Speculative Fictions

This book repositions Hamilton within American literary history, examining the interplay between literature and economics through unique narrative forms.

In Speculative Fictions, the author places Alexander Hamilton at the heart of American literary history, exploring the vital intersections between economics and literature. By examining Hamilton as both an economic and imaginative writer, the book presents a fresh perspective on the conflict with the Jeffersonians, framing it as a literary debate regarding the most effective ways to articulate and understand modern capitalism. This approach not only highlights Hamilton’s contributions but also encourages readers to consider the broader implications of literary forms in grasping the complexities of a global economy.

The narrative identifies two often-overlooked literary genres from the late eighteenth century, positioning them as exemplary of the speculative narrative mode. It invites readers to engage with periodical essays and Black Atlantic captivity narratives, not merely as reflections of bourgeois subjectivity, but as insightful analyses of economic systems. Through this lens, Speculative Fictions reveals how these genres offer distinct portrayals of the global economy, contrasting sharply with the more familiar representations found in novels, which are typically associated with modern capitalism.

By fostering an aesthetic appreciation for the speculative, digressive, and unsystematic plotlines of these earlier works, the author suggests that readers can cultivate new imaginative frameworks to navigate the challenges of today's economic landscape. This exploration of literature as a means to understand economic realities opens up new avenues for thought, making Speculative Fictions a significant contribution to both literary and economic discourse.