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Alexander Hamilton: A Life
“Hamilton’s turbulent life, the dramatic birth of a nation . . . propelled with the page-turning intensity of an epic novel.” —Ronald Blumer, Peabody Award–winning writerA new reissue of this important biography of Alexander Hamilton—arguably one of the most brilliant and complex of our nation’s founders.From his less than auspicious start in 1755 on the Caribbean island of Nevis, to his unhappy fate in 1804 in Weehawken, New Jersey, at the hands of his enemy Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton’s short life left a huge legacy.Orphaned at eleven and apprenticed to a counting house, Hamilton learned the principles of business that helped him, as the first Secretary of the Treasury, create the American banking system and invent the modern corporation. He served in the American Revolution, primarily as aide-de-camp to General Washington, and subsequently developed a successful legal career, co-wrote The Federalist Papers, and built a life in politics. Told in a highly readable style, Alexander Hamilton presents Hamilton’s contributions to America, and what they mean today.“Assiduously researched and appealingly written . . . an informative and insightful portrait of a highly complex personality.” —Houston Chronicle“Engaging . . . vivid.” —Publishers Weekly“Randall excels in describing the conflicts Hamilton created and weathered as a soldier, politician and lawyer.” —St. Louis Post-Dispatch“This is biographical excellence—solid, first rate work.” —William H. Hallahan, author of The Day the American Revolution Began“A fresh look at the many-faceted career of one of the Founding Fathers.” —BookPage“This richly detailed, deeply sympathetic biography gives us a Hamilton we’re compelled to know—hungry, human, brilliant and magnificant.” —Virginia Scharff, author of Twenty Thousand Roads
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2000
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About the author
Willard Sterne Randall
44 books71 followersWillard Sterne Randall is an American historian and author who specializes in biographies related to the American colonial period and the American Revolution. He teaches American history at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 29, 2018
If one wonders why a biography of Alexander Hamilton did not stir Lin-Manuel Miranda to write his Broadway musical before Ron Chernow’s bestselling work all you have to do is look at Willard Sterne Randall’s ALEXANDER HAMILTON: A LIFE written a year before Chernow’s monograph. Randall’s effort is a clear narrative written by a traditional historian that lacks many of the details, insights on a personal level, and coverage of the most important aspects of Hamilton’s extraordinary life that Chernow presents. Randall, who has written biographies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson before tackling his present subject seems most concerned with who was right about America, Jefferson, or Hamilton. He concludes that Jefferson was correct for the 18th century, Hamilton, for more modern times. Randall’s study is reliable and readable and mostly rests on primary materials.
Other than the depth of coverage that Randall provides my major criticism is how he attributes his material to sources. His chapter endnotes are not complete and he makes it very difficult to ascertain where he gets his material. There are too many examples of; “One family historian recently observed,” or, “As one historian put it,” or, “One historian’s description,” is annoying and not the way most historians present their sources.
In terms of Hamilton’s private life, Randall seems certain that Hamilton and his sister-in-law, Angelica Schuyler Church were lovers. His writing is crisp, but in terms of Hamilton family relations it is very speculative, particularly the description of Elizabeth Hamilton and her relationship with her husband. In other areas Randall is on firmer ground. His discussion of Hamilton’s early years where he was fueled by the writings of John Locke and accepted the ideas of “free will” as opposed to Calvinist dogma is excellent. Randall concentrates on a number of individuals that have not been detailed by most historians. The individual that most comes to mind is Hercules Mulligan, a merchant who initially served as Hamilton’s guardian when he arrived from the Caribbean. Later, Mulligan would become a valuable spy against the British in New York during the American Revolution as well is becoming a peer of Hamilton, and one of his most important confidants. Randall will also spend a great deal of time with the back and forth between Samuel Seabury’s “True Thoughts on the Proceedings of the Continental Congress” v. that of Hamilton’s “A Full Vindication,” which is important because it juxtaposes the loyalist and anti-loyalist positions visa vie the British, and the formulation of Hamilton’s basic political and economic philosophy.
Important areas that Randall reviews include the Washington-Hamilton relationship, where one can see how mutually dependent each would become on the other through the revolution and leading up to Washington’s presidency. The machinations surrounding General Horatio Gates’ attempts to replace Washington during the revolution and actions taken by the general and his supporters after the revolution also receive important coverage. Randall will dissect the needs of the Continental Army and spares no criticism in his comments on the incompetence of a number of members of the Continental Congress. Randall stresses the importance of Hamilton’s relationship with John Laurence and the Marquis de Lafayette, particularly as it affected his actions during the revolution, and importantly, develops the ideological abyss that consumes Hamilton’s relationship with James Madison, especially after the Constitutional Convention.
As opposed to other authors Randall does not provide a great deal of detail of Hamilton private life and career after Washington becomes president. The majority of the book deals with Hamilton’s early life, the revolution, and the period leading up to and including the writing of the constitution. Randall analyzes issues like the assumption of debt, the National Bank, the need for public credit in detail. Further, he explores foreign policy implications of Hamilton’s domestic economic agenda, but does not develop the ideological and personal contradictions with Thomas Jefferson fully. The relationship with Aaron Burr also does not receive the attention that it warrants because that relationship spanned Hamilton’s entire career.
To enhance the monograph Randall should have balanced Hamilton’s career and influence on historical events more evenly and not given short shrift to the Washington presidency where he served as Secretary of the Treasury and the events that occurred following his retirement from office. Randall has written a useful biography of Hamilton, but in no way does it approach the level of Ron Chernow’s later effort.
Other than the depth of coverage that Randall provides my major criticism is how he attributes his material to sources. His chapter endnotes are not complete and he makes it very difficult to ascertain where he gets his material. There are too many examples of; “One family historian recently observed,” or, “As one historian put it,” or, “One historian’s description,” is annoying and not the way most historians present their sources.
In terms of Hamilton’s private life, Randall seems certain that Hamilton and his sister-in-law, Angelica Schuyler Church were lovers. His writing is crisp, but in terms of Hamilton family relations it is very speculative, particularly the description of Elizabeth Hamilton and her relationship with her husband. In other areas Randall is on firmer ground. His discussion of Hamilton’s early years where he was fueled by the writings of John Locke and accepted the ideas of “free will” as opposed to Calvinist dogma is excellent. Randall concentrates on a number of individuals that have not been detailed by most historians. The individual that most comes to mind is Hercules Mulligan, a merchant who initially served as Hamilton’s guardian when he arrived from the Caribbean. Later, Mulligan would become a valuable spy against the British in New York during the American Revolution as well is becoming a peer of Hamilton, and one of his most important confidants. Randall will also spend a great deal of time with the back and forth between Samuel Seabury’s “True Thoughts on the Proceedings of the Continental Congress” v. that of Hamilton’s “A Full Vindication,” which is important because it juxtaposes the loyalist and anti-loyalist positions visa vie the British, and the formulation of Hamilton’s basic political and economic philosophy.
Important areas that Randall reviews include the Washington-Hamilton relationship, where one can see how mutually dependent each would become on the other through the revolution and leading up to Washington’s presidency. The machinations surrounding General Horatio Gates’ attempts to replace Washington during the revolution and actions taken by the general and his supporters after the revolution also receive important coverage. Randall will dissect the needs of the Continental Army and spares no criticism in his comments on the incompetence of a number of members of the Continental Congress. Randall stresses the importance of Hamilton’s relationship with John Laurence and the Marquis de Lafayette, particularly as it affected his actions during the revolution, and importantly, develops the ideological abyss that consumes Hamilton’s relationship with James Madison, especially after the Constitutional Convention.
As opposed to other authors Randall does not provide a great deal of detail of Hamilton private life and career after Washington becomes president. The majority of the book deals with Hamilton’s early life, the revolution, and the period leading up to and including the writing of the constitution. Randall analyzes issues like the assumption of debt, the National Bank, the need for public credit in detail. Further, he explores foreign policy implications of Hamilton’s domestic economic agenda, but does not develop the ideological and personal contradictions with Thomas Jefferson fully. The relationship with Aaron Burr also does not receive the attention that it warrants because that relationship spanned Hamilton’s entire career.
To enhance the monograph Randall should have balanced Hamilton’s career and influence on historical events more evenly and not given short shrift to the Washington presidency where he served as Secretary of the Treasury and the events that occurred following his retirement from office. Randall has written a useful biography of Hamilton, but in no way does it approach the level of Ron Chernow’s later effort.
June 15, 2008
There are quite a few single-volume bios of Hamilton out there, including financial historian Ron Chernow's acclaimed recent work. That one sits on my bookshelf and on my to-read list--but I started with Randall's shorter work because I'd read about Randall's fluid, engaging narrative style, and also because um, it was simply easier to hold with one hand on the subway. :)
Even if it was for a goofy reason, I'm glad I did it--it was a quick, pleasurable read, and Randall did a great job of developing H's character, in a coherent, entertaining Bildungsroman style. In addition, the decently researched, early part of the book painted a colorful picture of H's upbringing on St. Croix and his early struggles for social and material advancement in New Jersey and New York.
Moreover, although H has long been my favorite founding father (mainly through my admiration of the Federalist Papers), Randall makes a good case for the mythic, titanic sweep of H's accomplishments and central role in creating the US we know today. It was not just the extent of H's accomplishments that amazes. Despite Randall not giving this area its proper due (see below), he is able to illustrate well enough the how-in-hell-could-one-man-do-all-this breadth and variety of foundational, critical areas in which H exercised his genius, vision, and tireless application. You get the sense from reading Randall that were it not for H's efforts and eloquence in shaping and ramming through ratification of the Constitution, and H's organizational and bureaucratic genius in establishing the power of the Treasury, among a raft of other things, the US would have pretty much ended up a confederation of inefficient and agrarian second-rate states ripe for the picking by the older European powers. It's a good, inspirational story, whetting ones appetite for more.
I was disappointed in one respect. Inexplicably, following the period of the Revolution, Randall speeds up the pace and drops everything that made the first part of the book so engaging--the colorful historical details, the psychological portrait of H, and digressions on the socio-political and economic backdrop which was so important in understanding H's place and influence in American history. It's easily argued that the Federalist period is one that deserves the analytical bulk of any biography of H accounting for his influence on the formation of the republic and the growth of American economic power--Randall either seems not to have been as interested in this phase of H's life, or his publisher was pressuring him to make a deadline. Either way, the uneven treatment of the early and latter periods of H's life is too apparent for me to give the book a high rating. Nevertheless, I recommend it as a lively, quick-to-read character study of someone who by any account was a larger-than-life figure, or as an appetizer to bigger and better things.
Even if it was for a goofy reason, I'm glad I did it--it was a quick, pleasurable read, and Randall did a great job of developing H's character, in a coherent, entertaining Bildungsroman style. In addition, the decently researched, early part of the book painted a colorful picture of H's upbringing on St. Croix and his early struggles for social and material advancement in New Jersey and New York.
Moreover, although H has long been my favorite founding father (mainly through my admiration of the Federalist Papers), Randall makes a good case for the mythic, titanic sweep of H's accomplishments and central role in creating the US we know today. It was not just the extent of H's accomplishments that amazes. Despite Randall not giving this area its proper due (see below), he is able to illustrate well enough the how-in-hell-could-one-man-do-all-this breadth and variety of foundational, critical areas in which H exercised his genius, vision, and tireless application. You get the sense from reading Randall that were it not for H's efforts and eloquence in shaping and ramming through ratification of the Constitution, and H's organizational and bureaucratic genius in establishing the power of the Treasury, among a raft of other things, the US would have pretty much ended up a confederation of inefficient and agrarian second-rate states ripe for the picking by the older European powers. It's a good, inspirational story, whetting ones appetite for more.
I was disappointed in one respect. Inexplicably, following the period of the Revolution, Randall speeds up the pace and drops everything that made the first part of the book so engaging--the colorful historical details, the psychological portrait of H, and digressions on the socio-political and economic backdrop which was so important in understanding H's place and influence in American history. It's easily argued that the Federalist period is one that deserves the analytical bulk of any biography of H accounting for his influence on the formation of the republic and the growth of American economic power--Randall either seems not to have been as interested in this phase of H's life, or his publisher was pressuring him to make a deadline. Either way, the uneven treatment of the early and latter periods of H's life is too apparent for me to give the book a high rating. Nevertheless, I recommend it as a lively, quick-to-read character study of someone who by any account was a larger-than-life figure, or as an appetizer to bigger and better things.
October 2, 2018
Ultimately an uneven treatment: the first part of Hamilton’s life (up through the Revolutionary War) is rendered in detail but the latter part (including the Constitutional Convention, The Federalist Papers, and his role as Secretary of the Treasury) is abbreviated and comparatively glossed over. Was the author under deadline, over his page limit or did he assume AH’s later life already had been covered extensively elsewhere? Whatever the reason, I found the change to be jarring.
Walter Isaacson summed it up well when he referred to Randall’s book on Benjamin Franklin and son William as “a fascinating but somewhat speculative account.” I suspect the same is true about parts of this biography of Hamilton. Although I haven’t read the primary sources he had access to, some of Randall’s interpretations seem odd (e.g., his conviction that Elizabeth Schuyler had originally been in love with British officer John Andre and hints that she contemplated breaking off her engagement to AH after learning of Andre’s execution).
To be fair, I may be unduly biased in favor of Chernow’s superlative AH biography. And whereas Chernow is careful to suggest possible interpretations of certain events, Randall instead decides on one and presents it as fact, which seems a bit disingenuous.
Walter Isaacson summed it up well when he referred to Randall’s book on Benjamin Franklin and son William as “a fascinating but somewhat speculative account.” I suspect the same is true about parts of this biography of Hamilton. Although I haven’t read the primary sources he had access to, some of Randall’s interpretations seem odd (e.g., his conviction that Elizabeth Schuyler had originally been in love with British officer John Andre and hints that she contemplated breaking off her engagement to AH after learning of Andre’s execution).
To be fair, I may be unduly biased in favor of Chernow’s superlative AH biography. And whereas Chernow is careful to suggest possible interpretations of certain events, Randall instead decides on one and presents it as fact, which seems a bit disingenuous.
December 27, 2015
This is another Hamilton book I read this year and it's a decent compliment to Chernow's biography of Hamilton (the one the musical is based on). This one doesn't have as many of Chernow's literary strokes, but it does have some more detail and research that adds texture to Hamilton's story, and in some cases even provides a different perspective and conclusion about some events. It's especially interesting to read the story of how Alexander actually made it to America, which is much thoroughly researched and explained in this book. I wish it was available as an audiobook!
December 4, 2015
This book did a good job with Hamilton's early life and his career during the revolution. It skimped on his life after serving as Secretary of the Treasury and his death.
January 7, 2011
Very well written and made excellent use of new materials. THE most interesting parts were the interaction with Washington and the founders of the rebellion and country.
January 2, 2016
This is an impressive look into one of the founders of our nation. Hamilton's work ethic, his intelligence, his dedication to this country is astounding. I am continuously overwhelmed at the depth and breadth of the reading the men that started our nation. They did not read fluff, like 'Stephanie Plum' or 'Spenser' novels - they read Locke, and Adam Smith, and other great thinkers. Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton - some were definitely geniuses, and all had a desire to learn and know so as to regulate their lives. They contributed to this great country.
Hamilton came from near destitution as a child in St. Croix to become a self taught business man at the age of 17. He came to the U.S. to go to college, but had to attend prep school first, and did three years work in about one year. He then went to college, and was going to finish early when the Revolutionary War started. He distinguished himself in battle. George Washington asked him to serve as his aide de camp, which he did so well that Washington trusted him fully. He then was instrumental in the Constitution Convention, and was vital in getting the Constitution ratified (he wrote most of the 'Federalist Papers'). Washington asked him to be the Secretary of the Treasury where he almost single-handedly saved the US government from bankruptcy and collapse.
Hamilton came from near destitution as a child in St. Croix to become a self taught business man at the age of 17. He came to the U.S. to go to college, but had to attend prep school first, and did three years work in about one year. He then went to college, and was going to finish early when the Revolutionary War started. He distinguished himself in battle. George Washington asked him to serve as his aide de camp, which he did so well that Washington trusted him fully. He then was instrumental in the Constitution Convention, and was vital in getting the Constitution ratified (he wrote most of the 'Federalist Papers'). Washington asked him to be the Secretary of the Treasury where he almost single-handedly saved the US government from bankruptcy and collapse.
March 14, 2012
Leans towards the hagiographic. If Hamilton and Washington disagreed, Hamilton was always right...If Washington presented a good idea, it might well have come from Hamilton. It seems at times that his long affair with his wife's sister is rather brushed over with an air of "well, can you blame him?" Randall doesn't deal at all with Hamilton's children--his son's death in a duel is only mentioned when Hamilton's own is and without detail. One doesn't get any sense of their relationship. It is certainly readable but I'd match it with a dose of a more balanced biography.
July 27, 2010
The books lacks a sense of prioritization. There were some interesting aspects to Hamilton's life included in the book, but much of it was devoted to detailing unimportant events. Not only that, but the end of the book is horribly rushed.
March 12, 2010
Apparently I am a Federalist. I picked this book up on a whim (it was on sale for $1.99) and am so glad I did. I learned how much I didn't know about the years immediately before, during, and after the Revolutionary War. Hamilton lived a fascinating life, and it was just a great lens through which to view that time period.
May 27, 2015
wow - this was a terrific read - quite informative yet very friendly - like Alison Weir's works. My only real complaint is the post revolutionary details feel compressed - a lot of information thrown at you in a pretty fast fashion. Certainly though a great read to introduce one to Mr. Hamilton and his real impact in the survival of the young United States.
December 14, 2007
I came away from this book feeling that the author put a positive spin on Hamilton's life. It felt glorified and I also felt he downplayed his faults, a romanticized point of view of the past. Still a good read though, very engaging and it read like a novel.
May 23, 2008
I found this to be an extemely informative and easy to read narrative. Definitely have a much better picture of those nation-forming days and look forward to reading more of his books.
October 16, 2011
Pretty interesting. I feel as though there was too much quoted from his letters, and writings. Some is great, but a every page, is over kill. I would reccomend it to my history buff friends.
June 16, 2016
A great man, arguably the greatest American economist, but his self-absorbed nature was ultimately his undoing. Fascinating reading, a bit dry in some places but overall a well written biography.
October 10, 2013
Wonderful book about the most interesting founding father. Not quite as interesting as Chernow's on the same subject but full of anecdotes I had not previously read.
December 24, 2019
Liked it a lot. Author was very candid. Truly an interesting and great founding father.
Really want to see the broadway play on his life.
Really want to see the broadway play on his life.
July 29, 2019
Not cynical enough but founding fathers biographies never are.
November 12, 2021
A thoroughly remarkable biography, Mr. Randall writes an extensive overview of the architect of the Treasury Department, Alexander Hamilton. Instantly grabbing the reader's attention by beginning the book with an abbreviated chapter on Hamilton's ill-fated duel with Aaron Burr in 1804, we get to the most famous part of Hamilton's legacy, right or wrong. But, as the book continues on in a traditional linear fashion, we get to better know young Alexander and his Caribbean adventures leading up to his emigration to the colonies where he immediately makes a splash and contributes his talents and skill set to the American Revolution and its burgeoning country. Indeed, the duel sparks public interest because of the mystery of who fired first - Hamilton or Burr? - and, of course, the tragic ending to such a brilliant mind, but the most compelling parts of his life was indeed his tireless and ingenious work writing the bulk of The Federalist Papers along with his invaluable work in the Treasury Department as part of President Washington Cabinet.
Not quite a hagiography, Mr. Randall lauds generous amounts of praise for Hamilton's abilities, talents, and contributions to the incipient nation. And for good reason. We learn about his impulsive temperament, which, as the story goes forward, plays a curious part in his decision-making and character. With a solid letter of recommendation for his commendable work ethic and business acumen, Hamilton is soon able to apply his prowess to America. He learns quickly and is able to further prove his managerial skills at a young age which puts him in a position to succeed. We learn about his educational pursuits, legal-wise and philosophical-minded, along with connections to the powerful New York elite which propels his career. When the Revolutionary War breaks out, he abandons his studies to fight for the cause and his bravery is put on full display, not unnoticed by least of all, General Washington. Cultivating a military relationship with Washington and earning his trust, launches our young star into a crucial role in helping form the inchoate government with his primary role in producing The Federalist Papers, and by the contentious, 1790s, showcasing his financial wizardry in creating a solvent U.S. Treasury Department that prevented the country from imploding.
Indeed, his sterling work in the Treasury Department helped stabilize the new and fragile country. We learn not only about his insistence for paper currency and the concept of a national bank, but also the importance of assumption, that is, the federal government assuming the debt of all states. which was achieved in exchange for moving the new U.S. capital to the new District of Columbia. Not only do we continue to see political tensions rise between his chief rival, Thomas Jefferson, as well as former friend and ally, James Madison, but also Jame Monroe (future President of the United States), John Adams, and, of course, Aaron Burr. The womanizing scandal of extortionist Maria Reynolds for pecuniary gain against Hamilton and also his affair with his sister-in-law, Angelica Church, are also detailed here.
This was a very enjoyable book, albeit a tad long, and perhaps not as informative or exhaustive as Ron Chernow's more well-known and famous biography of Hamilton, gives the reader a chance to learn more about this financial genius and the impact he had on his country. It's also mentioned that he created the U.S. Coast Guard and The New York Post which were facts I had not known. In the end, though, it's a shame, that the duel took his life from us too early. It's hard not to imagine a "what if" scenario here.
Not quite a hagiography, Mr. Randall lauds generous amounts of praise for Hamilton's abilities, talents, and contributions to the incipient nation. And for good reason. We learn about his impulsive temperament, which, as the story goes forward, plays a curious part in his decision-making and character. With a solid letter of recommendation for his commendable work ethic and business acumen, Hamilton is soon able to apply his prowess to America. He learns quickly and is able to further prove his managerial skills at a young age which puts him in a position to succeed. We learn about his educational pursuits, legal-wise and philosophical-minded, along with connections to the powerful New York elite which propels his career. When the Revolutionary War breaks out, he abandons his studies to fight for the cause and his bravery is put on full display, not unnoticed by least of all, General Washington. Cultivating a military relationship with Washington and earning his trust, launches our young star into a crucial role in helping form the inchoate government with his primary role in producing The Federalist Papers, and by the contentious, 1790s, showcasing his financial wizardry in creating a solvent U.S. Treasury Department that prevented the country from imploding.
Indeed, his sterling work in the Treasury Department helped stabilize the new and fragile country. We learn not only about his insistence for paper currency and the concept of a national bank, but also the importance of assumption, that is, the federal government assuming the debt of all states. which was achieved in exchange for moving the new U.S. capital to the new District of Columbia. Not only do we continue to see political tensions rise between his chief rival, Thomas Jefferson, as well as former friend and ally, James Madison, but also Jame Monroe (future President of the United States), John Adams, and, of course, Aaron Burr. The womanizing scandal of extortionist Maria Reynolds for pecuniary gain against Hamilton and also his affair with his sister-in-law, Angelica Church, are also detailed here.
This was a very enjoyable book, albeit a tad long, and perhaps not as informative or exhaustive as Ron Chernow's more well-known and famous biography of Hamilton, gives the reader a chance to learn more about this financial genius and the impact he had on his country. It's also mentioned that he created the U.S. Coast Guard and The New York Post which were facts I had not known. In the end, though, it's a shame, that the duel took his life from us too early. It's hard not to imagine a "what if" scenario here.
January 28, 2018
Alexander Hamilton’s saga of an illegitimate Caribbean youth from a broken family who mastered several languages, learned business in island 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, and first Treasury Secretary who set the Federal government on the road to an independent financial basis and the America economy on the road toward industrialization before falling out of favor and ending his life on the dueling grounds at Weehawken, New Jersey.
Hamilton’s 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 in the military, at law and in 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 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.
There are other biographies of Alexander Hamilton, so why should a reader choose this one? One reason is that it is shorter than some others while remaining thorough. Each author brings his own perspective on his subject. I find that Willard Sterne Randall devotes less ink to the details of Hamilton’s early life and more to his service in the Revolutionary War Army than some other works. From this book I derived a better understanding of Hamilton’s time in the Continental Congress and how that experience convinced him of the need for a stronger national government without which the United States might not have survived. I also feel that this tome places Hamilton in the milieu of the development of his region, with particular emphasis of New York and the disputes that precipitated the admission of the State of Vermont to the Union than I have found in other works. Whether you are looking for an introduction or a new look Willard Sterne Randall’s “Alexander Hamilton: A Life” is a worthy read.
Hamilton’s 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 in the military, at law and in 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 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.
There are other biographies of Alexander Hamilton, so why should a reader choose this one? One reason is that it is shorter than some others while remaining thorough. Each author brings his own perspective on his subject. I find that Willard Sterne Randall devotes less ink to the details of Hamilton’s early life and more to his service in the Revolutionary War Army than some other works. From this book I derived a better understanding of Hamilton’s time in the Continental Congress and how that experience convinced him of the need for a stronger national government without which the United States might not have survived. I also feel that this tome places Hamilton in the milieu of the development of his region, with particular emphasis of New York and the disputes that precipitated the admission of the State of Vermont to the Union than I have found in other works. Whether you are looking for an introduction or a new look Willard Sterne Randall’s “Alexander Hamilton: A Life” is a worthy read.
September 15, 2017
One must remember that when an author is writing about the everyday life of an individual who lived over two hundred years ago he is in a sense writing fiction. This book is in essence a historical novel which sometimes reads like a fast paced thriller and at other times you wonder if it will collapse in a heap from the weight of it's minutiae. Alexander Hamilton, for whatever reason, has never received the exposure and veneration afforded his contemporaries and as a result has been seen as a footnote in American history. The recent Broadway hit "Hamilton" will go a long way to remedy that. I was a bit taken aback at the abrupt ending but otherwise the book held my interest and satisfied my curiosity. What more should one expect....
October 10, 2014
Really fascinating book on the life of Alexander Hamilton. All I really knew about him was his death in a duel to Aaron Burr, so it was nice to flesh the character out a bit and learn about his time in the Revolutionary War and his role as first Secretary of the Treasury. My main complaint is the abruptness that the book ends. The last 10 or so years of his life are covered in 20 pages.
September 27, 2015
As an admirer of the Founding Fathers, I very much enjoyed the story of Alexander Hamilton's life. While I am at heart a Jeffersonian, Hamilton made enormous contributions to the cause of liberty both during the Revolution and after it. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about the face on the $10 bill(though he may not hold that position for much longer).
June 16, 2016
A wonderful history
This book was well researched and written. I prefer a book with more about a characters life outside the way he made his living. I found it dry, but that is just one woman's preference.
This book was well researched and written. I prefer a book with more about a characters life outside the way he made his living. I found it dry, but that is just one woman's preference.
November 27, 2023
I meant to read Chernow's version. I did not realize how important Hamilton was the formation of the country.
March 23, 2021
Having read Chernow's bio of Hamilton twice, I wanted to get another take on him from a different author.
I want to say up front: Randall's bio is not in competition with Chernow's; in fact, this particular offering predates Chernow's treatment by 7 years or so. I will also say that this author went more deeply (if leaning heavily on conjecture, guesswork, coincidence, and sly innuendo that Hamilton's relationship with his wife (Eliza, or Elizabeth if you prefer) was his way of getting into the upper-echelons of the social scene--not that he loved her (although I believe, and I think Randall does, that he did love her))--and that he had more than a "brotherly" relationship with Eliza's sister Anjelica.
I very much enjoyed the narrative style of the author, and I was reminded of the amazing accomplishments Hamilton made in his short (he died at 49 in the famous "interview at Weehauken") life.
The author gives a very detailed view of Hamilton's herculean effort to create a functioning and stable economic and hence political system for the new country, and I think TOO much time is spent on some of his accomplishments than on Hamilton himself. In 424 narrative pages, only the last six or so are given to the end of Hamilton's life--his conflict with Burr and the duel that ended his life. I know we know how that story ends, but it seemed to me that the author just gave a cursory or perfunctory description (which itself is light on details, although seeds of the conflict between Burr, et. al and Hamilton were decades in the making.
This criticism is why it is four stars instead of five.
Hamilton is my favorite Founder; it would not have been a hard sell to get me to like this, and Randall does do an amazing job with Hamilton's life, accomplishments, and vision for almost all of the book. The short-shrift the reader gets, which was basically a summary, of Hamilton's end, was really jarring considering the detail and care given to the rest of the pages. There really isn't any discussion at all about his legacy.
If you want to read and learn more about A.Ham, but Chernow's volume seems a little daunting (but it is TOTALLY worth the time and effort--as I said, I loved it so much I read it twice--) start with Randall's bio.
I want to say up front: Randall's bio is not in competition with Chernow's; in fact, this particular offering predates Chernow's treatment by 7 years or so. I will also say that this author went more deeply (if leaning heavily on conjecture, guesswork, coincidence, and sly innuendo that Hamilton's relationship with his wife (Eliza, or Elizabeth if you prefer) was his way of getting into the upper-echelons of the social scene--not that he loved her (although I believe, and I think Randall does, that he did love her))--and that he had more than a "brotherly" relationship with Eliza's sister Anjelica.
I very much enjoyed the narrative style of the author, and I was reminded of the amazing accomplishments Hamilton made in his short (he died at 49 in the famous "interview at Weehauken") life.
The author gives a very detailed view of Hamilton's herculean effort to create a functioning and stable economic and hence political system for the new country, and I think TOO much time is spent on some of his accomplishments than on Hamilton himself. In 424 narrative pages, only the last six or so are given to the end of Hamilton's life--his conflict with Burr and the duel that ended his life. I know we know how that story ends, but it seemed to me that the author just gave a cursory or perfunctory description (which itself is light on details, although seeds of the conflict between Burr, et. al and Hamilton were decades in the making.
This criticism is why it is four stars instead of five.
Hamilton is my favorite Founder; it would not have been a hard sell to get me to like this, and Randall does do an amazing job with Hamilton's life, accomplishments, and vision for almost all of the book. The short-shrift the reader gets, which was basically a summary, of Hamilton's end, was really jarring considering the detail and care given to the rest of the pages. There really isn't any discussion at all about his legacy.
If you want to read and learn more about A.Ham, but Chernow's volume seems a little daunting (but it is TOTALLY worth the time and effort--as I said, I loved it so much I read it twice--) start with Randall's bio.
December 27, 2017
Well written biography of this American revolutionary hero, the influential shaper of American government and politics. The narrative is well told, presenting a relatively objective look at this remarkable man, with his foibles and failures as well as his amazing accomplishments. Unlike many of the other founding fathers, he came from humble background (illegitimate son from two aristocratic families, but living in poverty, like Franklin, grappling his way to education and achievement with no advantages because of his birth). He made his way through bravery, self education, and genius to war hero status, became a trusted advisor to his mentor, George Washington, almost singlehandedly setting American government on the road to financial stability and on the way, helped determine the U.S. court system and law, influenced the division of powers between federal and state governments, safeguarded the efficacy of the Constitution as a living document, and set up both coast guard and navy.
January 10, 2020
I started reading this one right after I listened to Hamilton for the first time. I knew I had to read more about the man after enjoying the musical so damn much, I still have to see that some day.
This is a well written and researched account of Hamilton's life from his tragic beginning to his senseless ending, and I can definitely say that I learned quite a bit while reading it.
I think the one problem I had with the book is that the ending seemed a little rushed to me, and I don't know if that's because the way Hamilton's life ended was fairly quick in nature, or that the musical made me think that it might take longer to flesh out for us, either way, that's the way it felt to me.
Beyond that though, I would say this is a good one to read if you want to know more about Alexander himself.
This is a well written and researched account of Hamilton's life from his tragic beginning to his senseless ending, and I can definitely say that I learned quite a bit while reading it.
I think the one problem I had with the book is that the ending seemed a little rushed to me, and I don't know if that's because the way Hamilton's life ended was fairly quick in nature, or that the musical made me think that it might take longer to flesh out for us, either way, that's the way it felt to me.
Beyond that though, I would say this is a good one to read if you want to know more about Alexander himself.
June 3, 2018
The vast majority of the book is really good, informative, but the end feels rushed and it seems to gloss over the end of his life. Basically everything after he leaves Washington's cabinet is sped through and what I'm most interested in learning about, the rupture and conflict between Hamilton and Madison/Jefferson, doesn't get nearly enough attention. I think I have another book in the queue that might answer my questions, but Randall's book is a good start.
September 18, 2018
This book covered Hamilton's entire life. It revealed to me the true character of his being, what made him and the true man that he was. A leader with deep values and intelligence beyond his years. A true hero. Although sometimes the old-English writing left me rereading pages, I found myself enveloped in this book. It gave me hope that if we all strive to live by the same ideals, the world would be a better place.
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