Alexander Hamilton
buy new, used books, rare books for sale at half price
|
 |
List Price: $39.95
Our Price:
$26.37
You Save: $13.58
Features
• Abridged
• Audiobook |
| [ + Zoom ] [ Buy Now ] |
Book : Usually ships in 24 hours |
|
|
Alexander Hamilton description
Building on biographies by Richard Brookhiser and Willard Sterne Randall, Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton provides what may be the most comprehensive modern examination of the often overlooked Founding Father. From the start, Chernow argues that Hamilton’s premature death at age 49 left his record to be reinterpreted and ... review details
|
|
Alexander Hamilton Customer Reviews
|
|
|
|
♥♥♥♥♥
|
The Life of Alexander Hamilton
|
Chernow has brought Alexander Hamilton into the pantheon of our greatest founding fathers. Without question, one feels the purpose of his book is to give credit where credit was due, especially when considering the attention that has been given to other key founders. Perhaps Chernow is a bit too focused on this issue which tends to lead to an overly praiseworthy account of Hamilton, but I think he can be forgiven to a certain extent. Without doubt, Hamilton was a brilliant man and a major player in the creation of a strong, central federal government. We also see the family man and the notable personal attributes of Alexander Hamilton, but we see the foibles in his character and the mistakes he made. We also see the politics of his day and the nastiness of it. Notable figures are discussed at some depth, including Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Adams and Burr, but many others as well, including Hamilton's early and later acquaintances, his wife Eliza and their children and many others. In my case, I learned much to increase my appreciation of Hamilton's contributions to our nation and much to admire in his character, as well as things that weren't so admirable.
The identity problems associated with a turbulent and transient childhood are the natural focus of the beginning of this book. This becomes the backdrop to understanding the sharp contrast he creates with his own family in later years. His role in the commercial sphere of American life and the Revolutionary War play hugely important roles in the shaping of the man to become such a predominant force in American politics. The most critical relationship forged during the Revolutionary War years is without a doubt that forged with General Washington (future first president). Hamilton and Washington both shared the same critically important views on the necessities for a strong federal government. The nature of their relationship is quite acutely discussed, e.g. how each one had his own strengths and needed the talents of the other. It was during the Washington administration that Hamilton was brought onboard as the first secretary of the treasury.
He tackled the issues of the assumption of state debts incurred during the war, creating a national bank, fostering the growth of commerce, promoting those who helped to create the wealth needed for a robust economy, promoting a stronger military, creating aids to navigation and other maritime commercial needs and so forth. Hamilton's vision was one of economic diversity and growth through commerce. The competing world view for others followed the Jeffersonian model, which was more agrarian in concept and was more limited government (in a nutshell). Needless to say, you will see this clash of visions for America's future in the battles that raged between Jefferson and Hamilton and their respective supporters. Jefferson does not come off looking that good in Chernow's book. If you're looking for evaluations of some of these important founders, you'll get a good dose of it here.
The later period of Hamilton's short life takes on a dramatic turn as we see the loss of a son, the lead up to the infamous duel with Aaron Burr, and the aftermath. In trying to offer an informative, yet concise review of Chernow's book, there is much noteworthy material I've left out, but I hope the general themes of the book have been at least partially revealed. As mentioned earlier, I learned much more about the life of Alexander Hamilton than I would have otherwise known. I've gained greater appreciation for the man and his contributions. But I think the greatest lesson I've learned is that none of these founding fathers, who are so often put on a pedestal and utterly revered, were infallible. Indeed, they were all too human after all. |
|
Alexander Hamilton Used Books New.