bcsylve's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
carol_anne's review against another edition
5.0
Finally finished reading "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow. It is a VERY good book, full of detail of the behind the scenes machinations of the early republic. I could see the foundation of some of today's political idiocy especially during the Adams and Jefferson administrations.
I'll never think of the founding fathers in the same way again. They were all putzes. George Washington fared the best, but sometimes I wanted to yell at him too. Adams was insane, Madison a lackey to Jefferson, and Jefferson and Monroe were scoundrels. Hamilton was definitely full of himself and foisted his opinion on everyone, whether they wanted to hear it or not. How the hell they created a functional government in those early days was nothing short of a miracle.
Also, in the musical "Hamilton", Lin-Manuel Miranda had a MUCH kinder treatment of Aaron Burr. Way kinder than the real Aaron Burr deserved. It was interesting to learn how much of a self-important jerk Burr was.
If you want to have your suburban, watered-down, high school American history knowledge shoved to the wayside, this is the book you need to read. I highly recommend it.
I'll never think of the founding fathers in the same way again. They were all putzes. George Washington fared the best, but sometimes I wanted to yell at him too. Adams was insane, Madison a lackey to Jefferson, and Jefferson and Monroe were scoundrels. Hamilton was definitely full of himself and foisted his opinion on everyone, whether they wanted to hear it or not. How the hell they created a functional government in those early days was nothing short of a miracle.
Also, in the musical "Hamilton", Lin-Manuel Miranda had a MUCH kinder treatment of Aaron Burr. Way kinder than the real Aaron Burr deserved. It was interesting to learn how much of a self-important jerk Burr was.
If you want to have your suburban, watered-down, high school American history knowledge shoved to the wayside, this is the book you need to read. I highly recommend it.
mindyb33's review against another edition
4.0
Very detailed and well researched of the life of Hamilton.
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
This was far more fascinating than it had any claim to be, and I credit Ron Chernow for his exhaustive research, insights into both the history and the humanity, and the framing of a comprehensive narrative in an accessible way. He saw beyond facts and documents to the drama and humor and cunning and hubris. Truth is stranger than fiction, and no one could have dreamed up a character quite like Alexander Hamilton.
I am intrigued by process, and one of the reasons (OK, the primary reason) I wanted to read this was to discern how much of Miranda's inspiration rose specifically from this narrative and how much was his taking small seeds to entirely transform via his own magic. The answer, as I suspected, is that it is pretty even. There were a few parts that I thought I had even inadvertently rewound because I knew facts so well (about the Federalist Papers, no less), but I chuckled to realize that it was only because the musical lifted those specific quotes or characterizations. However, it would be impossible not to be impressed on an entirely new level with the genius of Miranda and his craftsmanship in knowing where to take license, where to remain extremely faithful, and how to distill expansive detail into briefer appearances on stage. It's jaw-dropping. For instance, the Maria Reynolds affair and repercussions take up a large portion of the book, but transferring that proportion to the dramatization would have overwhelmed. Also, not having seen the production, I can't say for certain, but Chernow's account portrays Hamilton's own faults and missteps with less of a rose-colored filter than does the libretto. It's understandable why this would be downplayed in production, but it was interesting to notice. I won't compare and contrast at additional length here, but the exercise of analyzing those choices as I listened heightened my enjoyment in the experience.
I will say that John Adams doesn't come out looking too well. I'm almost tempted to read McCullough's biography to see how a story centered on Adams might in turn paint Hamilton.
audiobook note: I expended extra effort to track down the unabridged recording because a) in spite of the length, I was not willing to have a less-than-whole experience and b) though the narrator of the abridged is also highly expert, this edition enlisted the immensely talented Scott Brick. Recently a friend characterized his readings as having an almost smug quality, and truth be told, I get that. When I pushed play the next time after that comment, I could hear hints of what might come across in that way. What I haven't quite identified is why that isn't my experience, at least in most of his performances. Perhaps what might be construed as self-importance or something of the know-it-all (my words, not hers) to some, instead are perceived as layering a light animation and authority to what otherwise might be rhythmless recounting. I'm not certain, and I'll probably ruminate further on this. All I can say is that it was a genuine pleasure to have Brick read me this history over the course of two months. He was both comfortable companion and genial instructor. Wouldn't have it any other way.
I am intrigued by process, and one of the reasons (OK, the primary reason) I wanted to read this was to discern how much of Miranda's inspiration rose specifically from this narrative and how much was his taking small seeds to entirely transform via his own magic. The answer, as I suspected, is that it is pretty even. There were a few parts that I thought I had even inadvertently rewound because I knew facts so well (about the Federalist Papers, no less), but I chuckled to realize that it was only because the musical lifted those specific quotes or characterizations. However, it would be impossible not to be impressed on an entirely new level with the genius of Miranda and his craftsmanship in knowing where to take license, where to remain extremely faithful, and how to distill expansive detail into briefer appearances on stage. It's jaw-dropping. For instance, the Maria Reynolds affair and repercussions take up a large portion of the book, but transferring that proportion to the dramatization would have overwhelmed. Also, not having seen the production, I can't say for certain, but Chernow's account portrays Hamilton's own faults and missteps with less of a rose-colored filter than does the libretto. It's understandable why this would be downplayed in production, but it was interesting to notice. I won't compare and contrast at additional length here, but the exercise of analyzing those choices as I listened heightened my enjoyment in the experience.
I will say that John Adams doesn't come out looking too well. I'm almost tempted to read McCullough's biography to see how a story centered on Adams might in turn paint Hamilton.
audiobook note: I expended extra effort to track down the unabridged recording because a) in spite of the length, I was not willing to have a less-than-whole experience and b) though the narrator of the abridged is also highly expert, this edition enlisted the immensely talented Scott Brick. Recently a friend characterized his readings as having an almost smug quality, and truth be told, I get that. When I pushed play the next time after that comment, I could hear hints of what might come across in that way. What I haven't quite identified is why that isn't my experience, at least in most of his performances. Perhaps what might be construed as self-importance or something of the know-it-all (my words, not hers) to some, instead are perceived as layering a light animation and authority to what otherwise might be rhythmless recounting. I'm not certain, and I'll probably ruminate further on this. All I can say is that it was a genuine pleasure to have Brick read me this history over the course of two months. He was both comfortable companion and genial instructor. Wouldn't have it any other way.
mariahhanley's review
5.0
This was one of the best books I’ve ever read. Although it took me many hours to finish, it was worth it. Hamilton is a fascinating character and Chernow’s portrayal is thorough and enlightening. I am so glad I finally read this.
bri_noyes1's review
5.0
An exhaustive biography but I’m so glad I read it. Chernow managed to expertly provide historical context, and evaluate all possibilities of intent, and motive for all involved characters in Hamilton’s history. I learned so much and have a greater appreciation for this historical giant that I really knew relatively little about. An honestly beautiful biography.