton's life and shows how brilliat he really was. It gives a fair and balanced view of the great man. Although Chernow uses some very difficult words, I would reccomend this to anyone.
The Best of the Founding Father Biographies November 5, 2008
There is not much I can add to the other effusive reviews. This really is as good as biography gets. If you are a fan of McCullough and Ellis, you will love this book. Perhaps even more. I did. This is a near-800-page page-turner, that I simply could not put down. It is the best of the modern Founding Father biographies. And while you might differ if you are, say, a Jeffersonian, no matter your political perspective, you will inevitably find yourself saying "wow." I bought multiple copies in hardcover and gave them to all in my family.
jack's take October 18, 2008
The book arrived as advertised, and the content was as advertised, too. Have read much about Hamilton, it's a shame the congressmen/women and wall streeters haven't done that. As our Premier Banker he saw most of the future ills that we have created with worthless paper, worthless stocks, backed by terrible credit loans, along with no gold standard. I also enjoyed reading about the Founders and their struggles to give us what we cavalierly pour down the drain. The wall street mess, only from a 1700's perspective, makes woeful reading. Whenever there is Market trouble, I ask my stock jobber friends to read.."Extraordinary Delusions and the madness of Crowds." They never do. There will be a John Law in every generation.
Jack Flobeck
Fascinating bio! October 13, 2008
Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton is as fun to read as any work of fiction. Chernow's style is readable, but elevated enough to do justice to his topic. He touches upon all aspects of Hamilton's life: his amazing and tragic youth, his military exploits during the Revolution, the development of his broad intellect, and his turbulent political career.
If the book has a fault, it is that Chernow is too obviously biased against Jefferson in describing the enmity between the two men.
Anyone seeking to understand the origins of American government and politics should read this book.
A forgotten Founding Father! October 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Ron Chernow has written another well detailed and well researched biography of a man who is indeed not as well known in the formation of the government of the United States.
It seems Chernow's writings lean toward people who are often misunderstood. Such is the case on his biography of John D. Rockefeller.
Although Mr. Chernow is not an academic historian, he does the due diligence of an historian. As stated in Janet Mislin's New York Times Book Review, Mr. Chernow actually visited the jail cell in St. Croix where Hamilton's mother was imprisoned for adultery.
Also in Chernow's prologue of this book, we find out that Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, the widow of Alexander Hamilton was still alive into the 1850's. The last of a generation who was at the birth of the United States.
The author goes into the remarkable career of a bastard child who later became a man so crucial in the formation of our government. His exploits as a young officer during the Revolutionary War serving George Washington are well detailed by Chernow. His prominence as a key figure in the writings of the Federalist Papers which help to debate and form the Constitution of the United States is indeed apparent in Chernow's prose. Later Hamilton was responsible for the lasting effects of the formation of the U.S. Treasury. His plan of Assumption of the States debts and the formation of the Bank of the United States are the result of Hamilton's work.
Hamilton was opinionated and very aggressive in all his dealings. He indeed was a thorn in the side of Thomas Jefferson and also fellow Federalist John Adams. He was brilliant and verbose. He was indeed an agitator.
His hubris and beliefs led him to the plains of Weehawken where he was shot by Aaron Burr, the Vice President of the United States, and subsequently died.
That ended that! At the age of 49 Alexander Hamilton died of wounds suffered in a duel with Mr. Burr on July 12, 1804. Thirty-one hours later Mr. Hamilton passed away in New York City.
Chernow's book is excellent. Bully for him. Five Stars!!! If I could give six stars I would!!!!
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