Hamilton's Curse: How Jefferson's Arch Enemy Betrayed the American Revolution--and What It Means for Americans Today Paperback – December 8, 2009

This book is a refreshing expose on the philosophy and harmful results of Hamiltonianism. The fact that the author has a background in economics brings the necessary scrutiny that Hamilton has for so long evaded. While I do not share all of the libertarian views of the author, the analysis of Hamiltonianism and particularly the juxtaposition with Jeffersonianism is quite impressive and informative. This book is highly recommended for those who really want to understand the philosophical battle that occurred during their times, and the ongoing battle of ideas throughout the subsequent century and decades that have followed.And for those who simply saw the Broadway play Hamilton, please pick up this book to get in more accurate history on the topic. It is much different than the catchy tunes they were singing and rapping.

Ok DiLorenzo does not support most any policy Hamilton or his minions supported. If you get your facts from broadway plays and your news from shows like The View or Good Morning America you will not like this book. Then again you probably cannot comprehend its content either.Although I agree with the author's premise that Hamilton's policies have done tremendous damage to America, I'm not as completely sold on his solution to give most power back to the state bureaucracies. The states have learned to copy the federal system of taxes, nepotism, grift, welfare, handouts, etc. Additionally many states created their own unmanageable financial deficits that I'm sure they expect the federal government to save them from. If a state seceded where would they look to for military protection, financial protection, disaster protection, etc. Puerto Rico and other US territories can be viewed as examples of what can be expected. No federal taxes (besides soc sec and Medicare) but expect US protection, benefits, and aid for every issue.Read the book. It's worth the time. Digest the content. It's worth understanding. Read opposing views. It will help you form an intelligent opinion.

This is one of the most enlightening books I've read on the Founders. The revisionists have made Hamilton out to be such a great man when in reality his actions and philosophy were the genesis of the big central government, judicial tyranny, and central banking under which we live today. He and his ideas of strong central government were major influences on the first Supreme Court Justice John Marshall over stepping the constitutional constraints put on the courts as he usurped his powers by grabbing judicial review contrary to what Jefferson and Madison believed.He complete went away from everything he wrote in the Federalist Papers. Lincoln, Wilson, FDR, LBJ and today's leftists/progressive all use Hamilton as an excuse for their power grabs.I think America would have been a better country without Alexander Hamilton.This book is a must read for anyone interested in the Founders, early American history and its impact on us today. I liked the book so much I bought additional copies for friends of mine.

Ham's Curse seemed a bit long and repetitive, and the author included substantial criticisms (valid ones) far after the purview of Hamilton's life and actions. Still, a valuable read.Portrays Hamilton as someone who, along with the federalists, couldn't get the strong centralized authority they wanted initially in the constitution due to the suspicions and protests of the freedom loving anti-federalists led by Jefferson.Whether or not you think the Jefferson great/ Hamilton terrible portrayal is fair or accurate, it is hard to argue with the statement that the constitution either meant to cause, or failed to prevent the gov't we have. That is from Lysander's book, which, is a shocking read to the freedom loving 'Merican who laments the trampling of the constitution over the decades. DiLorenzo's book is probably a more palatable wake up call to anyone who hasn't considered the possibility that the constitution has flaws.DiLorenzo shows how the "supreme" court managed to put itself above the document, and placed the fed above the states as. The initial failures of national banks to take hold, was amusing, but eventually they made it stick, and with the federal reserve, income tax, and i.r.s., it's basically game over.Makes me want to read the Articles of Confederation. I do think there is some contradiction in DiLorenzo's conclusions - almost inevitable because he is a libertarian. He shows the evil of a powerful central federal government, but seems to claim that if we only had state governments, we would be sovereign citizens. It is difficult even for libertarians, who ponder just how limited governments can be, to consider that ZERO government is even feasible, let alone optimal. There is just so much fear.

There was a great deal of delay in getting the book(s). Am disappointed that the book came with a gash (near tear).

Today's problems of monster-sized government are confirmed to have arisen out of the Hamiltonian mercantilist influence adopted in the mid-19th century by the US government. I often wonder how the mercantilists persaded us that Aaron Burr was traitorous, rather than one of the great heroes for ending the royalist ambitions and destructive personal influence of Mr. Hamilton. However, as the book shows, it was one of Hamilton's acolytes, Supreme Court Justice Marshall, that did the most harm that even Andrew Jackson couldn't undo... the harm persists to this day and has framed the perversion of the Constitution that has made it virtually worthless as the constraining code on government it was designed to be. That is the legacy of Hamilton. If you like big and corrupt government, you'll dislike this book as it takes the obverse view.

A must for anyone interested in American history.it does not present an establishment slant on the subject but is well refenced and cogently argued making a persuasive case for his thesis.

Having read a number of books on the founding fathers of the thirteen colonies; comparing their hopes and aspiration for the people of the country to the situation existing today, this novel manages to illustrate the bitter reality.

Neo Liberal claptrap.