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Alexander Hamilton: First Architect Of The American Government
What did Alexander Hamilton ever do besides get shot in a duel by Aaron Burr? When it comes to the American government, the answer practically everything. Born in the West Indies, Hamilton was the illegitimate child of a Scottish nobleman who lost a fortune in sugar plantations. Orphaned as a teenager, he came to America in search of an education, a home, and the war that would at last bring him fame and honor. As George Washington’s most trusted aide, Hamilton helped to win the American Revolution—but after the war, his enemies lost no time accusing him of trying to sell his country back to the British. He was the most powerful member of Washington’s presidential cabinet—so why did Adams and Jefferson hate him so much? In this book, you will learn how the author of the Federalist Papers and the first Secretary of the Treasury nearly ruined his career by fighting duels, seducing women, and getting involved in America’s first sex scandal. The duel that killed Alexander Hamilton is the most famous duel in American history, but you’ll have to come up with your own answer to its greatest who shot first, Hamilton or Burr?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2016
748 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 11, 2017
The author did a good job and performed as he had promised.
Having read a number of treatises, biographys, and other works on Hamilton, I was already familiar with most, if not all, of the stories contained in this volume. Yet, I found myself enjoying the writing itself and the way Simmons presented this short work. As a constitutional scholar myself, I would have no problem recommending this book to anyone interested in Hamilton or the events in his life time. The parts on his role in America's birth were the best. For the young reader or the reader new to American history, this book will be a valuable addition to your bookshelf.
Having read a number of treatises, biographys, and other works on Hamilton, I was already familiar with most, if not all, of the stories contained in this volume. Yet, I found myself enjoying the writing itself and the way Simmons presented this short work. As a constitutional scholar myself, I would have no problem recommending this book to anyone interested in Hamilton or the events in his life time. The parts on his role in America's birth were the best. For the young reader or the reader new to American history, this book will be a valuable addition to your bookshelf.
November 9, 2019
I am going to be honest, the first time I had even heard of Alexander Hamilton was due to the Broadway Musical that bears his name, hence why I purchased this book. Simmons puts forward a short but in-depth look at one of the greatest political minds of modern times. It showcases wonderfully Hamilton’s gargantuan role in setting up the American Government post-war using drive, intellect and passion, surpassing the limitations put on him by being an illegitimate child in the West Indies during the 18th Century. I highly recommend reading to experience the rollercoaster life of a brilliant mind.
Check out more reviews on Instagram at @myhonestbookreview
Check out more reviews on Instagram at @myhonestbookreview
August 2, 2019
I had always thought of Hamilton as one of the "bad guys" in the Federalist vs. Republican camps but this book convinced me that he was among the most admirable of founding fathers, on par with Jefferson and Washington. The book is a brief bio, easy to read and entertaining. The copy editor missed a handful of typos but it wasn't enough to derail the experience for me. All said, this book does a splendid job of bringing to life the inspiring and sometimes heartbreaking story of a great hero of the American revolution. Well recommended.
August 4, 2019
This was a great book to read if you are interested in learning about Alexander Hamilton. I have been interested in anything I can learn about him after seeing the musical Hamilton. This book is not as deep and involved as Ron Chernow’s book. This also included excerpts from many of the things Hamilton wrote like The Reynolds Paper, Washington’s Final
Address, etc. I would not want to read all of those but I was interested and glad to read excerpts from much of his writings.
Address, etc. I would not want to read all of those but I was interested and glad to read excerpts from much of his writings.
March 28, 2018
As an avid follower of the legacy of the great Alexander Hamilton, this is an excellent consolidated biography of the man's military, political, juridical, and personal life. It sums up most of the events really neatly. I wish that the chronological order of events was better, and that there had been a chapter about his legacy after his death.
August 31, 2016
Wonderful read, very well written
I liked the chronological style and clear language the author used. The poignant quotes from Hamilton's letters were relevant and just the right length.
I liked the chronological style and clear language the author used. The poignant quotes from Hamilton's letters were relevant and just the right length.
February 12, 2017
Focused and Balanced
I gained many insights in this short biography about an extraordinary American. Well-written, concise, and illuminating about Hamilton, Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Burr.
I gained many insights in this short biography about an extraordinary American. Well-written, concise, and illuminating about Hamilton, Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Burr.
March 28, 2018
Enjoyable
I never before have I read a biography of our funding fathers. I thought it will be a dull lecture, mostly with dates and facts, but it was like reading a novel. To my own dismay I almost cried at the end. Such a wasted life, just for the sake of honor.
I never before have I read a biography of our funding fathers. I thought it will be a dull lecture, mostly with dates and facts, but it was like reading a novel. To my own dismay I almost cried at the end. Such a wasted life, just for the sake of honor.
March 28, 2018
An acceptable biography.
The book covered the important facts of Hamilton's life, but did not bring the events to life. An adequate book for understanding the basic events that shaped his life and understanding his role in the formative years of the nation. I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted a quick grasp of Hamilton's life.
The book covered the important facts of Hamilton's life, but did not bring the events to life. An adequate book for understanding the basic events that shaped his life and understanding his role in the formative years of the nation. I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted a quick grasp of Hamilton's life.
January 7, 2021
Hamilton the truth versus the musical
This is a well written book. Anyone who enjoyed the play now needs to learn the truth of this man and how this young country and the people really came about. Tell one high school student a fact that was nor told exactly right in the play they search for the real story. This is a good place to start.
This is a well written book. Anyone who enjoyed the play now needs to learn the truth of this man and how this young country and the people really came about. Tell one high school student a fact that was nor told exactly right in the play they search for the real story. This is a good place to start.
October 1, 2021
Not my usual reading choice
My least favorite subject in school was Social Studies/history. I have never read a biography of any of our founding fathers before but the when I saw that the musical, “Hamilton,” was based on this book, I decided to read it and am not sorry. I learned more about the founding of our country than all my years in school. Fascinating person.
My least favorite subject in school was Social Studies/history. I have never read a biography of any of our founding fathers before but the when I saw that the musical, “Hamilton,” was based on this book, I decided to read it and am not sorry. I learned more about the founding of our country than all my years in school. Fascinating person.
February 15, 2018
What wonderful biographical account of Hamilton.
I found this book to be a quick read but most informative. Hamilton led a very interesting life. I had no idea he had so many essays. Thank goodness for Eliza's care of those papers.
I found this book to be a quick read but most informative. Hamilton led a very interesting life. I had no idea he had so many essays. Thank goodness for Eliza's care of those papers.
September 7, 2018
Solid bio of Alexander Hamilton
Well written article about the life of Alexander Hamilton,including a focus on his early years in the Caribbean and his development under General George Washington. A brief review of his formative years in the formative years of the Nation.
Well written article about the life of Alexander Hamilton,including a focus on his early years in the Caribbean and his development under General George Washington. A brief review of his formative years in the formative years of the Nation.
September 4, 2019
Quick read Good overview
Quick read that gives some insight into the brilliance of Hamilton. It does whet one’s desire to look more into the impacts that he made to our country both in its formation and today.
Quick read that gives some insight into the brilliance of Hamilton. It does whet one’s desire to look more into the impacts that he made to our country both in its formation and today.
October 25, 2019
A competent short biography of Hamilton
If you know little of this important Founder, then this book will give you a quick overview of Hamilton, his life and career, and insight into his enduring influence on our governance.
If you know little of this important Founder, then this book will give you a quick overview of Hamilton, his life and career, and insight into his enduring influence on our governance.
December 18, 2021
A very smooth reading story of Hamilton’s life with loads of primary source excerpts and references. I learned a lot of new stuff about Hamilton that I never knew and have a new interest in people from the Revolution. Strongly recommend if you’re into bios or major historical influencers.
March 19, 2023
Unusual for most biographies in that it was only about 200 pages with very large print. But having read other books on Hamilton it was accurate. If you saw the play Hamilton and wanted to fill in a few gaps this will do the trick
January 7, 2018
Excellent Book
I enjoyed the book. Good and quick read. Great insight into this Great Man. I look forward to other books from this author.
I enjoyed the book. Good and quick read. Great insight into this Great Man. I look forward to other books from this author.
January 22, 2018
Interesting historical data
Was interesting with historical data throughout but a difficult read. Felt it flowed slowly & writing style was not my favorite but not the worse .
Was interesting with historical data throughout but a difficult read. Felt it flowed slowly & writing style was not my favorite but not the worse .
February 12, 2018
Amazing.
I have heard several stories about Hamilton. This book really brings him to life and makes him into this relatable person. Loved it.
I have heard several stories about Hamilton. This book really brings him to life and makes him into this relatable person. Loved it.
February 20, 2018
Educational and entertaining
A great way to learn about America and her founders. Very easy read that kept me engaged and excited throughout.
A great way to learn about America and her founders. Very easy read that kept me engaged and excited throughout.
February 27, 2018
Easy Read
Most biographies of this time period are difficult to get into. This was a fast, easy read that kept me interested the entire way through.
Most biographies of this time period are difficult to get into. This was a fast, easy read that kept me interested the entire way through.
March 20, 2018
Wow great book
Great insights about the founding fathers of our country. This book has great detail about Alexander Hamilton. It is a must read for all Americans!!!
Great insights about the founding fathers of our country. This book has great detail about Alexander Hamilton. It is a must read for all Americans!!!
April 21, 2018
Quick Read
Very quick read about the life of a true American patriot. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to any history buff.
Very quick read about the life of a true American patriot. I enjoyed the book and recommend it to any history buff.
May 22, 2018
Start here
I recommend reading this as an introduction to the man. Then move on to Ron Chernow! Like most books they quote him heavily here
I recommend reading this as an introduction to the man. Then move on to Ron Chernow! Like most books they quote him heavily here
May 29, 2018
Good biography
Gives another perspective.of the beginning of our country. A quick, easy and beneficial read. Very interesting to learn about his life.
Gives another perspective.of the beginning of our country. A quick, easy and beneficial read. Very interesting to learn about his life.
July 26, 2018
Good general overview of Hamilton’s life. I like the inclusion of Hamilton’s writings interspersed throughout the book.
January 16, 2019
Good short book on AH and his relationships with the co-signers on our early US documents
Good prep for seeing the play
Good prep for seeing the play
January 20, 2019
Nice, concise biography. Now I'm going for the full biography by Ron Chernow.
August 8, 2019
Nice Read
Great read and summary of Alex’s life. I definitely recommend this as in the top 10 of Hamilton history books.
Great read and summary of Alex’s life. I definitely recommend this as in the top 10 of Hamilton history books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews