Brush Up on Your History: Six Books to Read Now If You Need More Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton
This bestselling biography was an impulse purchase in an airport bookstore for Lin-Manuel Miranda and his inspiration for creating Hamilton. Ron Chernow won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize in Biography for his book Washington: A Life, and continues to unearth stories of American history, most recently with Grant—focusing on the life of the Union Army General and 18th president of the United States. Chernow’s biography of Hamilton paints a portrait of a man misunderstood throughout history and sheds light on the story of America’s birth through his eyes. If you’re looking to understand Hamilton’s backstory and dive into a richly written history lesson, this is the place to start.

Hamilton: The Revolution
This backstage pass collects photos, interviews and exclusive footnotes from composer-lyricist-star Lin-Manuel Miranda that traces the progression of this award-winning musical from a performance at The White House Poetry Jam to its opening night on Broadway six years later. This is the definitive must-have guide for any Hamilton fan, and our Barnes & Noble exclusive edition includes a poster showcasing the lyrics from “My Shot,” stunning portraits from photographer Josh Lehrer, and a bonus CD featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda performing libretto annotations.

Alex and Eliza: A Love Story (Alex and Eliza Series #1) 
If you’re looking to build on the romantic angle of Hamilton, this fictionalized series follows the relationship of a young Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. Melissa de la Cruz, author of The Witches of East End and the Descendants series, brings forth an epic love story that starts at the beginning—back to 1777 and the fateful first meeting of two lovers who would go on to forever change the course of American history. The entire trilogy that ends with All for One is now available in paperback and is one YA historical romance you won’t be able to put down.

 Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power
Maybe you’re looking to expand your knowledge on Thomas Jefferson—one of the main antagonists throughout the second act of Hamilton. Look no further than Jon Meacham’s brilliant portrait of this complex politician and philosopher. While Jefferson the man is a controversial figure in American history, you’ll find his political story still resonates today. “This terrific book allows us to see the political genius of Thomas Jefferson better than we have ever seen it before. In these endlessly fascinating pages, Jefferson emerges with such vitality that it seems as if he might still be alive today.”—Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals.

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
LAFAYETTE! There’s no denying that Daveed Diggs’ dynamic portrayal of the scrappy French aristocrat known as Marquis de Lafayette was a crowd favorite—winning him a Grammy Award and a Tony Award. But there is so much more to know about this plucky teenager seeking glory in the New World. This insightful and often humorous chronicle of Lafayette’s first crossing of the Atlantic to his return tour of America in 1824 reflects on the ideals of a revolution, as well as the friendships and rivals met along the way. “[Vowell] takes an open and observant ‘Hey, that’s nuts’ stance toward past and present, which results in a book that’s informative, funny and insightful.” —TIME

War of Two: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Duel that Stunned the Nation 
Were you among those that had a soft spot for Aaron Burr? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This riveting historical account provides an intimate look at the decades-long feud that would ultimately lead to Alexander Hamilton’s untimely death. This is a story of ambition, power, influence and honor; one that reads more like a fast-paced political thriller than a history lesson. “Sedgwick’s War of Two, like Chernow’s great biography, has depths and details that the musical [Hamilton] cannot match.”—Gordon S. Wood, author of Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson