Eliza’s sister Angelica has a tumultuous relationship with the Schuyler family, largely due to her choice of husband. Were you surprised by the muckraking that defined the political landscape of Revolution-era America? How does it compare to the role of political journalism in America today?ĩ. Was this revelation a shock to you? Does this new take on the affair change your impression of Eliza?Ĩ. Her extensive research suggests that it was actually a cover-up for bad financial dealings, and that Eliza was in on it. Mazzeo offers a new perspective on Alexander Hamilton’s infamous affair with Maria Reynolds than previous biographers. How does their relationship with Eliza and Alexander align with or diverge from your preexisting ideas of these historical figures?ħ. Describe-and react to-Mazzeo’s characterization of George and Martha Washington. The level of public scrutiny that Eliza endures during Alexander’s meteoric political rise rivals that of modern-day celebrities. How did you react to Alexander’s tone-deaf suggestion that Eliza undertake intellectual self-improvements? More broadly, how did you react to Alexander’s often “swaggering way” (page 137) in general?ĥ. hat she was dull and stupid” (pages 79–80). This tactless piece of advice tapped into what author Tilar Mazzeo calls Eliza’s “greatest insecurity. In the early days of their courtship, Alexander wrote to Eliza in a letter: “Nature has been very kind to you do not neglect to cultivate her gifts and to enable yourself to make the distinguished figure in all respects to which you are intitled to aspire” (page 79). Did it surprise you to learn that Eliza owned slaves despite being pro-abolition? How do you suppose she was able to reconcile those conflicting ideas?Ĥ. What expectations were especially formative for you as a child and teenager, and what did you rail against?ģ. Knowing Eliza’s entrepreneurial strengths (and affinities), discuss how these restrictive expectations of “elite” colonial girls shaped Eliza’s early life and sense of self. The list closely resembles the expectations that fell on young Eliza as well. Thomas Jefferson outlines how his eleven-year-old daughter, Polly, should “distribute” her time (page 20). Discuss this quotation as it relates not only to Eliza Hamilton’s life but also to the status of women during her lifetime.Ģ. Reflect on the Germaine de Staël quotation that opens this biography: “Love is the whole history of a woman’s life it is an episode in a man’s.” Madame de Staël was a celebrated French writer and intellectual whose work often touched on the status of women in Revolution-era France. Mazzeo reveals the many sides of one of America’s Founding Mothers.Įliza Hamilton: The Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton follows Eliza through her early years, to the ups and downs of her married life and the aftermath of Alexander’s tragic murder, to her involvement in many projects that cemented her legacy as one of the unsung heroes of our nation’s early days. In this fascinating biography, award-winning author Tilar J. In Alexander’s last letter to Eliza, he called her “the best of wives, the best of women.” She was a strong pioneer woman, a loving sister, a caring mother, and in her later years, a savvy businesswoman. We hope that these ideas will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of the book.Įliza Hamilton was much more than Founding Father Alexander Hamilton’s devoted wife. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. This reading group guide for Eliza Hamilton includes an introduction, discussion questions, and ideas for enhancing your book club. This captivating account of the woman behind the famous man is perfect for fans of the works of Ron Chernow, Lisa McCubbin, and Nathaniel Philbrick. This “expertly told story” ( Publishers Weekly) follows Eliza through her early years in New York, into the ups and downs of her married life with Alexander, beyond the aftermath of his tragic murder, and finally to her involvement in many projects that cemented her legacy as one of the unsung heroes of our nation’s early days. A strong pioneer woman, a loving sister, a caring mother, and in her later years, a generous philanthropist, Eliza had many sides-and this fascinating biography brings her multi-faceted personality to vivid life. From the New York Times bestselling author of Irena’s Children comes a “vivid, compelling, and unputdownable new biography” (Christopher Andersen, #1 New York Times bestselling author) about the extraordinary life and times of Eliza Hamilton, the wife of founding father Alexander Hamilton, and a powerful, unsung hero in America’s early days.įans fell in love with Eliza Hamilton-Alexander Hamilton’s devoted wife-in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s phenomenal musical Hamilton.
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