btw...Thank you for putting this together. I am constantly surprised how even modern historians tend to downplay or diminish Ham's feats. "The Age of Federalism" and "Founding Brothers" are perfect examples. Ellis in F.B., laughs off his authorship in drafting the Farewell Address & fails to reveal Ham's key role in getting the Mass. Sens. to switch their votes to the Philly interim Capital & having the board to decide war claims cede every Virg. undocumented entry for the 1790' compromise
I find Mr. Chernow's prose is excellent for the late 20th - 21st cent. reader. However, what I dislike is his vague amateur psycho-analysis that seems to coincide at every turn of event Ham. was involved in. If the reader is not careful to separate Chernow's thoughts from the official documents and letters of Ham, et al., he/she may take Mr. Chernow's opinion for fact. The letters between Ham, Laurens, & Lafayette are a perfect example. That was the style of every young man of that age
@Kierkegaard73 Thank you for your interesting remarks, K73. I can, however, cheerfully report that I personally found nothing in either Chernow's scholarship or insight to diminish his profound achievement: the resurrection and elevation of Hamilton to his proper place among the "Founding Fathers."
@northbreed1a thanks for the reply. I have nothing against Chernow & believe me when I say I am psyched that a modern book about Ham is widely read. But, I also admit I prefer Forrest McDonald's bio - I even enjoy reading his footnotes. Also; and If you can find it, Gerald Stourzh's: "A.H. & the idea of Republican Gov't," I find it to be a terrific work. All in all, any work on A.H. is worth the read.
btw...Thank you for putting this together. I am constantly surprised how even modern historians tend to downplay or diminish Ham's feats. "The Age of Federalism" and "Founding Brothers" are perfect examples. Ellis in F.B., laughs off his authorship in drafting the Farewell Address & fails to reveal Ham's key role in getting the Mass. Sens. to switch their votes to the Philly interim Capital & having the board to decide war claims cede every Virg. undocumented entry for the 1790' compromise
Kierkegaard73 3 weeks ago
I find Mr. Chernow's prose is excellent for the late 20th - 21st cent. reader. However, what I dislike is his vague amateur psycho-analysis that seems to coincide at every turn of event Ham. was involved in. If the reader is not careful to separate Chernow's thoughts from the official documents and letters of Ham, et al., he/she may take Mr. Chernow's opinion for fact. The letters between Ham, Laurens, & Lafayette are a perfect example. That was the style of every young man of that age
Kierkegaard73 3 weeks ago
@Kierkegaard73 Thank you for your interesting remarks, K73. I can, however, cheerfully report that I personally found nothing in either Chernow's scholarship or insight to diminish his profound achievement: the resurrection and elevation of Hamilton to his proper place among the "Founding Fathers."
northbreed1a 3 weeks ago
@northbreed1a thanks for the reply. I have nothing against Chernow & believe me when I say I am psyched that a modern book about Ham is widely read. But, I also admit I prefer Forrest McDonald's bio - I even enjoy reading his footnotes. Also; and If you can find it, Gerald Stourzh's: "A.H. & the idea of Republican Gov't," I find it to be a terrific work. All in all, any work on A.H. is worth the read.
Kierkegaard73 3 weeks ago