Alexander Hamilton: Founding Father is the story of one of America's great founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. The book is a detailed account of this very important but controversial figure in American history. The story is a classic rags-to-riches one and begins with his childhood in the British West Indies. Though his life was filled with tragedy and he was very poor, Hamilton managed to distinguish himself through his writing and his business skills. Eventually he left the West Indies and immigrated to North America, where he received a first-rate education. Later he became a hero in the Revolutionary War and was appointed to be General George Washington's right-hand man. Because of his service to Washington, Hamilton became the secretary of the treasury when Washington was elected president. As a member of the new government, Hamilton made significant contributions, including setting up a banking system and a currency system that are still used today. He also played a major role in the ratification of the United States Constitution. While Alexander Hamilton: Founding Father primarily focuses on Hamilton's great contributions, it also presents his dark side. Though Hamilton married a wealthy woman and became a member of the aristocracy, he was also involved in a scandalous affair and ultimately died in a duel defending his honor.