From Hamilton's early success as full partner in a West Indies counting house at the age of 17 to the fatal duel with Aaron Burr 32 years later, Hamilton was a central figure before, during and after the Revolution. Capturing the vigor of the an as well as the times, the author has concentrated on Hamilton's political achievements and financial wizardry. The social and commercial background of New York's pre- and post-Revolutionary days is well drawn here. The city's constant growth as a trade and banking center and Hamilton, always in the middle of public and private controversy, make a swift reading story crammed with sound historical information. The dialogue is well done and Hamilton, the ladies man, is ignored in favor of Hamilton, the family man. An excellent overview of the subject and his milieu for this age level.