“Alexander Hamilton: From Obscurity to Greatness” presents its subject through his own words and those of his contemporaries.

The introduction is a brief story of its subject’s incredible trek from a West Indian “bastard brat of a Scottish peddler” (John Adams) to the threshold of the pinnacle of power in the new United Sates. The first section consists of descriptions of Hamilton from those who knew him personally, the second is Hamilton’s thoughts on the men with whom he dealt and the final is a collection of Hamilton’s Emblematic Quotations.

Hamilton’s status as a controversial figure is reflected in assessments of him by others. In the mind of his mentor, George Washington, “my confidence in your talents, exertions and integrity, has been well placed.” (p. 46-47) In a letter from Joseph Stanton Hamilton is “Possessed of a contemplative, comprehensive, energetic, independent Mind, he unites the strictest Integrity to the most indefatigable Industry on which all occasions he incessantly applies to the Service of the Public. Prudent, active yet deliberate, Studious, firm and candid…” (p. 32)

Others are equivocal, such as John Adams who could write that “The Secretary of the Treasure is all that you think of him. There is no office in the Government better filled” (p.31) and yet “He may have too much disposition to intrigue.” (p. 28) Thomas Jefferson was skeptical: “A man as timid as he is on water, as timid on horseback, as timid in sickness, would be a ph’nomenon if the courage of which he has the reputation in military occasions were genuine.” (p. 37)

Hamilton drew contrasts between his hero and lesser mortals: “Very different from the practice of Mr. Adams was that of the modest and sage Washington. He consulted much pondered much, resolved slowly, resolved surely.” (p. 154) Though in 1792 “Mr. Adams, whatever objections may be against some of his theoretic opinions, is a firm honest independent politician” by 1800 “The man is more mad than I ever thought him and I shall soon be led to say as wicked as he is mad.” (p. 86) Aaron Burr “is as unprincipled & dangerous a man as any country can boast.” (p. 93)

Emblematic Quotations contain wisdom derived from Hamilton’s letters and speeches. They shine a light into a contradicted soul, “My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of dueling” (p. 180), insights into human nature “Bad men are apt to paint others like themselves” (p.166) and uncover gems of wisdom, “Experience more and more convinces me that true happiness is only to be found in the bosom of one’s own family.” (p.180)
“Alexander Hamilton: From Obscurity to Greatness” is another masterpiece in John P. Kaminski’s series Word Portraits of America’s Founders. It takes the reader into the world of the founding generation through their letters, speeches and publications. Kaminski has done an excellent job of selecting representative quotations to bring Hamilton and his milieu to life. I have just given you a brief sampling of the treasures to be found in this tome. I did not even mention my favorite, maybe because it is too long to quote, but really because I want you to find your own.

I did receive a free copy of this book without any obligation to post a review. ( )