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Alexander Hamilton: The Illustrated Biography
Find out who lived and who died in the incredible story of the founding father who made America modern—and became the toast of Broadway.
This richly illustrated biography portrays Alexander Hamilton’s fascinating life alongside his key contributions to American history, including his unsung role as an early abolitionist. An immigrant from the West Indies, he played a crucial part in the political, legal, and economic development of the new He served as Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War; he helped establish the Constitution; he wrote most of The Federalist Papers ; and he modernized America’s fledgling finances, among other notable achievements. Noted Hamilton scholar and chairman of the Museum of American Finance, Richard Sylla, brings the flesh-and-blood man—student, soldier, lawyer, political scientist, finance minister, and politician—to life and reveals captivating details of his private life as well as his infamous demise at the hands of Vice President Aaron Burr, expertly telling Hamilton’s incredible story like no other.
Open the jacket to reveal a foldout map of New York City in 1776 by Henry Johnston and Joseph Bien. This rare antique map was the first to show all of Manhattan during the War of Independence.
This richly illustrated biography portrays Alexander Hamilton’s fascinating life alongside his key contributions to American history, including his unsung role as an early abolitionist. An immigrant from the West Indies, he played a crucial part in the political, legal, and economic development of the new He served as Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War; he helped establish the Constitution; he wrote most of The Federalist Papers ; and he modernized America’s fledgling finances, among other notable achievements. Noted Hamilton scholar and chairman of the Museum of American Finance, Richard Sylla, brings the flesh-and-blood man—student, soldier, lawyer, political scientist, finance minister, and politician—to life and reveals captivating details of his private life as well as his infamous demise at the hands of Vice President Aaron Burr, expertly telling Hamilton’s incredible story like no other.
Open the jacket to reveal a foldout map of New York City in 1776 by Henry Johnston and Joseph Bien. This rare antique map was the first to show all of Manhattan during the War of Independence.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 3, 2018
While not as exhaustive or comprehensive as Chernow’s biography, it does provide a very readable retelling of Hamilton’s life and achievements. It also provides numerous illustrations that provide context. Of particular interest for me was the Chapter devoted to Hamilton’s global influence.
Ultimately, I recommend this book for people who are interested in learning more about the man behind the Musical, but who aren’t especially drawn to reading Historical Biographies.
Ultimately, I recommend this book for people who are interested in learning more about the man behind the Musical, but who aren’t especially drawn to reading Historical Biographies.
January 6, 2018
Talk about genius. The book even includes mention of the Broadway show and Lin-Manuel Miranda's genius.
The author has an interesting point: Hamilton had the genius with words and finances to potentially end slavery without the Civil War...but we'll never know what financial plan he'd have come up with.
The author has an interesting point: Hamilton had the genius with words and finances to potentially end slavery without the Civil War...but we'll never know what financial plan he'd have come up with.
April 18, 2019
This man. I do not agree with everything he says and he cheated on his wife, but I can't stop myself from loving him and being obsessed with him. Without him...gosh, without him we may not have had a lot of things.
February 21, 2022
A pretty short and fun biography of Hamilton. The book looks longer than it is because it has many large and gorgeously reproduced pictures. The content itself is fairly good, covering most major events in Hamilton's life; it's a good read for someone who wants to quickly brush up on his life or who wants an introduction into one of the most fascinating founding fathers.
The author is an economic historian so the coverage of some of Hamilton's economic policies and activities are particularly good in this book. I was aware that Hamilton encouraged full repayment of revolutionary war loans and the creation of the national bank but the book made a few more details clear. For example, Hamilton's policy encourage full repayment of loans to foreign investors but actually restructured payments (reduced interest rates) to domestic borrowers (an interesting dovetail with an old paper that showed protection of property rights for foreign investment grew the economy, but protection of domestic investment did less). The government would also commit not to retiring the bonds but slowly buy them back to support the bond prices. The bonds also interlocked with the national bank, since while the bank was 20% owned by the government, 80% of the bank was privately owned. Private investors could buy stock through four installments, the first had to be in cash but the three remaining ones could be in bonds. Hamilton also supported bond prices through a guaranteed buyback program (funded by foreign loan) in the wake of a failed attempted by others to corner certain bond markets. I also learned that Hamilton wrote the charter for the bank of new york and had advised Robert Morris on the Bank of North America (which eventually became Wells Fargo). I appreciated the short chapter on institutions and the development of modern banking (in the italian city states and England) and Hamilton's appreciation of how modern banking was vital to funding wars and empire building (the author's work that Hamilton seemed to draw directly from the economist James Steuart seemed original).
The book also cleared up and taught me a few non-financial facts about Hamilton's life. The book discusses some of the new research where some suggested that Hamilton, who despite being anti-slavery, had purchased slaves (because of certain receipts). The book concludes that Hamilton had likely purchased slaves for sister in law (because on the timing of their original planned arrival and the fact that Hamilton died without any slaves). The book also cleared up to me the role of Monroe in the Maria Reynold's affair. After hearing rumors Monroe and two others confronted Hamilton privately with the charge of illegal speculation, but was assured by Hamilton of what really transpired (he was being blackmailed for having an affair). Despite giving assurances the matter would remain private, Monroe retained copies with a clerk which were eventually leaked. I was surprised to learn that Hamilton argued in favor of granting Vermont independence before the new york state legislature. I also learned that after suffering his fatal wound, Hamilton asked for last rites but was denied them until he repented for dueling (against church law) and forgave everyone involved in the duel.
The book's content was good overall, but there are a few points that I disagreed with. The author, like other biographers, falls a bit in love with his subject. In the conflict between Hamilton and Adams, the author without reservation takes the side of Hamilton, dismissing charges that Hamilton was an empire builder or warmonger (because he resigned command after the end of the quasi-war with france) and painting Adams as an overly jealous man. I don't think the author gives enough credit to Adams for his diplomacy that avoided war with france, both Hamilton and Adams were flawed characters acting in what they thought were the best interests of America. The author also praises Hamilton's plans for infant industries tariffs (protectionism) and seems to use that anachronistically as evidence against free trade. I think the evidence is more mixed, especially since during that time, it likely would have been difficult for the federal government to collect internal taxes to fund itself but easier for it to collect customs.
Additionally, overall, the impression I get is that the author tends to give Hamilton much too much credit and grants him almost perfect foresight in financial matters. That's likely bad history but also takes away from the human aspect of Hamilton, with his mistakes, miscalculations, and growth (or byronic characteristics). The end result is hagiography but one that is mostly deserved.
The author is an economic historian so the coverage of some of Hamilton's economic policies and activities are particularly good in this book. I was aware that Hamilton encouraged full repayment of revolutionary war loans and the creation of the national bank but the book made a few more details clear. For example, Hamilton's policy encourage full repayment of loans to foreign investors but actually restructured payments (reduced interest rates) to domestic borrowers (an interesting dovetail with an old paper that showed protection of property rights for foreign investment grew the economy, but protection of domestic investment did less). The government would also commit not to retiring the bonds but slowly buy them back to support the bond prices. The bonds also interlocked with the national bank, since while the bank was 20% owned by the government, 80% of the bank was privately owned. Private investors could buy stock through four installments, the first had to be in cash but the three remaining ones could be in bonds. Hamilton also supported bond prices through a guaranteed buyback program (funded by foreign loan) in the wake of a failed attempted by others to corner certain bond markets. I also learned that Hamilton wrote the charter for the bank of new york and had advised Robert Morris on the Bank of North America (which eventually became Wells Fargo). I appreciated the short chapter on institutions and the development of modern banking (in the italian city states and England) and Hamilton's appreciation of how modern banking was vital to funding wars and empire building (the author's work that Hamilton seemed to draw directly from the economist James Steuart seemed original).
The book also cleared up and taught me a few non-financial facts about Hamilton's life. The book discusses some of the new research where some suggested that Hamilton, who despite being anti-slavery, had purchased slaves (because of certain receipts). The book concludes that Hamilton had likely purchased slaves for sister in law (because on the timing of their original planned arrival and the fact that Hamilton died without any slaves). The book also cleared up to me the role of Monroe in the Maria Reynold's affair. After hearing rumors Monroe and two others confronted Hamilton privately with the charge of illegal speculation, but was assured by Hamilton of what really transpired (he was being blackmailed for having an affair). Despite giving assurances the matter would remain private, Monroe retained copies with a clerk which were eventually leaked. I was surprised to learn that Hamilton argued in favor of granting Vermont independence before the new york state legislature. I also learned that after suffering his fatal wound, Hamilton asked for last rites but was denied them until he repented for dueling (against church law) and forgave everyone involved in the duel.
The book's content was good overall, but there are a few points that I disagreed with. The author, like other biographers, falls a bit in love with his subject. In the conflict between Hamilton and Adams, the author without reservation takes the side of Hamilton, dismissing charges that Hamilton was an empire builder or warmonger (because he resigned command after the end of the quasi-war with france) and painting Adams as an overly jealous man. I don't think the author gives enough credit to Adams for his diplomacy that avoided war with france, both Hamilton and Adams were flawed characters acting in what they thought were the best interests of America. The author also praises Hamilton's plans for infant industries tariffs (protectionism) and seems to use that anachronistically as evidence against free trade. I think the evidence is more mixed, especially since during that time, it likely would have been difficult for the federal government to collect internal taxes to fund itself but easier for it to collect customs.
Additionally, overall, the impression I get is that the author tends to give Hamilton much too much credit and grants him almost perfect foresight in financial matters. That's likely bad history but also takes away from the human aspect of Hamilton, with his mistakes, miscalculations, and growth (or byronic characteristics). The end result is hagiography but one that is mostly deserved.
July 17, 2025
I recently found myself listening to the Hamilton musical soundtrack for the first time. Which, of course, sparked my need to further feed the musical theater history nerd in me, so I headed straight to the library where I checked out all they had on Alexander Hamilton— this book being one of them.
I would say this book scratched the itch I had. It’s informative, engaging and visually interesting. I learned a lot that I didn’t know before and found myself constantly having to stop to tell someone the new fun fact I learned. I did read the book entirely in one sitting (while listening to the album)— I couldn’t put it down.
The author is clearly well informed and actually speaks rather casually at times which is a welcome relief in between the packed paragraphs on finance and the Constitution. I did find that I was slowing down during some of the detail explanations of the financial systems and particularly his impact on world financial markets. But I really like the fact that it was included at all.
I wouldn’t say that the book went into great detail into everything I had hoped for. And my biggest gripe with it is probably the fact that the flow of the book felt off. The book is not laid out in a linear way chronologically, instead it’s laid out according to different eras of his life based on the different roles/jobs he held. I kept thinking that the author had skipped events only to revisit them later and it made it difficult to understand the overarching timeline of his life and accomplishments.
Overall, you can tell the author just wants to give Hamilton his full credits for the works and notions that he sowed before his death. Frankly, I think the founding father would be touched.
I would say this book scratched the itch I had. It’s informative, engaging and visually interesting. I learned a lot that I didn’t know before and found myself constantly having to stop to tell someone the new fun fact I learned. I did read the book entirely in one sitting (while listening to the album)— I couldn’t put it down.
The author is clearly well informed and actually speaks rather casually at times which is a welcome relief in between the packed paragraphs on finance and the Constitution. I did find that I was slowing down during some of the detail explanations of the financial systems and particularly his impact on world financial markets. But I really like the fact that it was included at all.
I wouldn’t say that the book went into great detail into everything I had hoped for. And my biggest gripe with it is probably the fact that the flow of the book felt off. The book is not laid out in a linear way chronologically, instead it’s laid out according to different eras of his life based on the different roles/jobs he held. I kept thinking that the author had skipped events only to revisit them later and it made it difficult to understand the overarching timeline of his life and accomplishments.
Overall, you can tell the author just wants to give Hamilton his full credits for the works and notions that he sowed before his death. Frankly, I think the founding father would be touched.
July 21, 2020
Having become instantly obsessed with all things Hamilton since seeing Hamilton with my family, I ordered Chernow's biography immediately. However, that will take me a presidential term to finish, so I needed something full and rich that I could conclude satisfactorily while I absorb the Chernow book and every other article I could find on the subject of both Hamilton himself and Miranda's supreme masterpiece.
This definitely delivers the goods, and fills in some gaps that make Hamilton even richer, deeper, and more well-rounded than I had previously believed (today's libel laws are still modeled on his outlines for it!). The author gives just enough about every facet of Hamilton's layered, too-short life to get enough of the appetite whetted, and to springboard off to continued googling and reading. The contextual maps and artwork are absolutely delightful as well.
Hamilton is amazing conversation, and the book itself, and its cover, is so gorgeously wrought that I might purchase a coffee table just so that I could place this atop it.
This definitely delivers the goods, and fills in some gaps that make Hamilton even richer, deeper, and more well-rounded than I had previously believed (today's libel laws are still modeled on his outlines for it!). The author gives just enough about every facet of Hamilton's layered, too-short life to get enough of the appetite whetted, and to springboard off to continued googling and reading. The contextual maps and artwork are absolutely delightful as well.
Hamilton is amazing conversation, and the book itself, and its cover, is so gorgeously wrought that I might purchase a coffee table just so that I could place this atop it.
August 28, 2022
Pretty dumb leftwing propaganda. Skip it unless you're a Democrat or leftwing.
From the introduction, "Republicans...pounced to create a southern strategy of states' rights, covert racism and opposition to federal power."
Yes, in a biography of a figure from the late 1700s and early 1800s, we really need your hackery about modern politics, and the party you don't like. Yes, that was the planning in GOP strategy sessions, covert racism as the key to winning the South.
Excellent history writing.
Darn, I'll have to look up another book on Hamilton because I want to read one about him.
From the introduction, "Republicans...pounced to create a southern strategy of states' rights, covert racism and opposition to federal power."
Yes, in a biography of a figure from the late 1700s and early 1800s, we really need your hackery about modern politics, and the party you don't like. Yes, that was the planning in GOP strategy sessions, covert racism as the key to winning the South.
Excellent history writing.
Darn, I'll have to look up another book on Hamilton because I want to read one about him.
July 23, 2019
Very readable and quite a beautiful book from beginning to end! The author clearly took the time to do his research. Even though the biographical musical is mentioned a few times and casual references are put in, it does not truly pander to those fans or follow the plot line of the broadway show. This book does delve into the theory and principals of Hamilton’s financial and political ideology which may have to be closely examined to fully encompass the quotes in the book. But that is hardly a fault when these aspects made up so much of this brilliant man’s life.
January 3, 2020
Instead of being linear, it’s divided into the hats that Hamilton wore, “abolistionist”, “soldier”, etc. which makes it repetitive in parts. It’s short, so it is sparse on some details, but a good overall summary. There are a lot of cool pictures in this. I wish Sylla would do a Ben Franklin Edition like this.
Overall, a worthwhile read if you’re introducing yourself to Hamilton’s history.
Overall, a worthwhile read if you’re introducing yourself to Hamilton’s history.
October 23, 2017
I remembered nothing about Alexander Hamilton from school, and what a wonderful way to catch up on a most influential and brilliant forefathers of this country. The illustrations are beautiful, and the words bring history to life.
March 14, 2018
This is a wonderful "fully illustrated including color lithographs" version of Hamilton's life. Even if you read and loved Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton, this is a beautiful compliment which brings old Alex full circle to hit subject of a unique Broadway musical.
February 3, 2019
Easy to read and fairly short, this book provides an excellent overview of Alexander Hamilton’s life and contributions to the founding of America and our society today. For me, this was a good alternative to Chernov’s 800 page biography.
April 14, 2020
I enjoyed this book as recently my school has closed so I needed to get back into US history which we covered in the first semester. It is beautifully written I feel as if I have gained more of an understanding of one of our founding fathers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2020
A very thorough look at the life of Alexander Hamilton and the impact he has had on the development of not just the United States, but the world itself. An excellent, informative read that is aided by an amazing selection of pictures and illustrations. Definitely worth looking at.
January 2, 2024
It is most certainly not as great as Chernow's biography on Hamilton, but it is still quite readable and approachable with colorful infographics, which makes it an excellent option for those who wish to begin learning about one of the "composers of this great symphony."
June 27, 2017
This illustrated biograpy of Hamilton was a decent read and some of the illustrations were enlightening. However, I prefer the book written by Ron (forgot his last name).
January 26, 2018
This had lots of great pictures and was very interesting. I liked seeing what all the real people looked like and where they were.
June 15, 2019
Way too much focus on his financial achievements. I wanted more on everything else. Barely glossed over his personal life.
July 9, 2019
Very interesting and great illustrations. I was very surprised to learn of Hamilton’s contributions to American Government and banking.
September 28, 2019
A great overview of Hamilton’s life filled with beautiful paintings. Very well organized, and uses pictures to supplement the text. A perfect gift for any history or Hamilton buff!
Read
February 20, 2021A really great, in-depth telling of Hamilton. The pictures and maps give perspective and a true sense of history.
April 17, 2022
Illustrated Biography
February 19, 2017
While some books are described as illustrated, this one over delivers. It is packed with detailed images of Alexander Hamilton, the people in his life and the locations where the events happened. It is unfortunate that when the founding fathers are discussed, the focus is on the men that became president, independent of their level of success. Hamilton is largely dismissed, even though his influence was likely greater than even that of Thomas Jefferson.
For what Hamilton did was make the new nation of the United States financially viable and set it on the course to be the leading industrial power of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Hamilton established the banking system that led to the federal government having a line of credit that allowed it to borrow vast sums when needed. When his political opponent Thomas Jefferson wanted to purchase the Louisiana Territory from France, it was the policies of Hamilton that made it financially possible. Ironically, these were policies that Jefferson had long been on the record as opposing.
Hamilton was also an avid supporter of a strong central government and tariff policies that encouraged the development of domestic industries. He understood that the purchase of cheap goods from foreign nations would not lead to the fledgling nation developing the industrial base that would lead to economic and military security. Others such as Jefferson and James Madison considered the United States to be an agrarian country that did not need industry.
This is a great book about Alexander Hamilton, the man that was arguably the smartest and most influential of the group of men collectively called “the founding fathers.” Killed at a relatively young age in a senseless, pointless duel with Aaron Burr, Hamilton could have accomplished far more than the list of incredible things that are not often recognized. This book does a great deal to right that unfortunate historical wrong.
For what Hamilton did was make the new nation of the United States financially viable and set it on the course to be the leading industrial power of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Hamilton established the banking system that led to the federal government having a line of credit that allowed it to borrow vast sums when needed. When his political opponent Thomas Jefferson wanted to purchase the Louisiana Territory from France, it was the policies of Hamilton that made it financially possible. Ironically, these were policies that Jefferson had long been on the record as opposing.
Hamilton was also an avid supporter of a strong central government and tariff policies that encouraged the development of domestic industries. He understood that the purchase of cheap goods from foreign nations would not lead to the fledgling nation developing the industrial base that would lead to economic and military security. Others such as Jefferson and James Madison considered the United States to be an agrarian country that did not need industry.
This is a great book about Alexander Hamilton, the man that was arguably the smartest and most influential of the group of men collectively called “the founding fathers.” Killed at a relatively young age in a senseless, pointless duel with Aaron Burr, Hamilton could have accomplished far more than the list of incredible things that are not often recognized. This book does a great deal to right that unfortunate historical wrong.
August 18, 2022
What a beautiful book! Hamilton by Richard Sylla is an autographed biography rich with information and beauty. Each page is a work of art in itself. There were quite a few portraits of Hamilton and the Schuyler's I haven't seen before, along with other paintings, letters, and memorabilia illia. This is a perfect purchase or gift for any fan of Alexander Hamilton or the musical!
This was 50% off at my local Barnes and Noble, perhaps it's the same at yours if you hurry.
This was 50% off at my local Barnes and Noble, perhaps it's the same at yours if you hurry.
January 21, 2017
The best of both worlds - an inside look at one our most controversial founding fathers, surrounded with an incredible amount of illustrations from the time period. A great read which is also simply gorgeous to view.
September 29, 2018
Reading this beautiful illustrated biography of the ten dollar Founding Father (without a father) (sorry couldn't help myself from quoting the Broadway musical) has been illuminating. It is impossible to completely measure the impact that this man has had not only on American history but also upon the history of the world. I have a much greater appreciation for the intricacies of the life of this man and of the impact that he has had on the course of political, financial and social issues. Issues that we still grapple with to this day. Sylla does a good job of breathing life in to a man whose life was cut short and giving the appropriate level of gravity and understanding of the situations that Hamilton was involved with. While he was by no means a perfect man, this biography gives the due respect to this man while still painting an appropriate picture of the flaws that led to his untimely death. So glad that this was my first book of 2018. Hope that they are all this entertaining and informative.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews