Alexander Hamilton

by Henry Jones Ford, Gordon Lucy (Introduction), Derek a Rowlinson (Editor)

Alexander Hamilton has been, and continues to be, a controversial figure in American history. Some have viewed him as a visionary statesman without whom the United States may not even have come into existence. Others have regarded him as a pernicious advocate of big government and even a closet monarchist. In Hamilton's own time, George Washington evidently held him in high esteem, whereas President John Adams referred to him as the "bastard brat of a Scotch pedlar". The nature of Hamilton politically and personally will undoubtedly continue to be a subject of debate but, at the end of the day, it is simply a matter of perception. However, what is difficult to deny is that he was a man of high intelligence and ability who was exceptionally diligent in the performance of his public duties. In this biography, Henry Jones Ford (1851-1925), professor of politics at Princeton University, while acknowledging Hamilton's flaws and errors, provides ample evidence of the capabilities and prodigious work-rate of the man. There is also an obvious admiration for Hamilton's apparent disregard of popular opinion. He would meditate deeply on an issue, formulate a plan for what he believed to be the best practical outcome then, in faith that it was perfectly sound, state and adhere to it irrespective of how it was received by the "The peculiar heroism of his statesmanship is his utter fearlessness of unpopularity. Public men are apt to shrink from that, and face it only when brought to bay; but Hamilton seems never to have hesitated to brave it whenever a political issue appeared to him to involve the honor of his country. That is not a trait by which American politicians get ahead, and it worked against Hamilton's personal success in public life. His achievements were all accomplished by sheer force of intellect; his career owed nothing to popular favor." Ford is equally impressed by Hamilton's ability to actually achieve, and without blowing his own trumpet, another rarity among politicians both past and "It was one of Hamilton's characteristics all through life that his interest was in getting things done, not in celebrating the doing of them." Although written in the early part of the twentieth century, Ford's biography of Alexander Hamilton is still very accessible today and provides a thoughtful perspective on an historic figure whose career and achievements were for many years in sore need of rehabilitation. This new edition, with reset text, includes a biographical note on the author, an introduction, and additional footnotes.

Genres: Biography, History

274 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

About the author

Henry Jones Ford (1851–1925) was a political scientist, journalist, university professor, and government official.

Ford worked as a managing editor and editorial writer from 1872 to 1905, at six different newspapers in three cities (Baltimore, New York and Pittsburgh).

Later returning to Baltimore (his hometown), Ford taught at Johns Hopkins University, and afterwards taught at the University of Pennsylvania. He later took a job as professor of politics at Princeton University, at the request of the university's then-president, Woodrow Wilson.

Ford's association with Wilson would take him also into politics. When Wilson became governor of New Jersey, he appointed Ford Commissioner of Banking and Insurance; after Wilson became president, Ford was sent to the Philippines on a special mission, reporting directly to the president, and toward the end of Wilson's presidency Ford was named to a position on the Interstate Commerce Commission. Their association would also result in Ford's book Woodrow Wilson, the Man and His Work, which was an account of Wilson's experience on the presidential campaign trail.

Ford served as president of the American Political Science Association from 1918 to 1919.

Reviews

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book is quoted as saying,
"The constitutional ideal is noble; but the politicians are vile. If only the checks could be made more effective, if only a just balance of power could be established beyond the strength of the politicians to disarrange ... the constitution would work perfectly."
Early American politics was certainly just as divisive and drama filled as our current situations.
I learned so much about Hamilton and I think he was one of the few who understood the importance of this document and the obstacles facing the uncertain success of the new nation. He was certainly not with out pride or faults but willingly sacrificed financial security to be of service to his country. This is a great introduction and I look forward to diving deeper into his writings.

[Nadja · Rating 2 out of 5]

It feels incomplete. Interesting, but sounds pretty outdated on many points.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief but interesting biography of Hamilton's life. I wanted some more details, but I definitely learned a lot about the man.