Tow #12 - Alexander Hamilton, American (1st Half - Richard Brookhiser)

In the first of half of Alexander Hamilton, American, Richard Brookhiser tells the tale of Hamilton’s life from his birth until the age of thirty-four. The story is very informative, filling in many gaps and interesting information left out of the musical. The author is a historian and journalist, currently the senior editor at National Review. His purpose is to share what Hamilton went through and his importance as a result of his actions. For that reason, his audience is those who are well-educated and interested in America’s founding. To accomplish this purpose, Brookhiser uses specific of economic figures, direct quotes from late 18th century authors, and opinions from his contemporary historians. This is intended to provide a holistic understanding of Alexander Hamilton. For example, he uses economic statistics to establish his logos. He writes that Congress “raised $11 million in loans from French and Dutch bankers” (Brookhiser 40). This fact contributes to the economic theme and the importance in understanding the financial system of the time. As the Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton played a big role in shaping America’s economic future. A basic understanding of prior economics is required, so Brookhiser includes it to provide a more holistic understanding of the man. Brookhiser also includes quotes from people during Hamilton’s time. The author informs, “Brian Edwards, a Jamaican author, inserted… ‘The nights’ in Summer ‘are transcendentally beautiful’” (Brookhiser 13). This description of the island where Hamilton was born helps us understand his early years and what might account for the way he saw the world. Finally, Brookhiser references other historians because he wants his audience to learn about other perspectives of the controversial figure. He shares, “‘I am sorry to say,’ wrote Dumas Malone in 1951, that ‘Hamilton comes out of my investigations worse than I had expected’” (Brookhiser 5). The presence of this on the very first page proves Brookhiser’s purpose and also allows it to be accomplished. It is clear, with multiple historians to use as evidence, that Alexander Hamilton deserves recognition. Brookhiser successfully achieves his purpose, as, through the use of facts, quotes, and other historians, it is clear that the author did his research. This allows the reader to believe him wholeheartedly and gain a completely new understanding of Alexander Hamilton.