

S'està carregant… Alexander Hamiltonde Ron Chernow
![]() Founding Father (1) » 9 més No hi ha cap discussió a Converses sobre aquesta obra. Useful window into the Revolution and beginning of our country from one of the Founding Father's perspective. ( ![]() I'm certain for decades to come, this biography will be considered THE biography of Alexander Hamilton. Chernow is thorough in exploring his subject, going into Hamilton's birth and childhood in the Caribbean all the way through a lengthy explanation of the infamous duel with Aaron Burr. The Hamilton that emerges is a complicated man, one who contributed vital ideas to the founding documents, but also one who had many rivalries with his fellow founders and testy relationships with Jefferson and Madison as well as Burr. All of this makes for a lengthy book, but one that is well worth the effort to better understand this complicated founder. I admit, I've forgotten vast swathes of American history that I learned in school. I also originally bought this book in 2007, when the stories would have been much fresher (being in the midst of AP US History and all). I gather from the tone that Alexander Hamilton is much maligned. I'm guessing this comes from Jeffersonian, Madisonian, and John Adams biographies. This book is meant as a comprehensive view of Hamilton, and to celebrate his accomplishments. Chernow *tries* to review the negative of Hamilton. But he seems baffled by Hamilton's flaws, and consequently doesn't spend much time on them. This chapter introduced adultery and blackmail over said adultery, but has now moved on to British textile industrialization. Did it make Chernow uncomfortable? I enjoyed the book. Sources are cited, events are placed in context, the language and vision is good. It's just loooooooooong. Which one could expect of the entire story of a controversial founding father's life, I suppose. I still need to figure out why I liked this so much more than the Devil in the White City. There was still tons of foreshadowing to duels and dueling, and most of Hamilton's enemies were portrayed in extremely negative fashion. This is the abridged version of the biography that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda. When you read Ron Chernow's book you can feel the rhythm of the musical. It pays to have a good background of the players and times in order to better appreciate this book. I do not know if the reason I feel so strongly this way is that I was listening to the abridged version but it may have been. You may have noticed I have been slogging through presidential biographies. I probably will not do them all. The more I learn about Thomas Jefferson the less I like him--and I didn't like him very much before because of the editing his Bible thing. From what I learned about John Adams in this book I don't want to read anymore. Ron Chernow brought Alexander Hamilton alive to me, warts and all. It is a really good book. It is a shame that Alexander Hamilton's life was cut short by his own stupidity. He had so many brilliant ideas. Like everyone else, "Hamilton" captured my imagination. Had to find out more. Wonderfully readable, compelling bio.
In this favorable, hefty biography of Alexander Hamilton, Chernow (The Warburgs; The House of Morgan) makes the case for him as one of the most important Founding Fathers, arguing that America is heir to the Hamiltonian vision of the modern economic state. His sweeping narrative chronicles the complicated and often contradictory life of Hamilton, from his obscure birth on Nevis Island to his meteoric rise as confidant to Washington, coauthor of The Federalist Papers, and America's first Treasury secretary, to his bizarre death at the hands of Aaron Burr. A running theme is the contradictions exhibited during his life: a member of the Constitutional Convention, Hamilton nevertheless felt that the Constitution was seriously flawed and was fearful of rule by the people. A devoted father and husband, he had two known affairs. Lastly, he was philosophically and morally opposed to dueling, and yet that's how he met his end. Although quite sympathetic to Hamilton, Chernow attempts to present both sides of his many controversies, including Hamilton's momentous philosophical battles with Jefferson. Chernow relies heavily on primary sources and previously unused volumes of Hamilton's writings. A first-rate life and excellent addition to the ongoing debate about Hamilton's importance in the shaping of America. Contingut aHa inspirat
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![]() GèneresClassificació Decimal de Dewey (DDC)973.4092 — History and Geography North America United States Constitutional period (1789-1809) Constitutional period (1789-1809)LCC (Clas. Bibl. Congrés EUA)ValoracióMitjana:![]()
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