'Alexander Hamilton' by Ron Chernow

Alexander Hamilton, Ron Chernow (3.5)

Otherwise known as ‘the book that inspired the musical’, this book can also be known as ‘a redemption of Hamilton’s reputation’. Chernow is not completely besotted, but he definitely writes of someone far more important to the beginnings of America than most people know. It seems we have his enemies, particularly Jefferson, Madison and Monroe to thank for his relative obscurity (it is said ‘the victors get to write history’). While I am glad I read this book, my rating is reduced 0.5 due to its length. It is not easy to read >600 pages about one person, even someone as interesting as A. Hamilton. I learned a lot about his particular contributions and about the politics of the time. Particularly disappointing was how similar politics worked back then. I was also disappointed to read how few people were involved with the actual theory and negotiations behind the constitution. I didn’t realize how much the north/south animosity played a part. If you believe even 50% of Chernow’s version of history, you need to thank Hamilton for his devotion to a unified federal government. For those expecting something akin to the musical, the book is much less salacious and much more detailed in the military and political workings of Hamilton’s life.