The Revolutionary War impoverished the US and brought about the deep depression of the 1780s. McCraw (emeritus, business history, Harvard Business School) profiles the work of several individuals of the period who put the US on sound institutional footing to manage its finances; he demonstrates that it was not entirely by coincidence that four of the first six secretaries of the treasury were born outside of North America. He also explores the strengths and weaknesses of major US founders who were born in North America and asks why they depended on financial policies designed by recent arrivals. Part 1 is devoted to Alexander Hamilton, who was born in the Danish West Indies, while part 2 profiles Albert Gallatin, a native of Geneva who was secretary of the treasury under presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Part 3 compares their competing ideas on political economy and follows their legacies. The book is illustrated with b&w historical and contemporary illustrations and photos, and includes a color historical illustration on the cover. Belknap Press is an imprint of Harvard University Press. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)