Summary

The biography begins by showing Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill and explaining that his recent fame has come from a musical. Although his work is often misinterpreted, the author calls him a genius and says his wits helped win the Revolutionary War. He was close to George Washington and was one of the founding fathers. Alexander also helped created the Declaration of Independence, and lay the foundation for the economy, coast guard, and customs. His life was full of contradictions, and the author makes it clear that Alexander was a complicated man.

The author then rewinds to a young Alexander awaiting death in the midst of a hurricane in 1772. Massive waves and winds assaulted the island of his home with lightning and torrents of rain. The storm was so terrible that hundreds...