Alexander Hamilton and the Persistence of Myth explores the shifting reputation of our most controversial founding father. Since the day Aaron Burr fired his fatal shot; Americans have tried to come to grips with Alexander Hamilton's legacy. Stephen Knott surveys the Hamilton image in the minds of American statesmen; scholars; literary figures; and the media; explaining why Americans are content to live in a Hamiltonian nation but reluctant to embrace the man himself.Knott observes that Thomas Jefferson and his followers; and; later; Andrew Jackson and his adherents; tended to view Hamilton and his principles as "un-American." While his policies generated mistrust in the South and the West; where he is still seen as the founding "plutocrat;" Hamilton was revered in New England and parts of the Mid-Atlantic states. Hamilton's image as a champion of American nationalism caused his reputation to soar during the Civil War; at least in the North. However; in the wake of Gilded Age excesses; progressive and populist political leaders branded Hamilton as the patron saint of Wall Street; and his reputation began to disintegrate. Hamilton's status reached its nadir during the New Deal; Knott argues; when Franklin Roosevelt portrayed him as the personification of Dickensian cold-heartedness. When FDR erected the beautiful Tidal Basin monument to Thomas Jefferson and thereby elevated the Sage of Monticello into the American Pantheon; Hamilton; as Jefferson's nemesis; fell into disrepute. He came to epitomize the forces of reaction contemptuous of the "great beast"-the American people. In showing how the prevailing negative assessment misrepresents the man and his deeds; Knott argues for reconsideration of Hamiltonianism; which rightly understood has much to offer the American polity of the twenty-first century.Remarkably; at the dawn of the new millennium; the nation began to see Hamilton in a different light. Hamilton's story was now the embodiment of the American dream—an impoverished immigrant who came to the United States and laid the economic and political foundation that paved the way for America's superpower status. Here in Stephen Knott's insightful study; Hamilton finally gets his due as a highly contested but powerful and positive presence in American national life.
#1581352 in Books 2016-11-11Original language:English 9.00 x .73 x 6.00l; #File Name: 0692808124324 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. But then it just ended...By DOLFANinAZInteresting. I enjoyed the perspective.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Warning: written in the language of the timesBy mikeI received a print copy of Nazi Saboteurs on the Bayou by Steven Burgauer for review.Nazi Saboteurs on the Bayou is a work of fictionalized history. I learned a great many things about World War Two and the history of boats and such. What caught my interest with this book was the connection to the Louisiana Bayous; a region of the U.S. that fascinates me; I'm not usually a reader of war books.Although Nazi Saboteurs on the Bayou has as its backdrop WWII; I would not call it a "war book". What we read is intrigue around the development and production of the Higgins Boat; an amphibious landing craft. We have a Mafia connection; bad guy Germans; prostitutes; business people; politicians; spies; and everyday people. A lot of characters to keep straight but Mr. Burgauer (a German name if I'm not mistaken; hmm) does a fine job in that respect. I didn't find myself having to look back in the book to see who this or that person was.Warning to the sensitive reader: Nazi Saboteurs on the Bayou is written in the language of the times. There are many instances of words which would be cut from a movie today; n-words; j-words; and various other "trigger" words (what a shame that even needs to be said).Very mild sex (especially when you consider some of the action takes place in a brothel); lots of action and intrigue. Some graphic violence. Lots of history.I really enjoyed Nazi Saboteurs on the Bayou by Steven Burgauer. I recommend it for historical fiction fans; and even WWII enthusiasts (fans doesn't seem an appropriate word here); action and intrigue readers. Enjoy!Mike0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not Kindle Unlimited; actually got this as one of ...By Bonnie Dale KeckNot Kindle Unlimited; actually got this as one of those gift books after asking a review site to ask the writer if could have a review copy; so needless to say but will say it anyway; free will and all that; and yes all my own opinions and in no way other than being grateful for the chance to read a non-ku book does my review have anything to do with anything other than my usual wanted to read it; read it; and now reviewing it. 4 star because just felt as if it could have been a bit tighter on the writing in places; bit more overview; and yes still perhaps added a bit more to the ending which seemed just a bit abrupt.What convinced the President of America to enter in to WW; the men; women; and machines that played pivotal parts in fighting and winning this way against a country that came to fight; again; after being beat in the 'Great War' {WWI}; the discrimination and atrocities committed against people for their color; race; and religious background. The story tells of the bravery; ability; and cunning of not only the Navajo Code Talkers but also of 'everyday' soldiers who helped make it happen; after having spent years having their heritage and their language attempt to be suppressed. “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat itâ€. {George Santayana} This is why we must remember the horrors of war; and never forget the bravery done despite it. "There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty; that makes human nature rise above itself; in acts of bravery and heroism." {Alexander Hamilton}Not Kindle Unlimited; actually got this as one of those gift books after asking a review site to ask the writer if could have a review copy; so needless to say but will say it anyway; free will and all that; and yes all my own opinions and in no way other than being grateful for the chance to read a non-ku book does my review have anything to do with anything other than my usual wanted to read it; read it; and now reviewing it. {The 4 star rating matches that of ; because just felt as if it could have been a bit tighter on the writing in places; bit more overview; and yes still perhaps added a bit more to the ending which seemed just a bit abrupt.} Maybe that really means it might should have been a 5; because did get interested in the story to wonder more. Definitely worth a read.What convinced the President of America to enter in to WW; the men; women; and machines that played pivotal parts in fighting and winning this war against a country that came to fight; again; after being beat in the 'Great War' {WWI}; the discrimination and atrocities committed against people for their color; race; and religious background. The story tells of the bravery; ability; and cunning of not only the Navajo Code Talkers but also of 'everyday' soldiers who helped make it happen; after spending years having their heritage and their language attempt to be suppressed. “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat itâ€. {George Santayana} This is why we must remember the horrors of war; and never forget the bravery done despite it. "There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty; that makes human nature rise above itself; in acts of bravery and heroism." {Alexander Hamilton}Have been reading The Grandfather Paradox by the same writer; and though I have some issues with the length; ending; etcetera; it deserves at least a 4.5 but since there isn't one going with a 5.
