Even though Alexander Hamilton was among the most important Founding Fathers; less is known about his early life than that of any other major Founder. Relatively few records have been found regarding Hamilton's birth; childhood; and origins in the West Indies. Alexander Hamilton "rarely . . . dwelt upon his personal history" and never recorded his life's story. Most of Hamilton's correspondence prior to 1777 was lost during the American Revolution. This has resulted in many gaps in Alexander Hamilton's biography; which has given rise to much conjecture regarding the details of his life. Relying on new research and extensive analysis of the existing literature; Michael E. Newton presents a more comprehensive and accurate account of Alexander Hamilton's formative years. Despite being orphaned as a young boy and having his birth be "the subject of the most humiliating criticism;" Alexander Hamilton used his intelligence; determination; and charisma to overcome his questionable origins and desperate situation. Hamilton worked for a mercantile company on St. Croix; moved to the mainland; penned political pamphlets; enlisted in the militia; commanded an artillery company; served as General Washington's "principal and most confidential aid" for four years; was given command of a battalion of light troops; and led the assault on Redoubt Ten at Yorktown. Thus; by the age of just twenty-five; Alexander Hamilton had proven himself to be one of the most intelligent; brave; hard-working; and patriotic Americans. Alexander Hamilton: The Formative Years tells the dramatic story of how this poor immigrant emerged from obscurity and transformed himself into the most remarkable Founding Father. In riveting detail; Michael E. Newton delivers a fresh and fascinating account of Alexander Hamilton's origins; youth; and indispensable services during the American Revolution.
#876592 in Books Triad Books 2006-04-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.05 x 6.02 x 8.54l; #File Name: 0977717003264 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. DJD is my favorite writer...By BILL NIEMANN...and has yet to let me down. With honesty like this; how can he?This collection is similar along the lines of _My Story..._ but you gotta know that the teachings of Christ and ALL the rest have been hijacked over time to serve the few and to rake in the dough. Duncan does not hold back his punches one bit and in particular explains the hipocracy handily w/ his lively debate with the woman in "Agony Hilarity." "They" will only defend what they can invent to serve their perspective be it antiabortionism; antihomosexualism or bombing the hell out of indigenous folks who worship Allah (the same God as theirs; by the way). Anyway the example concerns a debate with an animal rights whack-job over catching and releasing fish. Sheesh...Rodney King is very useful here with his plea.I've read all of Duncan starting with "Why"...have given "Teeth" out as gifts to 20 people and this book is no exception. If you are happy with your church politicizing your religion then read this book (he he)Bill2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. WonderfulBy endlessstreamFull disclosure: 1) David James Duncan's fiction makes him among my favorite authors; 2) I'm agnostic; and have never been a Christian. Therefore; I was poised to like this book by a great writer; but I was a little skeptical of his religious viewpoints.I shouldn't have been - It turns out that; although Jesus is fundamental to Duncan's cosmology; his spiritual and philosophical views are accessible from those of diverse faiths (i.e.; me). Duncan speaks honestly and passionately about his personal faith life - about his doubts; about eschewing the religious tradition he was raised in; and about creating a meaningful relationship between his God and the world around him. And; as always; he does it with a great sense of humor.As in his other fiction and non-fiction works; Duncan espouses a love of nature and ecology; especially of the Pacific Northwest salmon streams. His passion for the world of God's creation; and for all living things; drives his faith and the two together drive his life's decisions. I; too; could be considered "an environmentalist" - I work in the field of natural resources - but I lack the fervor that David James Duncan has; both personally and professionally. Whether I read this book all the way through; or pick it up to read an essay here and there; Duncan's intensity inspires me to think anew about my own actions and beliefs. These essays make me question and examine my own (dis-)beliefs; and help to guide my ethical decision-making.I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone who likes God; fish; trees; humanity; clean air and water; or funny stories. I also recommend it for anyone who isn't sure if they like any of those - D.J. Duncan provides compelling arguments without seeming to argue; and even if he hasn't completely convinced me; he's at least made me think about things in a new light.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating and engaging work!By Peter R. RianiThis is such a unique book as to defy comparison. Duncan is a courageous writer who is not afraid to express his opinions no matter how problematic they may be. However; his voice is well worth hearing. The very personal parts toward the end of the book are worth the entire book. I was left with the strong desire to meet the author and ergage in a face- to- face conversation with him. A thought-provoking work. well worth your time and modest price.
