A Biography Double-Feature: Hamilton and Washington
History is often written by the victors.
Yet modern historians have endeavored to approach the stories of the past with a nuanced eye, addressing ideological paradoxes and forgotten tales. After first listening to the soundtrack of Hamilton, I decided to dive into the story that inspired the Broadway show, listening first to the audiobook of Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton and now Chernow’s biography of Washington.
I dove into these behemoth tomes not just for learning and inspiration from the broadway show. I’ve hinted over the past few years that I’m crafting a climate fantasy novel inspired by the American Revolution. Reading these books is fundamentally a task of intensive research.
So first: Hamilton.
Ron Chernow astounds readers with his ability to entertain while imparting copious amounts of information. His approach to Hamilton’s story is balanced; he discusses every nuanced take on the man’s life, from his days in the Caribbean to the duel with Aaron Burr.
What I appreciate most about Chernow’s historical analysis is his ability to name and critique the characters he is portraying. He applauds Hamilton where he deserves to be applauded, whether its his role as a founding member of the Manumission Society or his path from destitution to soldier to attorney to Treasury Secretary.
Yet Chernow also blasts Hamilton when he deserves it. The man was rash and arrogant. He placed his ambition above all else, and we cannot forget the way he treated his wife through the scandals of the 1790s. Chernow lays it all out there.
He also properly addresses the paradox of the early American Revolution by contrasting every player in the story with their paradoxical views regarding liberty. Certainly, Hamilton was better on the question of slavery than many of his counterparts, but like most, he lived in a paradoxical world where he did not take a strong stance toward liberation.
The real power of Chernow’s words, though, stem from his ability to perceptibly explore the ever-shifting conflicts and debates between Hamilton and his rivals, including Jefferson, Burr, Madison, and more. From the anonymous articles written in the paper to direct conflicts in the cabinet, readers see the true character of humans, not gods, ruling the early United States.
And that’s the reality of Chernow’s mammoth endeavor. He tears apart the myth that our “founding fathers” are perfect humans, identifying every moment they falter.
And they falter a lot.
Chernow’s biography of Hamilton cemented my belief that we cannot view the United States as a truly perfect union. It’s always been messy. We should embrace the conflict and protest and the idea of revolution, constantly seeking to make our world a better place. People like Hamilton tried their hardest to do good work, even as they suffered the defects of their times. We must learn from them and do better.
Five Stars.
And now: Washington.
The biography of Washington presents a much more paradoxical narrative than its counterpart on Hamilton. George Washington was a man filled with contradictions. At the same time he internally espoused a need to liberate his slaves, he would never allow his slaves to go free. As a General, he inspired his soldiers, but was never much of a tactician.
And as a President, he craved a legacy while never publicly pushing for his own popularity.
Chernow expertly explores Washington’s tumultuous life, identifying all the moments where we see the real human underneath the historical facade. Washington was nowhere near perfect. He complained about finances to friends. He could never escape his need to own slaves. He was scared of political parties, but essentially became the leader of the Federalists by the end of his presidency.
If you’re looking for a balanced exploration of the man Washington, rather than the god, read Chernow’s biography. If we are to understand how we move forward as a human species, we must understand the inherent contradictions that exist within our histories. Washington was simultaneously an inspirational leader and a failure of the ideals of liberty toward slavery. He revolted against an imperial power while failing to stop American settlers from colonizing and murdering indigenous peoples.
Chernow properly explores every aspect of Washington’s life, and I couldn’t recommend the narrative enough.
Five Stars.
So there you have it. You’ll just need to wait and see how this intensive historical research project of mine translates into a climate fantasy inspired by the American Revolution. I’m excited. Expect more details in 2021. But for now, you’ll just need to be patient!