Description
Book SynopsisHistorians on “Hamilton” brings together a diverse collection of top scholars to explain the
Hamilton phenomenon and explore what it might mean for our understanding of America’s history. In short, lively essays, these experts assess what the musical got right, what it got wrong, and why it matters.
Trade Review“For
Hamilton fans, history buffs, political thinkers and Broadway acolytes, this collection provides dozens of fascinating perspectives, correctives, and sidelong directives. It probably won’t change your mind about the show, but it will keep you thinking and talking about it, and the world that surrounds it, for a long time to come. If you love
Hamilton the musical or have any curiosity about the man himself and where he fits into the American panorama, this is the book for you." -- Jack Viertel * producer, critic, renowned author, and senior vice president of Jujamcyn Theaters *
"Hamilton, the musical, has turned thousands of people onto the history of the American founding. For those who want more,
Historians on Hamilton digs deep into the myths and realities behind the show." -- Jacob Weisberg * editor-in-chief of the Slate Group and author of The Bush Tragedy *
"
Historians on Hamilton is an erudite and accessible scholarly consideration of the Broadway phenomenon that created an Alexander Hamilton palatable for our times. An indispensable work for all interested in the founding and contemporary racial politics." -- Annette Gordon-Reed * author of The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family *
"Deeply documented, culturally astute, interpretively diverse, consistently illuminating—this is a model of intellectual engagement. Providing insight into
Hamilton’s significance, the essays cogently reveal how contemporary culture shapes our past.” -- Joshua Brown * American Social History Project, City University of New York Graduate Center *
"Treating
Hamilton as a historical phenomenon in its own right, contributors to this volume reflect on the lives that inspired it and its meaning for our conflict-ridden present." -- Kathleen M. Brown * David Boies Professor of History, The University of Pennsylvania *
"Think of this volume as a how-to manual for scholars to use the brilliance of
Hamilton to teach about the incredibly complex power dynamics of early America." -- Gautham Rao * assistant professor of history at American University and author of National Duties *
"Lin-Manuel Miranda’s
Hamilton is enthralling as musical theater. As history…not so much. Fortunately, two great professional historians, Renee C. Romano and Claire Bond Potter, are here to set the record straight, gathering expert essays to tell you the inconvenient truths about Alexander Hamilton that the hit play leaves out. More than that, though,
Historians on Hamilton offers informed and insightful meditations on the themes of history, memory, legacy, interpretation and art that lie at the heart of the Broadway smash. No
Hamilton fan should do without it." -- David Greenberg * professor of history at Rutgers University, author of Republic of Spin *
"A thought-provoking and carefully crafted collection of scholarship that has much to offer readers interested in music, theater, or American history." * Library Journal starred review *
"
Historians on Hamilton is smart and interesting. It was great fun to read all the different points of view and even have some of my opinions changed. What more could you want from a book?" * Show Showdown *
"The Issue on the Table: Is 'Hamilton' Good For History?" by Kate Keller
* Smithsonian Magazine Online *
"Cumulatively, the essays in
Historians on Hamilton provide a useful and impressive range of perspectives from which to appreciate the historical significance of the Broadway sensation, to evaluate the historical accuracy of the story
Hamilton tells, and to prod us to consider the contemporary stakes of the historical narratives we consume, celebrate, and propagate." * H-Net *
"How ‘Hamilton’ Is Remaking American History" feature and excerpt * DC Metro Theater Arts *
"The book takes a unique and revolutionary approach in bringing
Hamilton to life." * Choice *
New Books Network podcast interview with authors * New Books Network podcast interview *
"This book is a collection of articles on the Broadway play Hamilton with what historians say about the play.... Suffice it to say that most of the play seems to be historically correct, but history is always a matter of interpretation, and Alexander Hamilton is certainly an historical figure who needs interpretation." * We Are Literate *
"Gift Guide for Book Lovers" by the editors at Stanfordmag.org * Stanford Magazine *
"Facing up to the award-winning play's power to shape our understanding of America's past, Romano and Potter present a collection of accessible but scholarly essays to investigate
Hamilton: An American Musical. Delving into history, politics, race relations and contemporary culture, the book poses big questions: Can
Hamilton help create a new, multiracial American civic myth? Or was the real-life Alexander Hamilton--an elitist and a skeptic of democracy--simply too divisive? Besides, who owns American history--and who gets to tell it?" * Stanford Magazine *
"The collection will be of direct relevance and value to public historians. And like its subject, the volume should also appeal to multiple audiences—teachers and students on the college and other levels, scholars concerned with popular memory of the founders, and general readers wishing to learn more about both the musical and the historical world it depicts." * Public Historian *
"Did ‘Hamilton’ Get the Story Wrong? One Playwright Thinks So," by James Barron * New York Times *
"A valiant attempt to help audiences understand
Hamilton’s achievements while also taking stock of the musical’s shortfalls. Accessibly written, the contributions cover the show as both art and history." * Public Books *
"Fans of the musical will appreciate this opportunity to approach it from an academic perspective, and educators will find it productive to include particular chapters on their syllabi." * H-Net *
"This book is a worthy addition to popular culture studies, history, American Studies, Africana Studies, Latinx Studies and, of course, theatre and musical theatre studies.....
Historians on Hamilton successfully meets Miranda’s challenge, presenting engaging essays in which accomplished historians do take Hamilton seriously and offer a range of perspectives on its place in, and depiction of, American history." * Journal of American Drama and Theatre *
"Fall Arts Preview: Theater," by Don Harrison
https://richmondmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/fall-arts-preview-2019-theater/ * Richmond Magazine *
"This collection of brief accessible essays offers nice balance of perspectives and topics. Taken as a whole, they argue that while Miranda’s
Hamilton is not as revolutionary, either in terms of artistic originality or disruptive historical narrative, as many have suggested, it remains remarkably entertaining and presents an almost unique opportunity for historians to engage the public in meaningful conversations about the nation’s past and the nature of history itself. Everyone who has seen the show or listened to the cast recording, especially those who teach about it, will appreciate how this provocative and informative volume not only enlightens but also prompts them to revisit the show, one last time." * H-FedHist *
"As a reference work aimed at those bridging the gap between academic and the Broadway audience...the volume will be a valuable contribution to widening discussion beyond the personality-led drama of the stage and the world of the American Revolution." * Journal of the Early Republic *
"Just what is the story of Alexander Hamilton as Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical hits Disney Plus?" by Emma Kelly
https://metro.co.uk/2020/07/02/just-what-story-alexander-hamilton-lin-manuel-mirandas-musical-hits-disney-plus-12934519/ * Metro UK *
"As ‘Hamilton’ Arrives on Disney+, Five Lyrics That Have Shaped the Culture," by John Jurgensen
https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-hamilton-arrives-on-disney-five-lyrics-that-have-shaped-the-culture-11593613712 * Wall Street Journal *
"Hamilton is coming. Here’s how to give it your best shot," by Jenna Price * Sydney Morning Herald *
"Historian,
Hamilton fan, or some combination, something in
Historians on Hamilton will inform and challenge you." * Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies *
"
Historians on Hamilton emerges as a template for thoughtful, deliberate dialogue. In the deft hands of Potter and Romano, the volume manages to be critical and incisive while still, from my impression, maintain a similar spirit to the musical itself. Both provide examples of how to talk across and not at disciplinary, professional, and creative categories. A cultural force as powerful as
Hamilton gives historians in many hats a unique opportunity to demonstrate what our work can do....History is not, and should not, the sole interest of historians, but artists, musicians, performers, politicians, activists, and engaged, interested participants in the American and global communities.
Historians on Hamilton is an intuitive reminder that historians can, and must, participate on that wider stage." * Early Americanists *
“For
Hamilton fans, history buffs, political thinkers and Broadway acolytes, this collection provides dozens of fascinating perspectives, correctives, and sidelong directives. It probably won’t change your mind about the show, but it will keep you thinking and talking about it, and the world that surrounds it, for a long time to come. If you love
Hamilton the musical or have any curiosity about the man himself and where he fits into the American panorama, this is the book for you." -- Jack Viertel * producer, critic, renowned author, and senior vice president of Jujamcyn Theaters *
"Hamilton, the musical, has turned thousands of people onto the history of the American founding. For those who want more,
Historians on Hamilton digs deep into the myths and realities behind the show." -- Jacob Weisberg * editor-in-chief of the Slate Group and author of The Bush Tragedy *
"
Historians on Hamilton is an erudite and accessible scholarly consideration of the Broadway phenomenon that created an Alexander Hamilton palatable for our times. An indispensable work for all interested in the founding and contemporary racial politics." -- Annette Gordon-Reed * author of The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family *
"Deeply documented, culturally astute, interpretively diverse, consistently illuminating—this is a model of intellectual engagement. Providing insight into
Hamilton’s significance, the essays cogently reveal how contemporary culture shapes our past.” -- Joshua Brown * American Social History Project, City University of New York Graduate Center *
"Treating
Hamilton as a historical phenomenon in its own right, contributors to this volume reflect on the lives that inspired it and its meaning for our conflict-ridden present." -- Kathleen M. Brown * David Boies Professor of History, The University of Pennsylvania *
"Think of this volume as a how-to manual for scholars to use the brilliance of
Hamilton to teach about the incredibly complex power dynamics of early America." -- Gautham Rao * assistant professor of history at American University and author of National Duties *
"Lin-Manuel Miranda’s
Hamilton is enthralling as musical theater. As history…not so much. Fortunately, two great professional historians, Renee C. Romano and Claire Bond Potter, are here to set the record straight, gathering expert essays to tell you the inconvenient truths about Alexander Hamilton that the hit play leaves out. More than that, though,
Historians on Hamilton offers informed and insightful meditations on the themes of history, memory, legacy, interpretation and art that lie at the heart of the Broadway smash. No
Hamilton fan should do without it." -- David Greenberg * professor of history at Rutgers University, author of Republic of Spin *
"A thought-provoking and carefully crafted collection of scholarship that has much to offer readers interested in music, theater, or American history." * Library Journal starred review *
"
Historians on Hamilton is smart and interesting. It was great fun to read all the different points of view and even have some of my opinions changed. What more could you want from a book?" * Show Showdown *
"The Issue on the Table: Is 'Hamilton' Good For History?" by Kate Keller
* Smithsonian Magazine Online *
"Cumulatively, the essays in
Historians on Hamilton provide a useful and impressive range of perspectives from which to appreciate the historical significance of the Broadway sensation, to evaluate the historical accuracy of the story
Hamilton tells, and to prod us to consider the contemporary stakes of the historical narratives we consume, celebrate, and propagate." * H-Net *
"How ‘Hamilton’ Is Remaking American History" feature and excerpt * DC Metro Theater Arts *
"The book takes a unique and revolutionary approach in bringing
Hamilton to life." * Choice *
New Books Network podcast interview with authors * New Books Network podcast interview *
"This book is a collection of articles on the Broadway play Hamilton with what historians say about the play.... Suffice it to say that most of the play seems to be historically correct, but history is always a matter of interpretation, and Alexander Hamilton is certainly an historical figure who needs interpretation." * We Are Literate *
"Gift Guide for Book Lovers" by the editors at Stanfordmag.org * Stanford Magazine *
"Facing up to the award-winning play's power to shape our understanding of America's past, Romano and Potter present a collection of accessible but scholarly essays to investigate
Hamilton: An American Musical. Delving into history, politics, race relations and contemporary culture, the book poses big questions: Can
Hamilton help create a new, multiracial American civic myth? Or was the real-life Alexander Hamilton--an elitist and a skeptic of democracy--simply too divisive? Besides, who owns American history--and who gets to tell it?" * Stanford Magazine *
"The collection will be of direct relevance and value to public historians. And like its subject, the volume should also appeal to multiple audiences—teachers and students on the college and other levels, scholars concerned with popular memory of the founders, and general readers wishing to learn more about both the musical and the historical world it depicts." * Public Historian *
"Did ‘Hamilton’ Get the Story Wrong? One Playwright Thinks So," by James Barron * New York Times *
"A valiant attempt to help audiences understand
Hamilton’s achievements while also taking stock of the musical’s shortfalls. Accessibly written, the contributions cover the show as both art and history." * Public Books *
"Fans of the musical will appreciate this opportunity to approach it from an academic perspective, and educators will find it productive to include particular chapters on their syllabi." * H-Net *
"This book is a worthy addition to popular culture studies, history, American Studies, Africana Studies, Latinx Studies and, of course, theatre and musical theatre studies.....
Historians on Hamilton successfully meets Miranda’s challenge, presenting engaging essays in which accomplished historians do take Hamilton seriously and offer a range of perspectives on its place in, and depiction of, American history." * Journal of American Drama and Theatre *
"Fall Arts Preview: Theater," by Don Harrison
https://richmondmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/fall-arts-preview-2019-theater/ * Richmond Magazine *
"This collection of brief accessible essays offers nice balance of perspectives and topics. Taken as a whole, they argue that while Miranda’s
Hamilton is not as revolutionary, either in terms of artistic originality or disruptive historical narrative, as many have suggested, it remains remarkably entertaining and presents an almost unique opportunity for historians to engage the public in meaningful conversations about the nation’s past and the nature of history itself. Everyone who has seen the show or listened to the cast recording, especially those who teach about it, will appreciate how this provocative and informative volume not only enlightens but also prompts them to revisit the show, one last time." * H-FedHist *
"As a reference work aimed at those bridging the gap between academic and the Broadway audience...the volume will be a valuable contribution to widening discussion beyond the personality-led drama of the stage and the world of the American Revolution." * Journal of the Early Republic *
"Just what is the story of Alexander Hamilton as Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical hits Disney Plus?" by Emma Kelly
https://metro.co.uk/2020/07/02/just-what-story-alexander-hamilton-lin-manuel-mirandas-musical-hits-disney-plus-12934519/ * Metro UK *
"As ‘Hamilton’ Arrives on Disney+, Five Lyrics That Have Shaped the Culture," by John Jurgensen
https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-hamilton-arrives-on-disney-five-lyrics-that-have-shaped-the-culture-11593613712 * Wall Street Journal *
"Hamilton is coming. Here’s how to give it your best shot," by Jenna Price * Sydney Morning Herald *
"Historian,
Hamilton fan, or some combination, something in
Historians on Hamilton will inform and challenge you." * Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies *
"
Historians on Hamilton emerges as a template for thoughtful, deliberate dialogue. In the deft hands of Potter and Romano, the volume manages to be critical and incisive while still, from my impression, maintain a similar spirit to the musical itself. Both provide examples of how to talk across and not at disciplinary, professional, and creative categories. A cultural force as powerful as
Hamilton gives historians in many hats a unique opportunity to demonstrate what our work can do....History is not, and should not, the sole interest of historians, but artists, musicians, performers, politicians, activists, and engaged, interested participants in the American and global communities.
Historians on Hamilton is an intuitive reminder that historians can, and must, participate on that wider stage." * Early Americanists *
Table of ContentsChronology
Introduction: History is Happening in New York - Renee C. Romano and Claire Bond Potter
Act I: The Script
Chapter 1: From Ron Chernow's
Alexander Hamilton to
Hamilton: An American Musical - William Hogeland
Chapter 2:
"Can We Get Back to Politics? Please?" Hamilton's Missing Politics in
Hamilton - Joanne B. Freeman
Chapter 3: Race-Conscious Casting and the Erasure of the Black Past in
Hamilton - Lyra D. Monteiro
Chapter 4: The Greatest City in the World? Slavery in New York in the Age of Hamilton - Leslie M. Harris
Chapter 5: “Remember….I’m Your Man”: Masculinity, Marriage, and Gender in
Hamilton - Catherine Allgor
Act II: The Stage
Chapter 6: “The Ten Dollar Founding Father”: Hamilton, Money and Federal Power - Michael O’Malley
Chapter 7:
Hamilton as Founders Chic: A Neo-Federalist, Antislavery, Usable Past? - David Waldstreicher and Jeffrey L. Pasley
Chapter 8:
Hamilton and the American Revolution on Stage and Screen - Andrew M. Schocket
Chapter 9: From
The Black Crook to
Hamilton: A Brief History of Hot Tickets on Broadway - Elizabeth L. Wollman
Chapter 10: Looking at
Hamilton from Inside the Broadway Bubble - Brian Eugenio Herrera
Act III: The Audience
Chapter 11: Mind the Gap: Teaching
Hamilton - Jim Cullen
Chapter 12: Who Tells Your Story:
Hamilton as a People’s History - Joseph M. Adelman
Chapter 13: Reckoning with America’s Racial Past, Present, and Future in
Hamilton - Patricia Herrera
Chapter 14:
Hamilton: A New American Civic Myth by Renee C. Romano
Chapter 15: Safe in the Nation We’ve Made: Staging
Hamilton on Social Media - Claire Bond Potter
Sample Syllabus
Acknowledgments
Notes on Contributors
Index
