Hamilton - by Tony Williams (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Broadway hit Hamilton has sparked unprecedented interest in its historical protagonist, Alexander Hamilton. For readers just discovering Hamilton or those with an insatiable appetite for books on the Founders, Tony Williams's quick-moving, concise biography will shed new l...

Book Synopsis

The Broadway hit Hamilton has sparked unprecedented interest in its historical protagonist, Alexander Hamilton. For readers just discovering Hamilton or those with an insatiable appetite for books on the Founders, Tony Williams's quick-moving, concise biography will shed new light on this American icon now experiencing a remarkable second act.

Review Quotes

In "Hamilton: An American Biography" Williams expertly weaves together biography with historical events to place Hamilton as one of the most important founding fathers. For readers just discovering Hamilton for the first time or those with an insatiable appetite for books on the Founders and the American Founding, "Hamilton: An American Biography" will shed new light on this American icon now experiencing a remarkable second act... Unreservedly recommended for both community and academic library American Biography collections and Alexander Hamilton supplemental studies lists.

"Hamilton: An American Biography is an erudite but accessible biography of a man who remains one of the least understood Founding Fathers despite (and perhaps because of) the hoopla surrounding the Broadway production based on Ron Chernow's massive opus. Tony Williams manages, where Chernow did not, to present a clear and succinct case for Hamilton's continued relevance in the twenty-first century United States."

"In Hamilton: An American Biography, Tony Williams has crafted a wonderfully accessible exploration of Alexander Hamilton's life, political philosophy, and contributions to the establishment of the American Republic...I can easily see this book in the hands of students around the country eager to learn more about Alexander Hamilton, or even a casual reader of American history looking for an easily readable volume before he or she goes to see the hit Broadway musical."

"This lively and well researched short biography is a wonderful introduction to the noblest, yet most tragically flawed American founder. It may be ideal for precocious youths seeking greater challenges in their reading. Because Hamilton's story of rising from obscurity to greatness parallels the rise of America, it is also a marvelous civics lesson."

Hamilton: An American Biography provides an engaging and accessible narrative that gives an overview of Hamilton's life placed within the context of his times. Williams achieves a good balance between delivering an accurate historical account and tackling misconceptions about Hamilton while at the same time creating an account that is not overwhelming for readers who are new to Hamilton and the Founders. . . Providing an excellent foundation for those just beginning a journey with the Founding Fathers and a pleasurable read for long time students of the period, this book deserves a place on the bookshelf of any Hamilton enthusiast.

Recommended. General readers.

About the Author

Tony Williams is the author or coauthor of five books of colonial and Revolutionary history including Washington & Hamilton: The Alliance that Forged America (with Stephen Knott); The Jamestown Experiment: The Remarkable Story of the Enterprising Colony and the Unexpected Results that Shaped America; America's Beginnings: The Dramatic Events that Shaped a Nation's Character; The Pox and the Covenant: Franklin, Mather, and the Epidemic that Changed America's Destiny; Hurricane of Independence: The Deadly Storm at the Deciding Moment of the American Revolution. He resides in Williamsburg, VA.