Alexander Hamilton on Finance, Credit, and Debt

Lord Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England:
Seen the musical? Now read Hamilton’s original letters setting out his vision for the financial revolution that created today’s American economy—all excellently and helpfully edited by Richard Sylla and David J. Cowen.

Robert E. Rubin, co-chair emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations, and former U.S. Treasury Secretary:
Alexander Hamilton was the architect of the American financial system that endures to this day, making his founding-era writings on topics such as the national debt, trade, foreign investment, and central banking both resonant and relevant to contemporary readers. Sylla and Cowen provide helpful historical context, but they largely let Hamilton’s genius speak for itself. From short essays that resemble the modern op-ed to legal documents to his reports to Congress as Treasury Secretary, the book offers a compelling window into Hamilton’s visionary thinking on economic matters.

Ben Bernanke, former chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System:
Hamilton’s writings always impress for their clarity of argument and, especially, for their prescient vision of the future of the American economy. Thanks to Richard Sylla and David J. Cowen for reminding us of that.