Jefferson and Hamilton: The Rivalry That Forged a Nation by John Ferling

Book: Jefferson and Hamilton: The Rivalry That Forged a Nation
 
Author: John Ferling
 
Narrator (if applicable):n/a

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: From Goodreads (because this book is pretty involved):

The decade of the 1790s has been called the “age of passion.” Fervor ran high as rival factions battled over the course of the new republic—each side convinced that the other’s goals would betray the legacy of the Revolution so recently fought and so dearly won. All understood as well that what was at stake was not a moment’s political advantage, but the future course of the American experiment in democracy. In this epochal debate, no two figures loomed larger than Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.

Both men were visionaries, but their visions of what the United States should be were diametrically opposed. Jefferson, a true revolutionary, believed passionately in individual liberty and a more egalitarian society, with a weak central government and greater powers for the states. Hamilton, a brilliant organizer and tactician, feared chaos and social disorder. He sought to build a powerful national government that could ensure the young nation’s security and drive it toward economic greatness.

Jefferson and Hamilton is the story of the fierce struggle—both public and, ultimately, bitterly personal—between these two titans. It ended only with the death of Hamilton in a pistol duel, felled by Aaron Burr, Jefferson’s vice president. Their competing legacies, like the twin strands of DNA, continue to shape our country to this day. Their personalities, their passions, and their bold dreams for America leap from the page in this epic new work from one of our finest historians. 

My rating: 5 Stars
 
My opinion: This was an excellent, well researched read. The details of what this author knew was amazing and was unbiased in its presentation. On that note, because of the vast amount of detail, this was an incredibly slow read. I was able to read about 10 pages per day to ingest the information.

On that note, I would recommend readers invest in purchasing the book or acquiring a print copy from the library. I found reading it on my Nook incredibly frustrating. 

Source: Netgalley for Publisher

      

Would I recommend? : For any history buff, it is a must read! I have already recommended this book so many times and have it on my Santa list for someone.
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone