Charles A. Cerami

Very interesting book covering the Great Compromise—Jefferson's and Madison's acceptance of Hamilton's assumption plan (whereby the federal government took over state debts) and the latter's acceptance of the nation's permanent capitol near the Potomac River. It took a bit for me to get into this book, but once we hit the compromise part, it picked up speed and was enjoyable until the end.

What's most amazing about the focus of the book is how dangerous it was for Jefferson and Madison to give Hamilton this huge win. Had Hamilton not stumbled later on, he very well could have become the most powerful man in America. But Jefferson, being secretary of state, knew the financial stability of the nascent nation was vital to the eyes of Europe. This knowledge allowed him to override his fear of Hamilton's grab of federal power.

I've read several biographies of Hamilton, but it was good to refresh my memory as to how quickly his star faded. And while author Charles Cerami seems to be a big fan of Jefferson (rightly so), he nevertheless still points out TJ's flaws and hypocrisy.

Good read!… (mehr)

This book focused on the life and career of Thomas Jefferson during the time between the Presidency of George Washington and his own. I was expecting more time to be spent on the Assumption plan proposed by Alexander Hamilton, but it took up maybe a chapter of the book. There was a lot of time spent on the rivalry between Hamilton and Jefferson, though. Even though it was not what I expected, it was an easy to read history. The writing was fluid and did not read like a textbook. The stories were interesting, and the author attempted to refrain from bias.… (mehr)