Best American Revolution Biographies
Alexander Hamilton.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Jefferson and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Madison and Adams, are portrayed as deeply flawed individuals who happened to have a few good points. If one were to count the negatively loaded adjectives and verbs accorded to Hamilton’s three main opponents, they would vastly outnumber any positive linguistic connotations. Jefferson’s and Madison’s hypocrisy and the foibles of John Adam’s personality notwithstanding, the concerns expressed were often genuine ones at that time about what kind of country the United States would be and how the Constitution should be interpreted. The possibility that the Jeffersonians may have had a point gets lost in Chernow’s constant barrage of claims about duplicity, hypocrisy and malevolent intentions."
"Though I understand the political differences, the intentional lies by Jefferson, was hard for me to take. It seemed that Hamilton had no humility, which might have served him well, but for the difficult childhood he had, this would make sense. It also very much reminds me of some of the battles going on today in government, so my next book will have to be about Thomas Jefferson."
"Hamilton (1755-1804) was born in the West Indies (Nevis), descended from a Laird of Scotland from his father and from French Huguenots on his mother's side. Brought up in relative poverty, he was recognized as a child prodigy as a teenager by Hugh Knox, a Presbyterian minister in the islands. Hamilton studied at Kings College (later Columbia University) in New York, but as open rebellion erupted in America, he soon joined the ranks of the revolutionaries. He wrote incendiary articles, orated for the revolution, and when war came he served as an artillery officer in the New York militia. Discovered by George Washington, he was made an military adjutant, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Revolutionary Army. Numerous clergymen and members of the Society of the Cincinnati trooped behind them.... Preceded by two small black boys in white turbans, eight pallbearers shouldered Hamilton's corpse, set in a rich mahogany casket with his hat and sword perched on top. (p. 189). Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story: "I have heard Samuel Dexter, John Marshall, and Chancellor (Robert R.) Livingston say that Hamilton's reach of thought was so far beyond theirs that by his side they were schoolboys -- rush tapers before the sun on noonday." (p. 714). Hamilton's friend Robert Troup: "I used to tell him that he was not content with knocking down [his opponent] in the head, but that he persisted until he banished every little insect that buzzed around his ears." Thomas Jefferson wrote to his friend and collaborator James Madison about the time of the Jay Treaty (a winning political issue for the Republicans) in 1793: "He is really a colossus to the anti-Republican party. He opposed Hamilton legislatively but not with the pen, and the Treaty was approved for the good of the country, which was totally unprepared for war. The French Revolution exile, the duc de La Rochefoucald-Liancourt, noted; "the lack of interest in money, rare anywhere, but even rarer in America is one of the most universally recognized traits of Mr. (p. 466). Posterity, in the voice of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge has justly judged Hamilton: "We look in vain for a man who, in an equal space of time, has produced such direct and lasting effect upon our institutions and history." (p. 481). Hamilton succeeded with almost all the programs he conceived including the First Bank of the United States, the funding of the national debt, the American tax system, the efficient Custom Service, the inception of the Coast Guard; as Deputy Chief of the U.S. Army, Hamilton even contained the Whiskey Rebellion without bloodshed -- all of which promoted the peace and prosperity of the new nation."
“To repudiate his legacy,” Chernow writes, “is, in many ways, to repudiate the modern world.” Chernow here recounts Hamilton’s turbulent life: an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean, he came out of nowhere to take America by storm, rising to become George Washington’s aide-de-camp in the Continental Army, coauthoring The Federalist Papers, founding the Bank of New York, leading the Federalist Party, and becoming the first Treasury Secretary of the United States.Historians have long told the story of America’s birth as the triumph of Jefferson’s democratic ideals over the aristocratic intentions of Hamilton. His is a Hamilton far more human than we’ve encountered before—from his shame about his birth to his fiery aspirations, from his intimate relationships with childhood friends to his titanic feuds with Jefferson, Madison, Adams, Monroe, and Burr, and from his highly public affair with Maria Reynolds to his loving marriage to his loyal wife Eliza. Building on biographies by Richard Brookhiser and Willard Sterne Randall , Ron Chernows Alexander Hamilton provides what may be the most comprehensive modern examination of the often overlooked Founding Father. From the start, Chernow argues that Hamiltons premature death at age 49 left his record to be reinterpreted and even re-written by his more long-lived enemies, among them: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe. Chernow delves into the almost 22,000 pages of letters, manuscripts, and articles that make up Hamiltons legacy to reveal a man with a sophisticated intellect, a romantic spirit, and a late-blooming religiosity. Chernow argues that in contrast to Jefferson and Washingtons now outmoded agrarian idealism, Hamilton was "the prophet of the capitalist revolution" and the true forebear of modern America.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Jefferson and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Madison and Adams, are portrayed as deeply flawed individuals who happened to have a few good points. If one were to count the negatively loaded adjectives and verbs accorded to Hamilton’s three main opponents, they would vastly outnumber any positive linguistic connotations. Jefferson’s and Madison’s hypocrisy and the foibles of John Adam’s personality notwithstanding, the concerns expressed were often genuine ones at that time about what kind of country the United States would be and how the Constitution should be interpreted. The possibility that the Jeffersonians may have had a point gets lost in Chernow’s constant barrage of claims about duplicity, hypocrisy and malevolent intentions."
"Though I understand the political differences, the intentional lies by Jefferson, was hard for me to take. It seemed that Hamilton had no humility, which might have served him well, but for the difficult childhood he had, this would make sense. It also very much reminds me of some of the battles going on today in government, so my next book will have to be about Thomas Jefferson."
"Hamilton (1755-1804) was born in the West Indies (Nevis), descended from a Laird of Scotland from his father and from French Huguenots on his mother's side. Brought up in relative poverty, he was recognized as a child prodigy as a teenager by Hugh Knox, a Presbyterian minister in the islands. Hamilton studied at Kings College (later Columbia University) in New York, but as open rebellion erupted in America, he soon joined the ranks of the revolutionaries. He wrote incendiary articles, orated for the revolution, and when war came he served as an artillery officer in the New York militia. Discovered by George Washington, he was made an military adjutant, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Revolutionary Army. Numerous clergymen and members of the Society of the Cincinnati trooped behind them.... Preceded by two small black boys in white turbans, eight pallbearers shouldered Hamilton's corpse, set in a rich mahogany casket with his hat and sword perched on top. (p. 189). Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story: "I have heard Samuel Dexter, John Marshall, and Chancellor (Robert R.) Livingston say that Hamilton's reach of thought was so far beyond theirs that by his side they were schoolboys -- rush tapers before the sun on noonday." (p. 714). Hamilton's friend Robert Troup: "I used to tell him that he was not content with knocking down [his opponent] in the head, but that he persisted until he banished every little insect that buzzed around his ears." Thomas Jefferson wrote to his friend and collaborator James Madison about the time of the Jay Treaty (a winning political issue for the Republicans) in 1793: "He is really a colossus to the anti-Republican party. He opposed Hamilton legislatively but not with the pen, and the Treaty was approved for the good of the country, which was totally unprepared for war. The French Revolution exile, the duc de La Rochefoucald-Liancourt, noted; "the lack of interest in money, rare anywhere, but even rarer in America is one of the most universally recognized traits of Mr. (p. 466). Posterity, in the voice of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge has justly judged Hamilton: "We look in vain for a man who, in an equal space of time, has produced such direct and lasting effect upon our institutions and history." (p. 481). Hamilton succeeded with almost all the programs he conceived including the First Bank of the United States, the funding of the national debt, the American tax system, the efficient Custom Service, the inception of the Coast Guard; as Deputy Chief of the U.S. Army, Hamilton even contained the Whiskey Rebellion without bloodshed -- all of which promoted the peace and prosperity of the new nation."
A gripping portrait of the first president of the United States from the author of Alexander Hamilton , the New York Times bestselling biography that inspired the musical. With a breadth and depth matched by no other one volume biography of George Washington, this crisply paced narrative carries the reader through his adventurous early years, his heroic exploits with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, his presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and his magnificent performance as America's first president. “Chernow displays a breadth of knowledge about Washington that is nothing short of phenomenal … never before has Washington been rendered so tangibly in such a smart, tenaciously researched volume as Chernow's opus… a riveting read ...” –Douglas Brinkley, The Los Angeles Times. “[Ron Chernow] has done justice to the solid flesh, the human frailty and the dental miseries of his subject—and also to his immense historical importance… This is a magnificently fair, full-scale biography.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Below is further information about the book, how it compares to other Washington biographies, and some caveats (mentioned at the end of this review) that I think a potential reader should be aware of. However, he was also a man who learned by his mistakes (and Chermow points out a lot of them) and was above all; courageous, conscientious, honest, and hard working. What I found most interesting were the discussions of those aspects of Washington's life that are generally not covered in one-volume biographies. Chernow discusses Washington the businessman (both as a planter and a land speculator) and his dealings with his London agents. Contrary to popular myth, Chernow shows Washington to be land rich but cash poor, frequently to the extent of being on the brink of economic disaster. He makes it clear that Washington did not like the institution, but he viewed his slaves as an investment that he did not know how to dispense with without bring about his economic ruin. Chernow also discusses Washington's difficult relationship with his mother, a subject generally not covered in other one-volume biographies. For instance, Willard Sterne Randall's biography of Washington focuses almost entirely on the revolutionary war. The book contains 30 black and white photographs of paintings of individuals, printed on high gloss paper."
"I bought this book soon afterwards knowing that Mr. Chernow would not disappoint and, having finally found the time to read this book, he doesn't. There is so much more I could write about this excellent biography, such as Mr. Chernow's detailed description of Washington's service during the Revolution and the Presidency, his relationships with his Cabinet, members, particularly Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and his family life that included all of his step-children, step-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, whom he took care of throughout his life as various family members of his passed away, but that would rob you of the enjoyment of discovering it for yourself."
"This is a very important book to read especially now with controversy about removal of statues and street names of Southern confederate war heroes because GW had slaves- indeed he did but as Chernow clearly wove his tale and developed the book this fact becomes unimportant as compared to his feats of heroism and cunning in defeating the well-armed and determined British Military, Navy- ruler of the Seas and vicious Queens Guards- get the book and see for yourself- it won't disappoint!"
Best Australia & Oceania History
Recounting his service with the 1st Marine Division and the brutal action on Guadalcanal, New Britain, and Peleliu, Leckie spares no detail of the horrors and sacrifices of war, painting an unvarnished portrait of how real warriors are made, fight, and often die in the defense of their country. Helmet for My Pillow (Random House, 1957) was his first book; it received the Marine Corps. Combat Correspondents Association award upon publication.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A strongly independent thinking civilian who, immediately after Pearl Harbour, volunteers for the toughest duty, Robert Leckie tells his story of Marine boot camp and the Guadalcanal, New Britain and Pelielu campaigns."
"Seemingly sincere account of the Pacific campaign from a cynical Marine who participated in some great battles."
"Having already watched The Pacific, and having read With the Old Breed, I figured this book would just be yet another play by play of one man's war experience."
"I had heard much about this book, but I found it disappointing."
"A good book that provided insight into the Pacific war from the perspective of one who survived even though he lost most of his friends in the various campaigns."
"Leckie gives a candid account of his war adventures, and maintained my interest, but this book pales alongside "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa, by E.B."
"For those of us who know sacrifice in combat - respect for its truthful accounting."
"Highly recommended for those who can tolerate an unromanticized, realistic view of the comedies, tragedies, and sickening horrors of war."
Best Australia & New Zealand History
Recounting his service with the 1st Marine Division and the brutal action on Guadalcanal, New Britain, and Peleliu, Leckie spares no detail of the horrors and sacrifices of war, painting an unvarnished portrait of how real warriors are made, fight, and often die in the defense of their country. Helmet for My Pillow (Random House, 1957) was his first book; it received the Marine Corps. Combat Correspondents Association award upon publication.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A strongly independent thinking civilian who, immediately after Pearl Harbour, volunteers for the toughest duty, Robert Leckie tells his story of Marine boot camp and the Guadalcanal, New Britain and Pelielu campaigns."
"Seemingly sincere account of the Pacific campaign from a cynical Marine who participated in some great battles."
"Having already watched The Pacific, and having read With the Old Breed, I figured this book would just be yet another play by play of one man's war experience."
"I had heard much about this book, but I found it disappointing."
"A good book that provided insight into the Pacific war from the perspective of one who survived even though he lost most of his friends in the various campaigns."
"Leckie gives a candid account of his war adventures, and maintained my interest, but this book pales alongside "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa, by E.B."
"For those of us who know sacrifice in combat - respect for its truthful accounting."
"Highly recommended for those who can tolerate an unromanticized, realistic view of the comedies, tragedies, and sickening horrors of war."
Best American Civil War Biographies
A riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega-bestselling author Bill O'Reilly. President Abraham Lincoln's generous terms for Robert E. Lee's surrender are devised to fulfill Lincoln's dream of healing a divided nation, with the former Confederates allowed to reintegrate into American society. “As a history major, I wish my required reading had been as well written as this truly vivid and emotionally engaging account of Lincoln's assassination. Bill O'Reilly recounts the dramatic events of the spring of 1865 with such exhilarating immediacy that you will feel like you are walking the streets of Washington, DC, on the night that John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I came away disappointed in this book because I felt that, given the volume of research material available, the authors could have provided much more of a backstory to the issues that motivate men like Booth to be driven to achieve such an ignominious act."
"Rill O'Reilly is an incredibly good writer, engaging, and descriptive but not over-done."
"The storytelling is gripping...a real page turner."
"O'Reilly's fall from grace, notwithstanding, he gives information about Booth's fiance, which I had not read in another book."
"I was amazed at the size and scope of the plot considering how little I knew from history classes."
"Bill O'Reilly hits it out of the park with this book."
"Well written in a dramatic style, with details I was not previously familiar with."
"I wish I could have known President Lincoln...he's a great man in my eyes."
Best US Presidents
Relive the extraordinary Presidency of Barack Obama through White House photographer Pete Souza's behind-the-scenes images and stories in this #1 New York Times bestseller--with a foreword from the President himself. During Barack Obama's two terms, Pete Souza was with the President during more crucial moments than anyone else--and he photographed them all. "The book, which distills the 1.9 million photographs that Souza took of Obama's eight years in the White House down to about 300 images, it as once warm and nostalgic, worshipful and respectful, sad and wistful-in a sense, not so different from the framed JFK portraits that everyday Americans hung in living rooms, right through the Nixon administration. "Here are the qualities that radiate from these photos of the former President and his family, all taken by Souza during his eight years as official White House photographer: intelligence, kindness, warmth, integrity. "Souza, chief official White House photographer for Obama's two terms, was on hand for history--documenting our first black president, and a pretty photogenic one at that. Souza's book, an instant best seller, includes many iconic images we've seen before, but its most poignant moments are the least public--like one of the president and his daughters frolicking in the snow at the White House. "The 300 photographs in the book are a remarkable account of President Obama's eight years in the White House, from events of historic significance to quiet moments with his wife and daughters and the family dogs.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'd like to say up front here that this is one of those reviews where I am struggling so hard to put thoughts into words, because of how many thoughts I have, and how difficult it is for me to express them. He was funny and personable, and every time I heard him speak I felt suddenly prouder and more patriotic. Because all the rest of that time I wasted being blind and hateful. I'm not really the kind that normally runs off to scrounge around for books they can't afford, but this is the second photography book of the Obamas I've done so for, and it captured my heart as much the second time, as it did the first. UPDATE: Thanks to so many of the kind, heartwarming offers, I have received a copy of this book."
"Well, I guess it is the idea of the unconditional love that I have personally felt by dogs.....and the fact that it least in my mind that is what our former President and First Lady gave us for 8 years. I pray that someday Obama haters or hopefully their children will view the pictures in this “must have” Obama memorabilia and appreciate not only the historical significance of this man to US and world history but also feel his unconditional love of America ; its history, culture and people in every page."
"Obama wasn't perfect, but seeing his two-term administration, not riddled by scandal or buffoonery, captured in this historic volume brought tears to my eyes."
"As I thumb through the pages, I realize how much of my vision of President Obama was formed by the photographs of special moments captured by Souza."
"In capturing the defining moments of the Obama presidency, Mr. Souza has given the common citizen a personal, vulnerable look into the remarkable 8-year tenure of the 44th president."