With the release of Ron Chernow’s new book, a biography of Mark Twain, we thought it would be a good opportunity to look at the complete works of one of the most prevalent biographers writing today. Across politics, business, and literature, Chernow has earned a reputation as the master of the deeply researched, richly humanizing biography. Below, we’ve ranked his major works according to their Goodreads ratings.
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Ron Chernow’s best books ranked according to their Goodreads rating
Grant by Ron Chernow
Goodreads Rating: 4.50 / 5
Published in 2017
Chernow’s Grant is widely considered his crowning achievement, earning widespread praise for reframing Ulysses S. Grant as a complex, principled leader rather than a forgotten figure overshadowed by Lincoln. Through detailed scholarship and gripping prose, Chernow paints Grant as a man of deep conviction, chronicling his military victories, presidency, and personal struggles.
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Goodreads Rating: 4.22 / 5
Published in 2004
Before Grant came Alexander Hamilton, the biography that captivated both historians and pop culture thanks to its musical adaptation. Chernow’s deep dive into Hamilton’s life, from his rise from orphaned immigrant to Founding Father, is rich in drama and intellect. The book combines historical depth with vivid character portrayal, making it a page-turning story of ambition, politics, and legacy.
Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
Goodreads Rating: 4.21 / 5
Published in 2025
Chernow’s latest release turns his lens on one of America’s most celebrated literary figures: Mark Twain. This biography captures Twain’s genius and contradictions, his humor and melancholy, his pioneering imagination alongside his financial challenges. By exploring both the private man and the cultural icon, Chernow once again demonstrates his skill at rendering a legend startlingly human.
Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow
Goodreads Rating: 4.17 / 5
Published in 2010
With Washington: A Life, Chernow offers a monumental and deeply nuanced portrait of America’s first president. Stripping away the marble mythology, he reveals George Washington as a man of ambition, doubt, and disciplined leadership. The biography’s scope and psychological depth won Chernow the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 2011, cementing his reputation as one of the foremost chroniclers of American greatness.
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
Goodreads Rating: 4.15 / 5
Published in 1998
In Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., Chernow examines one of the most powerful and polarizing figures in American business. Balancing Rockefeller’s ruthless efficiency with his surprising devotion to philanthropy, Chernow offers a masterclass in biography that delves into capitalism, morality, and power. (Titan also featured in our list of the greatest business biographies)
The Warburgs by Ron Chernow
Goodreads Rating: 4.06 / 5
Published in 1993
One of Chernow’s earlier works, The Warburgs, traces the history of a prominent Jewish banking family whose story spans continents, centuries, and moments of immense historical transformation. With his signature blend of financial detail and family drama, Chernow illuminates European and American history that shaped their world.
The House of Morgan by Ron Chernow
Goodreads Rating: 3.96 / 5
Published in 1990
Chernow’s debut, The House of Morgan, remains a definitive history of the legendary banking empire that influenced global finance for generations. It explores how the Morgan’s shaped economic policy and power structures from the 19th century through modern times. The book earned the National Book Award and established Chernow as a writer capable of turning financial history into riveting storytelling.
Thanks for exploring Ron Chernow’s remarkable body of work with us. Whether you’re captivated by his portrayals of presidents, moguls, or literary icons, each biography offers a masterclass in historical storytelling. Which of these books is your favorite, or next on your reading list? Join the conversation with us over on X and let us know your thoughts!
