I have to admit to being a huge Hamilfan (a big fan of the musical Hamilton.) Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative genius brings a period of American history alive and I was keen to know more about the historical figures it centres around. Luckily there are so many must-read books for fans of Hamilton.
From biographies about Alexander Hamilton, to fictional stories about Eliza Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, this list of books to read after watching Hamilton has something for everyone.
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The book that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to create Hamilton is probably a good place to start! Ron Chernow’s biography covers Hamilton’s life, from an illegitimate orphan from the Caribbean to the man who became the first Treasury Secretary of the United States.
Lin-Manuel Miranda describes the biography as “an amazing biography” that “‘out-Dickens’ Dickens in the unlikeliness of this man’s rise from his humble beginnings in Nevis in the Caribbean, to changing, helping shape our young nation”.
My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
The My Dear Hamilton by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray is written from the viewpoint of Eliza. The opening line, “I was someone before I met Alexander Hamilton”, highlights that this woman was so much more than somebody’s wife.
While the novel does give an insight into her marriage to the flawed genius that was Alexander Hamilton, it shows the hardships, family life and accomplishments of this great woman.
The story starts, as you would imagine, at the beginning. A young Eliza Schuyler, the daughter of a general, tries to find her place in the world before she meets the rakish, ladies’ man, Alexander Hamilton. The story follows throughout their marriage; the battles, the tragedies and the betrayals.
The last part of the novel focuses on who Eliza Hamilton was after her husband died. We feel her despair as she searches for answers and devotes herself to charity work.
The famous Federalist Papers can be read in their entirety within this book. All eighty-five Federalist articles were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay; three Founding Fathers who together sought to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution.
This definitive edition includes all 85 articles and the text of the Constitution for ease of reference.
Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Goodreads best non-fiction book of 2016, Hamilton The Revolution is THE book to go alongside the musical.
Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the musical, and Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theatre artist who was involved in the project from its earliest stages. The book contains photographs, emails, interviews and footnotes, giving the reader a real insight into what goes on backstage. A must-read for any Hamilton fan.
As with My Dear Hamilton, the story is a work of fiction based on true events. Thomas Jefferson wrote almost 20,000 letters in his lifetime so there are a lot of writings to centre the story around. However, while he is obviously a key character, this isn’t Thomas Jefferson’s story. This story is based on Patsy Jefferson, his daughter.
After her mother’s death, Patsy becomes her father’s companion, confidant, and keeper of secrets. We follow the Jeffersons from Monticello to Paris and back to America, all the way to the White House. We see a young Patsy have to make difficult decisions during a turbulent era, torn between love and loyalty to her father. As a devoted daughter, she sacrifices so much as she discovers, and conceals, dark secrets as tragedy and poverty threaten her family.
Eliza Hamilton: The Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton
While My Dear Hamilton is a work of fiction, this book is a biography and relies more on known facts rather than conjecture. Eliza Hamilton: The Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton, focuses on the many sides of Eliza – a strong pioneering woman, a loving sister, a caring mother, and in her later years, a generous philanthropist.
This account of the woman behind the famous man is perfect for fans of the works of Ron Chernow, the author of the Alexander Hamilton biography.
Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr provides an insight into Founding Father and famous villain Aaron Burr (Sir).
Nancy Isenberg shows Aaron Burr in a different light – as a feminist, a patriot, and most importantly a man with powerful enemies in an age of vitriolic political fighting. A revealing and fascinating biography.
Wow! An awesome list. Thanks for putting it together. I’ve just shared this article with my brother.
Molly
Saturday 15th of May 2021
Wow. We LOVE Hamilton - this is going to be a great gift list to keep coming back to. Thank you.
Emma Reed
Friday 14th of May 2021
I still haven't seen Hamilton, I really need to, I have heard such great things about it
Latoya
Friday 14th of May 2021
Ooh loving these recommendations, Hamilton is amazing, I've watched it at least 5 times.
Katy (What Katy Said)
Friday 14th of May 2021
Hamilton is STILL on my “to watch” list but I never seem to find a moment to sit down and enjoy it. I love books though so I might pick one of these and read it first!
Yvette
Wednesday 19th of May 2021
Wow! An awesome list. Thanks for putting it together. I’ve just shared this article with my brother.
Molly
Saturday 15th of May 2021
Wow. We LOVE Hamilton - this is going to be a great gift list to keep coming back to. Thank you.
Emma Reed
Friday 14th of May 2021
I still haven't seen Hamilton, I really need to, I have heard such great things about it
Latoya
Friday 14th of May 2021
Ooh loving these recommendations, Hamilton is amazing, I've watched it at least 5 times.
Katy (What Katy Said)
Friday 14th of May 2021
Hamilton is STILL on my “to watch” list but I never seem to find a moment to sit down and enjoy it. I love books though so I might pick one of these and read it first!