Alexander Hamilton

by Charles A. Conant

"I think the first duty of society is justice."- Alexander Hamilton.

He fought at Washington's side in the Revolution, helped ensure the ratification of the Constitution, and saved the fledgling United States from financial ruin. He died in a tragic duel with his political rival, Aaron Burr. In Alexander Hamilton historian Charles A. Conant sheds light on the most fascinating and quixotic Founding Father.

This new edition of Conant's classic biography includes an essay on Hamilton by 19th Century author Sarah Knowles Bolton.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Classics

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1901

About the author

Charles Arthur Conant was an American journalist and author.

Reviews

[Emilija · Rating 3 out of 5]

"He would probably have made a great career in whatever direction he might have turned his high abilities, but he was fortunate in finding an opportunity for their exercise in a crisis which enabled him to render greater services to the country than have been rendered by almost any man in her history, with the exception of Washington and Lincoln."

Possibly my favourite point from this book, it illustrates Conant's clear biases towards Hamilton. This was a good book, brief and understandable, except for the chapters concerning the financial system which become slightly more confusing. Whether the author did not quite understand the system developed or did not quite explain it as well as he could have, I'm not sure. Other than that, it was a pretty good book.

[Joanne Gilbaugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read,yet depicts the frailties of good men.


Easy read, yet depicts the frailties of good men and makes it clear how fragile the early days of the United States was.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice account of Hamilton's services to the United States. I had hoped a bit more for more of his personal life, which very little detail was explored.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick 2+ hour audiobook. I haven't read much Hamilton specific works to date, so this is a good, fast, easy book to begin filling the Hamilton gaps. I did find it interesting, having focused my interests previously on Jefferson and Madison, of course I am aware of Hamilton along the way, but was surprised, when starting this book how evidently pro-Hamilton and biased it seemed to start! I was somewhat unsettled by it, thinking please give me substance to justify the high praise! Is he really the most important and significant of the founding fathers? (ok, probably not the words offered, but in my interpretation - that was the challenge)

The book does of course do a good job matching my former awareness - some of his early life, his time spent under Washington during the Revolutionary War, and then of course his contributions to the Federalist papers with Madison and John Jay, and finally, his Dueling demise. Where this book added more insight for me was in Hamilton's contributions to the monetary/fiscal/banking system (not that I understand this fully yet) he devised/advocated for - arguing for the establishment of the Federal bank and the assumption of war debts, and how he leaned heavily on what we recognize as the "Necessary and Proper" Clause, justifying what some may argue has allowed many subsequent aggrandizement of Federal powers -that surely would have caused issue with constitutional ratification...

One intrigue for more investigation: again with my Jeffersonian bias, and other readings regarding the lead up to the war of 1812, and the "American Schism" over "radical" enlightenment ideals, I have the impression that the two factions: Federalist/Republicans, Nationalists/State-ists, British/French sympathists (not quite loyalists), Monarchic-Aristocratic/Democratic idealists etc... that Hamilton was clearly on the pro-Britain/monarchy/federalist side, and Jefferson, the other. What this book has done is cast a shadow of doubt on that black and white distinction - Not only did Hamilton wisely acquiesce to Jefferson's election over Burr, trusting that Jefferson was moreso a trustworthy, rational, moderate, true patriot; But in Hamilton's earlier career during Washington and Adam's administration, he was apparently criticized and challenged on his British (counter-revolutionary) leaning interests, and as I recall he rejected the claims, asking anyone to show evidence of this... I suspect too, given the same degree of consideration he gave Jefferson, that, while they could all (Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Jay, and Hamilton) joust with wordy eloquence for their ideals, they were also all quite moderate and respectful in their recognition and respect for the founding principles of independence and the constitution.

Aside: I used the word Patriot above... and in today's divided nation, I have come to feel this word is coming to develop a potentially bad taste in one's mouth, depending on who and how its used.... I'm not sure anyone knows what a Patriot is today... In the context above and in my view, a Patriot is one who knows and supports the ideals and rationale embedded withing the declaration of independence, understands and supports the delicate balance and compromise that the Constitution became and the effort it took not only to better bind a country together following the Articles of Confederation, but strived to hold it together through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, as it worked to continue to make a more perfect union for centuries to come. E Pluribus Unum.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this clear, concise biography of Alexander Hamilton. It's a good synopsis of his life for those who haven't read about his contributions and are curious. This book focuses on his political life--there is not much about his childhood or personal life. I listed to it as an audiobook and thought that it was well read.

[EvilWebBoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography focuses mainly on Alexander Hamilton's Political Career.
His private life, the revolution and duel are about 2% of the book.
It was originally written in the early 1900's so some facts are a little dated.
It was well written and an enjoyable quick read.
And best of all it was free in the Kindle Store!

[Rubin Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great listen
the narrator was good
although the presentation of the book
was at times dry the history of this rarely recognized ( until recently ) founding father
who was a political and finance genius
who was a force to be reckoned with against any and all who stood against him right or wrong great introduction to the man and I love that it includes the truth that our founding fathers didn't always get along they truly were radical political reformers

[Annie Beckstrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)
Fascinating read and just enough information for a beginner to Revolutionary history. It’s interesting that Hamilton has less recognition as Washington/Lincoln with how much he accomplished. Conant wrote well about the real dilemmas at the time as well as explaining certain cultural expectations (such as duelling) that I would not have understood. A good reflection of both his weaknesses and strengths - overall, left this book appreciating this time of history more and how God brought the right people.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author, Charles Arthur Conant (1861 - 1915) was an American journalist who specialized in matters of banking and finance.  One can easily see why he would have chosen Alexander Hamilton as a subject for his journalistic pen.  Hamilton is one of the heroes of early America, leading the Federal government to make many wise choices, especially in relation to banking and finance.

However, to be honest, the author's style was scholarly and dry.  It takes someone really fascinated with all the intrigues of the early American government to savor the dry descriptions.  During the author's time (this book was written in 1901), this was a perfectly appropriate (and expected) style.  Today, his style emphasizes Hamilton's governmental and literary skills while barely covering any of the personal life of Hamilton.

Fortunately, Conant does not wear blinders in relation to his subject.  He clearly admits that Hamilton was a brilliant man who didn't suffer stupid people gladly.  He also wasn't much of a politician; Hamilton saw things clearly and had problems understanding that others did not have his clear vision. 

[Marie Bellmere · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I think of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Alexander Hamilton is not the first man that comes to my mind, but he played a very important role.

Without his work on the Federalist Papers, the constitution may not have been adopted. Who knows what would have happened to the fledgling United States then?

After reading this, Alexander Hamilton still isn't on my list of my favorite Founding Fathers, but it was an interesting read and I found it to be a bit of a different point of view on the American Revolution and the forming of the United States.

[Jane Lebak · Rating 3 out of 5]

After listening to 17 minutes of a two and a half hour piece, I decided to abandon it. The voice sounds very nearly robotic (they credit a narrator, but he's got no inflection and reads everything at about the same speed) and the book itself borders on hagiography. I get it: the biographer was writing in the late 1800s, when adjectives ran free in the streams and longer sentences were by definition better.

There are other options (I could, you know, finish reading the Chernow biography) and I'd rather spend my time on those.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading biographies on each of the presidents and first ladies in order. Since, I've learned a lot about Madison and Jefferson and the tensions between the federalists and the democratic-republicans I knew I needed to learn more about Alexander Hamilton. This was a nice, short biography that gives a good overview of his life.

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very basic book about a very interesting founding father of USA.
The librivox free audio can be found here
https://librivox.org/alexander-hamilt...

I need to read a more comprehensive biography this was very basic.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but too short on detail.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was thinking that this was a modern biography and was surprised after beginning that it was written in 1901. The language is rather archaic and it is a dry book written by an expert on banking and finance. It was an interesting take, although I think a modern biography would give a better perspective on history.

[carol alterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Conant's Alexander Hamilton is excellent!

This book is an excellent and concise account of Hamilton's life. Divided into chapters that helps the reader navigate through the book easily to obtain an excellent grasp of his contributions. Easy to read and not too long but yet manage to convey Hamilton's personal and accomplishments.

[Steven C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too simplistic. Very quick read.

[Cindy Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

STOPPED at 63% -- the narration is torture with librovox

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the parts where the author mentioned all the characters I know from the musical. Nostalgic. Boring parts. I liked the audiobook voice.

[Georgina Heatley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook in a night I couldn’t sleep. I had the Hamilton songs in my head for days and did get back to sleep!

[Rupert Wolfe-Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short romp through one of those periods of great uncertainty in America.

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

A relatively brief overview of Hamilton's life, pinpointing his main accomplishments in contributing to the American system of government, to writing the Constitution, and to founding the National Bank. It's a worthwhile read if you know little to nothing about Alexander Hamilton and are looking for something concise, but if you're looking for a more in-depth analysis of his policies and influence as a founding father, you'd most likely prefer another read, maybe the lengthier biography by Ron Chernow.

[Sam Motes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting reivew of the insanely impactful short life of Hamilton on our young nation. Challenged from birth he rose to great influence through hard work and passion in his beliefs. Such a traggic and senseless end to such a promising public life.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in Hamilton it only seemed appropriate to read up on the man of the hour. I'll definitely incorporate him more into my public budgeting course in the future!

[Sarah Marinkovich-Durfee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a bio of a small part of his political life. It is very informative but is not extensive.

[stanley wotring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about a great man.

Gold book about a great man. Very informative regarding the political realities of the fine. Playbook of the original political operative.