Alexander Hamilton

by Ron Chernow

Book Overview

The #1 New York Times bestseller, and the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton!

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation.

"Grand-scale biography at its best--thorough, insightful, consistently fair, and superbly written . . . A genuinely great book." --David...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143034758
• ISBN13: 9780143034759
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 832 Pages
• Weight: 2.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 5.9" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Read while listening to the OBCR

I actually read this book before seeing the Broadway musical. Then I listened to the soundtrack. The first chapter lines up with the first song in the musical. It made me appreciate what information Lin included in the musical. The book is meticulously researched. It made me want to read more books by Ron.

In depth study of one of the founders

Chernow is one of the top biographers going today. This book does not disappoint and Chernow leaves no stone unturned in trying to show us the man Alexander Hamilton was. You would be hard pressed to find a better biography of Hamilton.

Engrossing reading from the first page

As an Irish reader who has always been interested in history, I have been interested in the American Civil War for a long time. Only recently has my interest in American history broadened to the revolutionary period. After reading this biography, I regret that I didn't acquire this interest much sooner. This book is engrossing from the first page. It is also an 'honest' biography. Although Chernow clearly believes in Hamilton's preeminent status among the founding fathers, he is not shy in criticising Hamilton's actions where it is merited. This book is pure joy from start to finish. Not only does Chernow give a superb overview of Hamilton's importance to the development of the United States but he also presents an excellent picture of the historical period. At the end of it one has new respect for a hugely important and controversial historical figure. What pleasure awaits those who have not yet read this book!