Includes bibliographical references (pages 261-266) and index.

Introduction: Emerging from the shadows -- Part one: Hamilton in the sun. Immigrant ; Soldier ; Reformer ; Legislator ; Constitutionalist ; Secretary of the treasury ; Abolitionist ; Major general ; Last years -- Part two: Legacies. Hamilton and the development of America ; Hamilton's impact on world history -- Epilogue: Goals and achievements.

"Meet the founding father who made America modern ... An immigrant from the West Indies, he played a crucial part in the political, legal, and economic development of the new nation: He served as Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War; he helped establish the Constitution; he wrote most of The Federalist Papers; and he modernized America's fledgling finances, among other notable achievements. Noted Hamilton scholar and chairman of the Museum of American Finance, Richard Sylla, brings the flesh-and-blood man--student, soldier, lawyer, political scientist, finance minister, and politician--to life and reveals captivating details of his private life as well as his infamous demise at the hands of Vice President Aaron Burr ..."--Provided by publisher.