The Life of Albert Gallatin

"The Life of Albert Gallatin" by Henry Adams is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work chronicles the life of Albert Gallatin, a significant yet often overlooked figure in American history, delving into his family background and early years in Geneva. Through an extensive analysis of Gallatin's contributions, particularly in finance and diplomacy, the book aims to provide a deeper understanding of his influence on the young United States. At the start of the narrative, the author outlines Gallatin's aristocratic lineage and the prominent role his family played in the political and social fabric of Geneva. The text details the family's historical significance, tracing their lineage back to ancient Rome while highlighting their integration into Genevan society, especially during the Reformation. As the story progresses, it offers insights into Gallatin's upbringing, his education, and the pivotal moments that shaped his character, including his decision to emigrate to America at the young age of nineteen, driven by both ambition and a desire for independence. This opening lays the groundwork for understanding how Gallatin evolved into a key player in American history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Brooks Adams was an American historian and a member of the Adams political family, descended from two U.S. presidents. As a young Harvard graduate, he served as secretary to his father, Charles Francis Adams, Abraham Lincoln's ambassador to the United Kingdom. The posting influenced the younger man through the experience of wartime diplomacy, and absorption in English culture, especially the works of John Stuart Mill. After the American Civil War, he became a political journalist who entertained America's foremost intellectuals at his homes in Washington and Boston.