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Alexander Hamilton

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Alexander Hamilton

By: Ron Chernow
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, read by Scott Brick.

You've seen the show, you've sung the songs, now read the full story of America's most misunderstood founding father.

'I was swept up by the story. I thought it 'out-Dickens' Dickens in the unlikeliness of this man's rise from his humble beginnings in Nevis in the Caribbean, to changing, helping shape our young nation. And it's uniquely an immigrant story and it's uniquely a story about writers... It's an amazing biography' LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA

Alexander Hamilton was an illegitimate self-taught orphan from the Caribbean who overcame all the odds to become George Washington's aide-de-camp and the first Treasury Secretary of the United States.

Few figures in American history are more controversial than Alexander Hamilton. In this masterful work, Chernow shows how the political and economic power of America today is the result of Hamilton's willingness to champion ideas that were often wildly disputed during his time. He charts his titanic feuds with Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Monroe and Burr; his highly public affair with Maria Reynolds; his loving marriage to his loyal wife Eliza; and the notorious duel with Aaron Burr that led to his death in July 1804.

©2016 Head of Zeus (P)2017 Penguin Random House Audio
Americas Historical Politicians Politics & Activism American History War of 1812 Marriage Latin America Taxation Law US Constitution Founding Fathers Boston

Critic Reviews

"A mammoth work of research that charted the course of Hamilton's dazzling career." (Guardian)

"An elegantly written, richly detailed account of Hamilton's tempestuous life." (The Times)

"A brilliant recreation of the society and culture of the time: thoughtful and playful, moving and powerful." (Michael Gove)
All stars
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As a Australian I had been aware of the successful musical about Alexander Hamilton.
I have no interest in seeing a performance, but I was fascinated that his life had inspired the writing of such a lauded stage show.
I looked for more information about Alexander Hamilton, and came across this biography, which none of my local libraries had.
I found here and have listened regularly through the last few weeks.
The story was remarkable, giving fascinating details not only about his life, but about many other significant figures of the time.
Top marks to the narrator for an outstanding job in telling the story

Hamilton. Not the musical.

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Combines detailed analysis, a lot of primary evidence from letters to support his interpretations of events.
Narrator is very good, speaking eloquently with a range of expression which brings the work to life.
Probably my favourite listen in almost 3 years of audible. A long and satisfying listen.

Fascinating and detailed biography of AH

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An important accounting of the Founding Fathers of the USA. Politics hasn't changed!
Well read by the narrator.

Excellent biography

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A compelling narrative that sheds light on the very interesting character of Hamilton, and also gives the reader an excellent look into the founding of America. At times exiting and at others emotional, this story does great justice to it's chosen subject, by showing both his genius and his flaws and by ultimately making him feel human and almost know to the listiner.

Fantastic

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For history lovers or fans of the Hamilton production, Chernow’s book is an essential digest. I bought the book but found the audio version more suitable to tell Hamilton’s story with dramatics and pomp befitting this historical character.

Not to be missed

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it was long but very informative on the American history at the time of Alexander Hamilton. Freat read for this non American.

Brilliant

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A big book but if you watched the play and are intrigued to find out more then you can't go pass this book. I feel like it's the most comprehensive biography of Hamiltons life. You can't help but be immersed in his world because the author writes with such thoroughness and description, you almost think he was there at the time and that he was able to report back on his account. Of course, this has more to do with how well he researched the book. Top stars. Recommend to anyone who wants a detail account of Hamiltons life. The play is also based on this book.

Exceptional storytelling, vivid in its details

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brilliant biography of a brilliant man. I didn't know much about Hamilton before reading this book, but thanks to Chernow's great work, I grew fond of the great Alexander Hamilton.

Brilliant biography of a brilliant man

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Wonderful story - insightful and well told - opened a new door into American history - look into Chernows catalogue

Perfect

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Embarrassed to say I came to this as I bought tickets to the musical, and knowing little about American history, thought I should learn enough to understand the plot.
It is a fabulous listen, and offers amazingly relevant context to the political environment in 2023 USA.

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