There are several reasons why I have not yet seen “Hamilton.” Logistics and cost are the primary ones.
But there’s another. I haven’t read the book, the definitive, 731-page “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow. I think it should be required reading. At least by me.
Moreover, I own it–and have since the Christmas of 2005. It has been sitting impressively–in all its Federalist splendor–on my library shelf, a haunting reminder of hauteur. As if I’m claiming to be better read and better informed than I am. Hypocritically humbling.
Enough. The Hamilton tome has now been relocated to a nightstand, and I’m more than half way through. And I’m finding Hamilton–battlefield hero, principal designer of the federal government, catalyst for the two-party system and the essence of inexplicably, flawed brilliance–beyond compelling.
Then, and only then, will come “Hamilton,” the musical. After that? “Civilisation” by Kenneth Clarke: You’re on notice.