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Founding Fathers of America - Hourly History #2
Alexander Hamilton: A Life From Beginning to End
Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton did not rise to public prominence as an austere New Englander or a gentlemanly Virginian. He was not born in the colonies at all. He was born in the West Indies, the son of a woman of French descent who had left her husband for another man. As an illegitimate child, Hamilton could not be educated in the local church school, so businessmen, impressed by his remarkable intelligence, sent him to America for his schooling. The American Revolution would interrupt his vacation but accelerate his promotion to the national stage from his service as George Washington's aide-de-camp to his position as the new nation's first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton understood money and knew that for the nation to thrive, it had to become financially strong, a stance which brought him into contention with other Founding Fathers who distrusted his enthusiasm for a strong central government. Inside you will read about... - Hamilton Rises - The Patriotic Prodigy - Hamilton the Politician and Puller of Strings - Washington's Man at the Treasury - The Reynolds Affair - Back to New York - Hamilton and Burr: The Final Chapter His extramarital affair with a married woman brought his public career to a conclusion but he continued to involve himself in political intrigue. It was his role in a contested election that brought him to a duel with Aaron Burr, the shadowy character in American history. Scandal and death cannot overpower the mighty role he played in building the United States of America.
46 pages, Paperback
Published December 19, 2016
About the author
Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 14, 2018
Alexander Hamilton: A Life From Beginning to End One Hour History
Long before the musical I admired this man.
As a child I saw that we shared a birthday (Different Year Though). And 250 years after his birth my son Alexander was born!
In this political environment we should remember the only immigrant on US Currency, and all he did for this country.
He founded 2 companies that are still around today (NY Post and Bank Of New York).
He died at 47 and left 8 kids behind, and his wife lived another 50 years!
Imagine if every political dispute ended up in a duel? We'd have no politicians!
Long before the musical I admired this man.
As a child I saw that we shared a birthday (Different Year Though). And 250 years after his birth my son Alexander was born!
In this political environment we should remember the only immigrant on US Currency, and all he did for this country.
He founded 2 companies that are still around today (NY Post and Bank Of New York).
He died at 47 and left 8 kids behind, and his wife lived another 50 years!
Imagine if every political dispute ended up in a duel? We'd have no politicians!
July 9, 2018
Less than 50 pages this little booklet told me all I wanted to know about Alexander Hamilton. Well written, concise and, I assume, covering all of the highlights (and lowlights) of a remarkable man.
March 29, 2017
Labeled as a bastard in the society of his birth, Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11, 1755, in Charlestown on the Island of Nevis, in the West Indies. Immigrating to the North American colonies in 1772, he lived in New York and attended King’s College (later to be renamed Columbia University). His plans of graduating and reading law are cut short when the spirit of revolution raises its head in 1775. Like countless others, Hamilton marched to the drum and served in the Revolutionary War; serving as General George Washington’s Aid-de-Camp for a large portion of it.
Like so many others, Hamilton had a vision for the newly independent nation he had fought to create. He worked with other great men of the time to compose the Constitution of the United States and was one of its signers.
Many people erroneously assume that the founding fathers of the United States were only those who signed the Declaration of Independence or served as president in the first couple of decades of the new nation. I say “erroneously” because the country that would one day be the world power it is today is the result of many individuals and their unique perspectives.
Reading this micro-biography, one is introduced (or reintroduced, as the case may be), to the mind of a great intellectual and visionary. Serving as the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was a supporter strong central government and his vision, though not shared by all, forms the basis of the economic system we enjoy today.
Alexander Hamilton, like many of his contemporaries, was a man of passion. Politics within this new and budding government hasn’t changed much over the last 235 years. I, like many people around the world, looked at the 2016 Presidential Election with horror and even disgust. This book serves as a reminder that the antics and accusations of politicians are as old as this country. The only big change is in multi-media. Alexander Hamilton is best known for his portrait on a ten dollar bill. That is a more than a suitable place of reverence to one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Like so many others, Hamilton had a vision for the newly independent nation he had fought to create. He worked with other great men of the time to compose the Constitution of the United States and was one of its signers.
Many people erroneously assume that the founding fathers of the United States were only those who signed the Declaration of Independence or served as president in the first couple of decades of the new nation. I say “erroneously” because the country that would one day be the world power it is today is the result of many individuals and their unique perspectives.
Reading this micro-biography, one is introduced (or reintroduced, as the case may be), to the mind of a great intellectual and visionary. Serving as the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was a supporter strong central government and his vision, though not shared by all, forms the basis of the economic system we enjoy today.
Alexander Hamilton, like many of his contemporaries, was a man of passion. Politics within this new and budding government hasn’t changed much over the last 235 years. I, like many people around the world, looked at the 2016 Presidential Election with horror and even disgust. This book serves as a reminder that the antics and accusations of politicians are as old as this country. The only big change is in multi-media. Alexander Hamilton is best known for his portrait on a ten dollar bill. That is a more than a suitable place of reverence to one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
November 26, 2017
A great introduction to the life of a most extraordinary man, who may have never become President but who influenced American history in ways that are still felt today.
June 5, 2021
Nice and short, not academic, more like a feature article I guess. Good to read after the musical.
March 28, 2019
"How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by providence, impoverished, in squalor grow up to be a hero and a scholar?" Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton the Musical)
I've read a number of "One Hour Histories" now about a lot of topics. Some I like very much and some not so much. This one I liked very much. Alexander Hamilton had an incredible life. He was orphaned very young, in almost impossible poverty, and yet his intelligence made him stand out and draw the attention of those who helped him. He wasn't perfect and yet our country owes him so much. It seemed as though destiny threw him in Aaron Burr's path over and over again. How very sad that his beloved son died in a duel and a few years later Hamilton died in a duel as well.
I've read a number of "One Hour Histories" now about a lot of topics. Some I like very much and some not so much. This one I liked very much. Alexander Hamilton had an incredible life. He was orphaned very young, in almost impossible poverty, and yet his intelligence made him stand out and draw the attention of those who helped him. He wasn't perfect and yet our country owes him so much. It seemed as though destiny threw him in Aaron Burr's path over and over again. How very sad that his beloved son died in a duel and a few years later Hamilton died in a duel as well.
August 18, 2019
Having had the good fortune to learn a bit about Hamilton a couple of years ago, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read this hourly history. My first introduction to Hamilton, as with many of us, was while I was in high school studying American history. I had forgotten a good bit about Hamilton until visiting Yorktown during the summer of 2018.
Standing in the fields of the battle of Yorktown, and actually walking in and near Redoubt 9 and Redoubt 10 where Lafayette and Hamilton and their 400 troops defeated General Cornwallace and his troops was amazing.
Now reading more about Hamilton, his political aspirations, his dedication to our country and to our country’s financial system, gives me pause.
Standing in the fields of the battle of Yorktown, and actually walking in and near Redoubt 9 and Redoubt 10 where Lafayette and Hamilton and their 400 troops defeated General Cornwallace and his troops was amazing.
Now reading more about Hamilton, his political aspirations, his dedication to our country and to our country’s financial system, gives me pause.
February 15, 2019
A very quick read and a satisfyingly comprehensive biography of Alexander Hamilton. I knew so little about this man that most of the context was an enjoyable history lesson for me. This also whet my appetite for a more in depth work about his life, leading me to Ron Chernow's eponymous tome. No happy medium with these two choices but beginning with this book and speed reading through much of the second, there is little left to the imagination and you will walk away with a definite opinion of this over-achiever who played a hefty role in the forming the USA as we know it today.
November 13, 2021
More Than The Musical
This short book gives a very high level biography of Hamilton. The nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury and a confidant of George Washington, Hamilton had outsized influence on the Constitution and early years of the United Sates. Hampered only be his passions, he rarely gets the credit he deserves. This book will give some of that credit and insight. A good read.
This short book gives a very high level biography of Hamilton. The nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury and a confidant of George Washington, Hamilton had outsized influence on the Constitution and early years of the United Sates. Hampered only be his passions, he rarely gets the credit he deserves. This book will give some of that credit and insight. A good read.
February 25, 2024
A terrific read.
I read this short book with interest, as the only thing mentioned in the History books I read when young was a two line mention of his duel with Burr. Lin Manual Miranda did him a great service and this book in a short way did the same. The coast guard, the Treasury and his service to our country is a wonderful example of working ones way up from the bottom. I wish I knew him.
I read this short book with interest, as the only thing mentioned in the History books I read when young was a two line mention of his duel with Burr. Lin Manual Miranda did him a great service and this book in a short way did the same. The coast guard, the Treasury and his service to our country is a wonderful example of working ones way up from the bottom. I wish I knew him.
March 6, 2019
Interesting account
This was a very interesting account of Alexander Hamilton’s life. He was definitely not a boring founding father of our nation. Hamilton was a man who made mistakes, sacrifices, and apologizes. It would be interesting to learn more about his wife and how she constantly overcame his shortcomings.
This was a very interesting account of Alexander Hamilton’s life. He was definitely not a boring founding father of our nation. Hamilton was a man who made mistakes, sacrifices, and apologizes. It would be interesting to learn more about his wife and how she constantly overcame his shortcomings.
July 4, 2019
Educational Read
Reading about the history of our country is always educational and helps us to remember our roots. Alexander Hamilton may never have been president, but he did much to develop a healthy government that united the states, voiced the best ideas for a strong economy and developed the government banking system.
Reading about the history of our country is always educational and helps us to remember our roots. Alexander Hamilton may never have been president, but he did much to develop a healthy government that united the states, voiced the best ideas for a strong economy and developed the government banking system.
August 29, 2017
A great start about an easy American leader...
I will admit that I really didn't know much about Alexander Hamilton before reading this book. I appreciated how the author included information about Hamilton The Musical. I would like to find out even more about Alexander Hamilton.
I will admit that I really didn't know much about Alexander Hamilton before reading this book. I appreciated how the author included information about Hamilton The Musical. I would like to find out even more about Alexander Hamilton.
November 4, 2017
Another great add in the Hourly History series. Possibly one of my favourite in the series. The fact I had no knowledge of Hamilton might be one of the factors that made me enjoy his story so much. Regardless, I found the book well written and enjoyable. And informative, of course.
March 23, 2018
Great historical reading, would not have believed this went on back then. Bravo!
Many have tried but this book does it better than any of
The older written books, I felt apart of history, great job!!!
Many have tried but this book does it better than any of
The older written books, I felt apart of history, great job!!!
March 4, 2019
A Foreign Orphan Fights to Unite the States
This quick and easy read is informative and interesting. I recommend it for history buffs as young as middle school. It shines a light on our early days as a united states.
This quick and easy read is informative and interesting. I recommend it for history buffs as young as middle school. It shines a light on our early days as a united states.
April 19, 2019
Good Overview
The author does an excellent job of writing the highlights of Hamilton's life. His writing is a quick, easy read. I would like to see a more involved biography by the author.
The author does an excellent job of writing the highlights of Hamilton's life. His writing is a quick, easy read. I would like to see a more involved biography by the author.
April 20, 2019
After my children got interested in the musical, I have decided to take a more in depth look at a few of the known and lesser known historical characters. This book was a great, whort read about Hamilton and gave me a somewhat better insight into his life.
August 4, 2020
I downloaded this after watching "Hamilton" as I realised how little I knew about American history and that I knew nothing at all about Hamilton himself. It was a good well-written account of his life, which I really enjoyed reading.
October 20, 2017
A Kindle read
February 23, 2018
oh my goodness! i really enjoyed this. i knew nothing about him so thank you Hourly History for this brief introduction
March 30, 2018
More than I ever knew!
May 22, 2018
Interesting biography about one of America's most controversial characters.
November 2, 2019
Great fast read
I have a passion for American History. This is a great fast read. I am looking forward to reading all of them.
I have a passion for American History. This is a great fast read. I am looking forward to reading all of them.
July 8, 2020
Quick simple and to the point
I really enjoyed this short story great for a quick read into the basic background of Alexander Hamilton thank you
I really enjoyed this short story great for a quick read into the basic background of Alexander Hamilton thank you
July 8, 2021
Hamilton’s right hand compendium.
Very easy reading and so informative. A perfect accompaniment for fans of the musical. I learnt and consolidated so much!
Very easy reading and so informative. A perfect accompaniment for fans of the musical. I learnt and consolidated so much!
September 13, 2021
I enjoyed the book.
I’ve never even heard about Hamilton before watching the play,
I’m eager to read more about early American history and our founding fathers.
I’ve never even heard about Hamilton before watching the play,
I’m eager to read more about early American history and our founding fathers.
April 4, 2022
good synopsis
Great synopsis of Hamilton’s life. I really enjoyed it. Now I want to read the biography to learn more about him.
Great synopsis of Hamilton’s life. I really enjoyed it. Now I want to read the biography to learn more about him.
February 9, 2023
A good quick biography of Alexander Hamilton. Definitely not in-depth but good for a quick run down of one of the most important founding fathers.
June 26, 2023
lots of information
This book is quick and tells you lots of things about Alexander Hamilton. He was quite interesting character that has a very colorful life.
This book is quick and tells you lots of things about Alexander Hamilton. He was quite interesting character that has a very colorful life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews