It is widely acknowledged that Miranda based his musical on Chernow's biography, Alexander Hamilton; less mentioned is another significant source, Joseph Ellis's Founding Brothers. The chapter on Burr and Hamilton provides most of the details and perspective that Miranda uses in the dueling sequence of the musical. Chernow's biography of Washington also strongly informs Miranda's presentation of the General and his relationship with young Hamilton.
Students should spend time with Miranda's other major musical, In the Heights. Other musicals that heavily influenced Miranda are Les Miserables (influential largely in structure and characterization) and 1776, the other important musical...
