Alexander Hamilton, American by Brookhiser - Book Report/Review Example

Alexander Hamilton: American As one of the key political figures serving at the frontlines during the struggle for America’s independence, Alexander Hamilton lays forgotten within the country’s historical pages. Brookhiser’s book “Alexander Hamilton: American” pays homage to the forgotten war hero who was once referred to as a ‘disease to democracy’. Brookhiser paints a new picture for the founder of America by taking an extra step towards crediting Hamilton for his embodiment of the American Dream and American expetionalism.

Abandoning his origin in the West Indies, Hamilton wholly accepts ‘Americanism’ and becomes a forerunner in the American Revolution as an American Nationalist. In joining the American Revolution, he becomes a close aide of George Washington as an efficient army administrator. Brookhiser’s story unfolds in a chronological order beginning at Hamilton’s humble roots in the West Indies. The author proceeds to his immigration to the United States where through close ties he enrolled at King’s College (Columbus University) and pursued his studies.

Hamilton later joined the American Army in the fight against the British and became a close ally of America’s founding father George Washington. As a member of George Washington’s cabinet, Hamilton played a role in establishing the Constitution and the US financial system (Brookhiser, 2004).The book’s main theme centers on Hamilton’s earlier life in the West Indies, which predisposed his outlook on matters later in life. His upbringing proves pivotal in understanding Hamilton’s character.

Hamilton’s attraction towards women mirrors his strong, emotional bond with his mother. Hamilton sympathized with his mother, Rachel Faucett, who faced social ostracization and imprisonment for refusing to live with her husband. However, Faucett’s previous husband was not Hamilton’s father. She later met and had two children with James Hamilton who soon abandoned the entire family. It is for this reason that Hamilton embraced family life whereby, he did not want to expose his children to the negative consequences of living without a father (Brookhiser, 2004).

Hamilton through writing of pamphlets titled ‘A Friend of America’ portrays his position as an outsider. However, he has a strong sense of personal loyalty to his new country and proves his commitment consistently. He ambitiously contributes to the American dream and is the ideal image of public service to the American Republic. Brookhiser, however, does not omit Hamilton’s imperfections. Hamilton’s mistakes come from his tendency to overestimate the potential in others. Early in life, he thought that everyone burst with enthusiasm, and were as industrious as he was.

Hamilton misjudged the character of many repeatedly. Case in point, Hamilton misjudged the wife to Major John Andre who committed treason with her husband, and Maria Reynolds who blackmailed him after having an affair with him. He publicly admitted his affair with Reynolds (Brookhiser, 2004). In my own opinion, Brookhiser portrays Hamilton as an unaccredited founding father who belongs at the same level as George Washington. In addition, the author infers that Hamilton deserves recognition for his selflessness in fighting for American Independence and public service.

Although others ridicule him for being vermin, his weaknesses come out as strengths. Moreover, Hamilton is an ideal example of what public servants ought to be. In summary, Brookhiser brings out the qualities of Alexander Hamilton that make him such a successful individual through events that happened prior to his moving to the United States. Being born in an economically challenged family predisposed him to succeed and was the source of his selflessness. His selflessness garners the American Dream for all Americans through his contribution to the American Constitution and refining of the financial systems.

Alexander Hamilton: American is a success in the description of the life of Hamilton. As much as it is a cliché of rise to rags to riches, the life of an immigrant morphed into that of a founding father whose service to the public earned him the right to have his face on the American $10 bill. ReferenceBrookhiser, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton, American. New York: Paperback Publishers.