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One of the famous Founding Fathers of the United States of America, Alexander Hamilton was a well-known military commander, successful lawyer, proven banker, famous statesman and smart politician. He is most popularly known as the first appointed Secretary of Treasury.
Hamilton played a vital role in drafting the First Constitution of the US. Many of his instalments are in use even today. He also developed the country’s first bank, along with proposing many tariffs, policies and commercial relations with Britain. He was in charge of the Treasury Department in the First Cabinet.
What are the Best Alexander Hamilton Books to read?
Hamilton was born out of wedlock, and had difficult personal life. He was raised by a wealthy merchant but eventually left to peruse studies and later join the armed forces. He ran against Burr for the Governor of New York, who got offended and invited him to a one-on-one duel. This interaction proved fatal for Hamilton who was shot and later succumbed to his injuries. He left behind his beloved widow and eight children, along with a legacy of the founding stones for the great country.
His life has been covered by several authors. Some of these works are reviewed as follows:
Best Alexander Hamilton Books: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best Alexander Hamilton books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. Alexander Hamilton
A much-awaited full length biography of Alexander Hamilton, this book talks about his complete life in detail, right from his troubled birth up to his tragic death. It depicts the true picture of his life, correcting many misconceptions and doubts of his legacy.
The author talks about his troubled childhood, which he escaped to join the army. He eventually joined politics and played a vital role in drafting the first constitution and banking policies of America. He also laid the foundation for the first state bank and international commercial relationships.
Largely misunderstood and doubted, this book set the record straight for many. The details and facts given in this book are a must-read!
- Authors: Ron Chernow (Author)
- Publisher: The Penguin Press (April 26, 2004)
- Pages: 818 pages
2. Hamilton: The Revolution
A book describing Hamilton’s struggle with life, as an illegitimate child from the Caribbean who later played a vital role in establishing the United States of America, this is based on the popular Broadway musical by the name of ‘Hamilton’. It portrays his life in an artistic way for readers/viewers to enjoy.
The book focuses on behind-the-scenes of the play. It included interviews, comments, pictures and other trivia to entertain the readers. It even has input from the ex-President of United States, Barrack Obama.
This record of the musical hit is highly recommended for those who could not watch it at all. It is also a prized collection for those who want to keep good memories of the revolutionary programme.
- Authors: Lin-Manuel Miranda (Author), Jeremy McCarter (Author)
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Illustrated Edition (April 12, 2016)
- Pages: 288 pages
3. Alexander Hamilton: First Architect Of The American Government
Alexander Hamilton had had his share of being misunderstood and even hated by many, an unfortunate impression promoted well by his many enemies. His flaws of womanising and duelling fuelled up this negativity.
This book talks about how he was a great man and the role he played in founding one of the greatest countries in the modern world. His role as George Washington’s most trusted associate as well as his part in forming the constitution and the commercial policies are not at all ordinary. His achievements and contributions are well-cherished in this biography.
For those who believed the wrong ideas his rivals spread, this book is necessary to clear up many misconceptions.
- Authors: Michael W. Simmons (Author)
- Publisher: Make Profits Easy LLC (June 15, 2016)
- Pages: 243 pages
4. Hamilton Notebook: 110 Blank Lined Page, College Ruled Composition Notebook, Students, Songwriting, Notes, Broadway Musical Gift Size 6x9in
This is a unique and special collector’s item, targeted to Hamilton’s fans. It is a very good quality notebook, useful for students and professionals alike. Whether they want to just use it for notes, or turn it into something special, like a journal or a poetry book, this notebook is perfect gift for those who treasure history and arts alike.
The notebook is standard college paper, with 110 pages, measuring 6x9inches in size. It is paperback bound, with creative design bound to please the eyes of its owner.
- Authors: David Blank Publishing (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 16, 2018)
- Pages: 111 pages
5. Alexander Hamilton’s Guide to Life
This book attempts to present Hamilton is a good spotlight, like so many other biographies. It shows Hamilton as a self-made man who struggled as an illegitimate orphaned teenager, who joined the army, and later went to fight in the revolution, emerging victorious. This feat enabled him to play an important role as founding father of the nation, along with forming the constitution and the state bank policies for the newly formed country.
A truly remarkable inclusion in this book is the small quotes and writings of Hamilton, giving small pointers to lead a successful life. These have been collected from various sources and help in clearing up the wrong air surrounding his tragically short life.
- Authors: Jeff Wilser (Author)
- Publisher: Three Rivers Press; Illustrated Edition (September 20, 2016)
- Pages: 336 pages
6. Who Was Alexander Hamilton?
Another book covering the popular musical Hamilton, this book narrates the story of the father of the nation in an engaging way. It talks about how he came from the Caribbean as a troubled illegitimate child, and rose as one of the country’s most popular lawyer, banker and politician.
The book came out in the trend of popularity of the musical, and gives a detailed account of Hamilton’s life. It also talks about how his life ended tragically, as a result of the duel with his election opponent Burr, who shot him in lower abdomen. The injuries eventually took the life of Hamilton the next day.
This book I targeted at all age groups, and is capturing young audience and teaching them about their country’s foundations.
- Authors: Pam Pollack (Author), Meg Belviso (Author), Who HQ (Author), Dede Putra (Illustrator)
- Publisher: Penguin Workshop; Illustrated Edition (August 22, 2017)
- Pages: 112 pages
7. Alexander Hamilton, American
Composed by a witty and graceful author, this biography helps see the founding father as he is, a truly remarkable statesman, politician, banker and lawyer, not to mention immensely devoted and loyal to a country he helped form and establish. He had the misfortune of having his flaws highlighted more than his contributions to America.
The author has made a credible attempt at clearing up the aftermath of the sex scandal and duelling losses, and has managed to highlight his role forming the first constitution and the first state bank of the newly formed country.
This book is another of the many biographies paying tribute to the misunderstood Hamilton. It succeeds in doing so as a result of the author’s creative and humorous words.
- Authors: Richard Brookhiser (Author)
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1st Touchstone Edition (April 12, 2000)
- Pages: 240 pages
8. Alexander Hamilton: The Outsider
Although Hamilton was born and raised in the West Indies, he escaped his rough childhood to arrive in America. Here he was part of the revolution which resulted in laying the foundation for the Great America. He was one of George Washington’s most trusted and valuable associates.
Alexander Hamilton played a vital role in writing the First Constitution of the newly established country, as well as establishing the First State Bank. He also developed good commercial relationship policies with the British, whom he had fought during his service in the army.
This book narrates the gripping tale of how an outsider from the Caribbean became the man on the dollar bill. It is quite an engaging read for history lovers.
- Authors: Jean Fritz (Author)
- Publisher: Puffin Books; Illustrated Edition (January 19, 2012)
- Pages: 144 pages
9. 499 Facts about Hip-Hop Hamilton and the Rest of America’s Founding Fathers
This book compiles trivia on all the founding fathers of the nation, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. It is in response to the recent renewed interest in the American history and its founding members.
The book gives several lesser known interesting fact for the interested reader. An intriguing fact given about Alexander Hamilton is the book he wrote on naval communication, which is in use even today.
Similarly it gives interesting details about the lives of these legends. An engaging volume for history fans, this book is crisp and to the point, giving historical facts without allowing the reader to be bored.
- Authors: Stephen Spignesi (Author)
- Publisher: Skyhorse (October 25, 2016)
- Pages: 288 pages
10. The Duel: The Parallel Lives of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr
Probably one of the most intriguing times of Hamilton’s life was its ending, the legendary duel with Aaron Burr, where a fatal shot brought the great life to a tragic early end.
This book talks about both the men who shared uncanny similarities in their respective lives. They were both orphans, who struggled with their early life, escaped to attend law school, served in the military emerging as war heroes, joined politics and served with George Washington. However, Burr later got offended when Hamilton ran against him for the office of the Governor of New York and invited him for an illegal duel.
The irony of the parallel lives they led which eventually led to the ending of one of them is a very engaging read.
- Authors: Judith St. George (Author)
- Publisher: Speak; Illustrated Edition (May 10, 2016)
- Pages: 112 pages
11. Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father
Hamilton has been written down in the books of history as a Founding Father of the United States of America, along with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. He was impertinent to the first constitutional laws of the country and the forming of the policies for the first state bank of the country. His contributions also allowed him to be immortalised on the dollar bill.
This book has been written to include the details of his life and contributions. The unique thing about this one is the comic-book like illustrations which accompany the story. The graphics make the book very engaging and clearly tell the story.
For those who get bored of monotonous history-like narration, this graphic biography shines a bright light on the pages of history.
- Authors: Jonathan Hennessey (Author), Justin Greenwood (Illustrator)
- Publisher: Ten Speed Press; Illustrated Edition (August 8, 2017)
- Pages: 176 pages
12. Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary
A detailed biography of the revolutionary man, this book narrates the popular story of the rise of a troubled orphaned illegitimate child from the streets to the government offices of America.
This biography gives an unbiased story of both Hamilton’s legendary accomplishments as well as his criticised flaws. However, despite being unpopular and misunderstood, his role in writing the constitution, which is part of the current laws even today, and his policies for the first state bank of the country, all are acknowledged and applauded for being vital in laying down a strong foundation for the superpower of the world.
An interesting read which tells the story like it is, this one is unique in its engaging fresh tone.
- Authors: Martha Brockenbrough (Author)
- Publisher: Square Fish; Illustrated Edition (October 1, 2019)
- Pages: 384 pages
13. Alexander Hamilton: The Biography
A very short and concise biography on the Founding Father, this book gives a short description of how Hamilton rose from his troubled youth as an illegitimate child in the Caribbean, to becoming the Father of the Nation.
Although it leaves out many minute trivia, the recent wave of interest in his life has already given readers a rough idea of his life. This book is a good and fruitful read who are only interested in the main idea and prefer to skip or postpone delving into the details.
Even though it is short, it does not leave out any important details that made the man we know today.
- Authors: University Press (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (April 27, 2019)
- Pages: 66 pages
14. God and Hamilton
This book written in the wave of similar ones after the Broadway Musical based on Hamilton’s life, this one touches on a lesser explored area of interest, the religious side of the founding father. It talks about his relationship with God and the role of that relationship in his life.
Hamilton was one of the most successful men in American History and this book establishes how important his spiritual relationship with the Almighty was and how it helped him achieve his goals and dreams.
This book has been highly recommended by its readers as it touches upon a topic rarely discussed, especially regarding a man who has, until recently been shown in the wrong light.
- Authors: Kevin Cloud (Author)
- Publisher: Deep River Books LLC (June 7, 2018)
- Pages: 240 pages
15. Alexander Hamilton: A Captivating Guide to One of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America
A well written detailed biography on the Father of the Nation, this book talks about the great albeit troubled life he led. From his youth in the West Indies, up to his rising into the revolution and eventual founding of the great nation, this book follows through with intriguing details.
Hamilton was George Washington’s right hand, imperative in forming the constitution and the banking policies. His vision and talent showed through his work, which is leading the nation even today. This book pays a fitting tribute to one of the greatest men in the American history who contributed the most to its rise as the superpower it is today.
- Authors: Captivating History (Author)
- Publisher: Captivating History (April 7, 2020)
- Pages: 74 pages
16. Alexander Hamilton: Writings
A lesser known side to the great founder, Alexander Hamilton, is his talent as a write. This compilation includes several of his writings, speeches, draft etc. Composed in different points of his life, this collection tells the story of his life in his own words. It is therefore quite unique and sought after by history buffs.
The writings also include his working papers for the constitution. He was a lawyer by profession and therefore the technicalities were so well taken care of that the laws he drafted are still in use today. Same goes for his policies for the banking system, since he was a proven banker as well, a skill which made him the first head of treasury of the newly formed United States.
- Authors: Alexander Hamilton (Author), Joanne B. Freeman (Editor)
- Publisher: Library of America; 1st Print Edition (October 15, 2001)
- Pages: 1108 pages
17. Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America
A series of books which tell the story of how America was made into the great power that it is today, this one talks about the man who did the most in history of the country. His vision and ideas on how to transform into a large piece of land used for primal agriculture could be developed into a modern society are valid even today, two centuries later.
His pursuit of dreams was envied by his enemies, especially when his success started outshining their own. They wanted a weak federal central system with autonomous areas of land ruled by local governments. Hamilton rose above the opposition and managed to establish the basis for the system today.
This book lists the laws and policies Hamilton made part of the system, as a reference for today’s lawmakers.
- Authors: Teri Kanefield (Author)
- Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; Illustrated Edition (March 13, 2018)
- Pages: 240 pages
18. Hamilton: An American Biography
This is a concise biography, showing the rise of the troubled youth who found his purpose in life in the great country of America. It follows his life from the difficult childhood, which he left behind in his birth place in the south, and went on to playing one of the most vital roles in laying the foundation of the United States of America.
He played a legendary role in the revolution that resulted in the foundation of America as we know today. For readers who are interested in his life events, and how he emerged as one of the famous and influential men in American history, this biography presents a happening life led in a way that left its mark in the pages of history.
- Authors: Tony Williams (Author)
- Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (April 15, 2018)
- Pages: 208 pages
19. Summary – Alexander Hamilton
This biography is the main basis on which the popular musical was released. It is the reason which has brought upon the new wave of interest in Hamilton’s life. It is one of most popular biographies on his life.
This gives a concise list of chronologically organised events that occurred in Hamilton’s life. Although this is only the summary of the main book, which has to be read in conjunction with this, the book gives enough details to give the reader a good idea of what an eventful and fruitful life Hamilton led.
For those who do not want to read a bulky detailed history book, this summary is perfect to have clear and concise idea of how Hamilton made a mark in history.
- Authors: Book Junkie (Author)
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 1, 1860)
20. The Essential Hamilton: Letters & Other Writings
History told in the words of those who lived it. What better way to narrate the events that have changed the course of history of mankind. This book compiles the letters and writings of Alexander Hamilton, which tell the story like it was.
The famous politician and statesman, who was also known for his flaws, led a happening life. A recent Broadway musical based on his life has renewed the public’s interest, and this biography is just one of the many that have sprung up since the play’s release.
This book satisfies the reader’s thirst for interesting facts and figures from the books of history. A good biography which stands out for its good content, this is one is a god recommendation for the modern reader.
- Authors: Alexander Hamilton (Author), Joanne Freeman (Editor)
- Publisher: Library of America (May 23, 2017)
- Pages: 447 pages
Choosing the Best Alexander Hamilton Books
Alexander Hamilton was in no sense an ordinary man. He started out as an orphan, worked hard to shed out his image as bastard, and succeeded in not only making his own life count, but also leaving behind a legacy which continues to benefit his adopted country even today, two centuries on. His life is inspirational and leaves a shining mark in the books of history. Despite his untimely tragic death as a result of an unnecessary duel, he had served his life’s purpose: making the great nation of America the superpower it is today.