Alexander Hamilton

By: Ron Chernow

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 35 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The inspiration for the hit Broadway musical Hamilton! In the first full-length biography of Alexander Hamilton in decades, National Book Award winner Ron Chernow tells the riveting story of a man who overcame all odds to shape, inspire, and scandalize the newborn America.

According to historian Joseph Ellis, Alexander Hamilton is “a robust full-length portrait, in my view the best ever written, of the most brilliant, charismatic and dangerous founder of them all.”

Few figures in American history have been more hotly debated or more grossly misunderstood than Alexander Hamilton. Chernow’s biography gives Hamilton his due and sets the record straight, deftly illustrating that the political and economic greatness of today’s America is the result of Hamilton’s countless sacrifices to champion ideas that were often wildly disputed during his time.

“To repudiate his legacy,” Chernow writes, “is, in many ways, to repudiate the modern world.” Chernow here recounts Hamilton’s turbulent life: an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean, he came out of nowhere to take America by storm, rising to become George Washington’s aide-de-camp in the Continental Army, coauthoring The Federalist Papers, founding the Bank of New York, leading the Federalist Party, and becoming the first Treasury Secretary of the United States.

Historians have long told the story of America’s birth as the triumph of Jefferson’s democratic ideals over the aristocratic intentions of Hamilton. Chernow presents an entirely different man, whose legendary ambitions were motivated not merely by self-interest but by passionate patriotism and a stubborn will to build the foundations of American prosperity and power. His is a Hamilton far more human than we’ve encountered before—from his shame about his birth to his fiery aspirations, from his intimate relationships with childhood friends to his titanic feuds with Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Monroe, and Burr, and from his highly public affair with Maria Reynolds to his loving marriage to his loyal wife Eliza. And never before has there been a more vivid account of Hamilton’s famous and mysterious death in a duel with Aaron Burr in July of 1804.

Chernow’s biography is not just a portrait of Hamilton, but the story of America’s birth seen through its most central figure. At a critical time to look back to our roots, Alexander Hamilton will remind readers of the purpose of our institutions and our heritage as Americans.

©2004 Ron Chernow (P)2004 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

• George Washington Book Prize Winner, 2005

"Comprehensive and superbly written." (Booklist)
"This is a fine work that captures Hamilton's life with judiciousness and verve." (Publishers Weekly)
"Literate and full of engaging historical asides. By far the best of the many lives of Hamilton now in print." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Scott Brick delivers a highly professional, straightforward narration that holds one's interest throughout. Straight narrative can become boring, and Brick is never that. Nor does he become lazy in the course of 36 hours. His voice and evident interest are fresh throughout." (AudioFile)

great story

a tremendous history lesson about a man so vital to the shaping of our nation. I was immediately drawn in by the great story and narration. 35 hours of enjoyment while walking.

Captivating Biography

This captivating biography does justice to the remarkable life of Alexander Hamilton. Blown Away!

A must read for anyone wanting to see the musical

I read this book as a companion to America’s First Daughter. I loved the opposing perspective to the Jeffersonians. Moreover learning all about Hamilton educated and delighted me for many many hours. Don’t feel daunted by the length of the story. It goes by in a flash and is so compelling. Hamilton is one of my new heroes and I learned about how his intellect and foresight molded our government. In addition I totally understand the context for all of the Hamilton songs from the broadway play!

Alexander Hamilton, What a Story!

It's almost unbelievable that only recently his story went public. after everything, he did to the USA.

All the American people should pay a tribute to all his accomplishments.

I got literally astonishing about his devotion, principles, and ingenious mind.

Now, they - Hamilton and Elisa, became one of my favorites true-life characters.

I strongly recommend this listening.

All Americans need to know

The biography is an amazing story about an amazing American we owe so much to this genius and chernow tells the story with the skill of a master a must read for all freedom loving Americans

Impressive

Would you consider the audio edition of Alexander Hamilton to be better than the print version?

Very much so.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

He really brought the feelings to life.

Any additional comments?

I've never really looked at the founding fathers as people. I really got to know the people, not just the ideas. I felt the times as hard and exciting and the building phases of our country and how they came about was almost magical. General Hamilton wasn't perfect, but he reminds me of all true visionaries. A little strange, idealistic, and driven enough to make it happen. The Steve Jobs of the late 1700s. I felt the end as if he was a family member not just a character in a long distant history lesson.

Wow.

It took a long time to listen to this book, but it has awakened in me a deep appreciation for our forefathers, their challenges, suffering and accomplishments.

awesome

We just think we learn American history in high school. This book is highly insightful.

History Buff

an amazing story! kept my attentionfrom the very first paragraph. I will definitely be exploring otherworks by Mr. Chernow.

Should be mandatory reading/listening for all American citizens

Great book! Engaging, interesting , and riveting! The audio quality and voice quality is excellent. Should be required reading in US history classes.