Status
Checked out
Due Mar 18, 2022
Collection
Publication
New York ; London : Simon & Schuster, c2001.
Description
Biography & Autobiography. History. Nonfiction. HTML:The Pulitzer Prizeâ??winning, bestselling biography of America's founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough. In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution; who rose to become the second president of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; who was learned beyond all but a few and regarded by some as "out of his senses"; and whose marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the moving love stories in American history. This is history on a grand scaleâ??a book about politics and war and social issues, but also about human nature, love, religious faith, virtue, ambition, friendship, and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of noble ideas. Above all, John Adams is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Joycepa
I knew very little about the US Revolutionary War history before I started this book. Although I knew John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams had been presidents of the US, I don’t think I could have told anyone that the father was was the 2nd president and the son the 6th. And I thought that
Well, I certainly was wrong about the boring part! McCullough’s splendid biography of Adams brings both periods to life and provides a fascinating account of the politics of the time (sleazy). He offers truly intriguing portraits of the prominent figures of the times: Jefferson ( a lot less noble than he is ordinarily made out to be); Washington (fairly inscrutable); and of course Adams himself along with his remarkable wife, Abigail. all these people and more and the times they lived in are vividly portrayed mostly though their own words. It was a letter-writing era, and some of the most important and most illuminating have survived. The correspondence between John and Abigail alone is worth reading the book. Abigail was no demure “little woman”, submissive and silent, leaving important matters to her husband. On the contrary, she was quite a match for John, who was one of the most erudite men of his age--more so, actually, than Jefferson.
Through these letters, between these prominent figures (and Abigail kept up a spirited correspondence of her own with Jefferson), we see the age and its issues in quite a different, more vibrant light than is usually taught in history books. Far from boring, it actually is thrilling; we know the end of the story, that US independence was won, a constitution framed and signed, and a young republic born. But how this was done--what the controversies were, the terrible odds against all of it coming to pass, the intrigues in England and France--are never exposed so thoroughly as in the letters that passed among all the principals.
I know that many times I’m tempted to think that US politics has never been worse than they are at the moment, that there have never been politicians of such low integrity, such partisanship as exist in our times. Actually, slander of all types--lies, smearing of reputations (the noble Jefferson was adept at this), blatant falsification of positions--was much worse right after the US was born that it is even now. And the US public was just as gullible, just as uninformed as it is now. McCullough does modern readers a service to point out the origin of these attitudes and behavior; while it may be depressing, it perhaps can give some comfort to know that modern US politics is no different from the way it’s always been, and that the basic issues have not changed. That may not be McCullough’s intent, perhaps; if not, then it is a serendipitous result of an affectionate look at the second president of the US.
It's also an account of a remarkable family--not just John and his wife, but their other children as well who, with the exception of the brilliant John Quincy, led tragic lives.
McCullough is not the best writer of the current crop of historians, but he is more than adequate for his subject. A very fine book--highly recommended.
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the late colonial and revolutionary war periods were sort of boring.Well, I certainly was wrong about the boring part! McCullough’s splendid biography of Adams brings both periods to life and provides a fascinating account of the politics of the time (sleazy). He offers truly intriguing portraits of the prominent figures of the times: Jefferson ( a lot less noble than he is ordinarily made out to be); Washington (fairly inscrutable); and of course Adams himself along with his remarkable wife, Abigail. all these people and more and the times they lived in are vividly portrayed mostly though their own words. It was a letter-writing era, and some of the most important and most illuminating have survived. The correspondence between John and Abigail alone is worth reading the book. Abigail was no demure “little woman”, submissive and silent, leaving important matters to her husband. On the contrary, she was quite a match for John, who was one of the most erudite men of his age--more so, actually, than Jefferson.
Through these letters, between these prominent figures (and Abigail kept up a spirited correspondence of her own with Jefferson), we see the age and its issues in quite a different, more vibrant light than is usually taught in history books. Far from boring, it actually is thrilling; we know the end of the story, that US independence was won, a constitution framed and signed, and a young republic born. But how this was done--what the controversies were, the terrible odds against all of it coming to pass, the intrigues in England and France--are never exposed so thoroughly as in the letters that passed among all the principals.
I know that many times I’m tempted to think that US politics has never been worse than they are at the moment, that there have never been politicians of such low integrity, such partisanship as exist in our times. Actually, slander of all types--lies, smearing of reputations (the noble Jefferson was adept at this), blatant falsification of positions--was much worse right after the US was born that it is even now. And the US public was just as gullible, just as uninformed as it is now. McCullough does modern readers a service to point out the origin of these attitudes and behavior; while it may be depressing, it perhaps can give some comfort to know that modern US politics is no different from the way it’s always been, and that the basic issues have not changed. That may not be McCullough’s intent, perhaps; if not, then it is a serendipitous result of an affectionate look at the second president of the US.
It's also an account of a remarkable family--not just John and his wife, but their other children as well who, with the exception of the brilliant John Quincy, led tragic lives.
McCullough is not the best writer of the current crop of historians, but he is more than adequate for his subject. A very fine book--highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member johnredmond
Deservedly popular. I really enjoyed this biography of the 2nd American President. It's hard not to read the biographies of these major figures from centuries past and not think that for all of our technology and communication, our lives are somehow shallower and our learning less truly human.
LibraryThing member gmicksmith
The work is a well deserved recipient of the Pulitzer Prize. Adams comes alive in these pages and his humanity, his intelligence, and his contribution to the country as a first-generation patriot is immense. Often viewed, this author included, as a second fiddle to George Washington, Adams' genuine
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uniqueness and dedication to the cause of liberty shines through. Often maligned and misunderstood Adams is seen here as an immense contributor and the "brains" behind the Constitution and the early efforts towards establishing a proper defense for the country and for guiding the diplomatic ship of state in the shark-invested waters between France and Great Britain. Show Less
LibraryThing member FordStaff
This is an excellent one volume biography of our second president. John Adams is one of the major Founding Fathers that few are able to recognize in our times and even in his. (In France he was asked if he was the famous Adams – Samuel Adams, and even whether he had written Common Sense-Thomas
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Paine). This historical obscurity among the general public in all times is undeserved. He served his country relentlessly a trait that John Quincy Adams entertained valiantly himself. John Adam's character has little that can be criticized, Hamilton be damned, and should serve as an example of the ideal statesmen (insofar as how reasonably close an actual human being can approach the ideal). If the goal of McCullough was to encourage the growth of esteem for John Adams in the reader obviously he was quite successful. McCullough was slightly reverential of John Adams but not excessively so and perhaps could have been a bit more critical. Despite these slight weaknesses it is a very strong biography with a deserving subject. Show Less
LibraryThing member HankIII
SIX STARS--a damn good read.McCollough writes so well.I learned so much in this book, certainly a great deal about Adams as well as his wife, Abigail, but also about the age itself, the way of life, definitely the founding and background of the US, and the amazing thinking and high sacrifices and
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toil that Adams made for his ideals and convictions.This is a great read, and possibly--no--it is-- the best biography I've read in quite a long time. Show Less
LibraryThing member Schneider
The Biography by which all others will be (and maybe should be) judged. A herculean effort and justifiability the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize. Simply marvelous.
LibraryThing member Smiley
Wonderful, long overdue and compulsively readable. Reads like good fiction. Appropriate use of primary source material placed throughout. Made me want to read the letters of Abigail and John Adams. Maybe McCullough overstates the case for Adams a bit, but it is also hard for this aged reader to let
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go of a life time of subtle bias too. Read it and judge for yourself. Good American history and excellent biography. Show Less
LibraryThing member billiecat
This book - one of many that came out in a recent flurry of books about the founders of the United States of America - paints Adams as the misunderstood giant among the American revolutionaries, and a greatly underestimated President. It is tempting, after reading this engaging and informative
Not that McCullough fails to show that Adams was one of the three great revolutionaries of the period (Washington and Jefferson being the other two). McCullough admirably shows the reader Adams' central role in the American cause, and his efforts to keep the struggle alive by obtaining financing and support in foreign courts while Washington did his part by keeping the British army occupied in North America. Nor can one fault McCullough's efforts to bring an irascible and sometimes all-too-human and irritating character to life. The problem is that Adams clearly did his "best work" before and during the revolution, and his post-revolution career had little direct and lasting influence on the young nation. He was clearly out of his depth as President, adrift and ineffective in his one term, and after his wretched experience and bruising re-election defeat he essentially fled public life.
It is in his descriptions of Adams the private man that McCullough's book excels. Adams' self doubt and consciousness of his own foibles go a long way toward endearing him to us, and making the long tale of his post-Presidential exile (essentially a litany of health problems and private correspondence) hold our interest in McCullough's capable narrative. In the end, though, McCullough could not improve on Benjamin Franklin's one-sentence summation of Adams: "He means well for his country, is always an honest man, often a wise one, but sometimes and in some things, absolutely out of his senses."
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book, to buy into that conceit. But McCullough's book fails in the end, I think, to make the sale.Not that McCullough fails to show that Adams was one of the three great revolutionaries of the period (Washington and Jefferson being the other two). McCullough admirably shows the reader Adams' central role in the American cause, and his efforts to keep the struggle alive by obtaining financing and support in foreign courts while Washington did his part by keeping the British army occupied in North America. Nor can one fault McCullough's efforts to bring an irascible and sometimes all-too-human and irritating character to life. The problem is that Adams clearly did his "best work" before and during the revolution, and his post-revolution career had little direct and lasting influence on the young nation. He was clearly out of his depth as President, adrift and ineffective in his one term, and after his wretched experience and bruising re-election defeat he essentially fled public life.
It is in his descriptions of Adams the private man that McCullough's book excels. Adams' self doubt and consciousness of his own foibles go a long way toward endearing him to us, and making the long tale of his post-Presidential exile (essentially a litany of health problems and private correspondence) hold our interest in McCullough's capable narrative. In the end, though, McCullough could not improve on Benjamin Franklin's one-sentence summation of Adams: "He means well for his country, is always an honest man, often a wise one, but sometimes and in some things, absolutely out of his senses."
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LibraryThing member sachblog
After reading this book I wished I had known John Adams in person. His loyalty, integrity and determination made me admire him as a true statesman and patriot. Thank you David McCullough.
LibraryThing member lifespringworc
Chronicles the life of the second president, John Adams, describing the many conflicts--including international exploits--he faced during his long political career and exploring the love story that was his marriage to Abigail and the complexity of his friendship with Thomas Jefferson.
LibraryThing member sumariotter
Well, the fact that I read all 700 pages of this book says a lot. The writing style was engaging and I could really relate to John Adams, a hard working and passionate man who persevered through all kinds of difficulties in doing what he thought was right. His popularity waxed and waned, he never
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received a tenth of the adoration that others who slid by on charm received, and yet he was a philosophical and happy man. His amazingly egalitarian and deep relationship with his wife Abigail was inspiring--truly a unique partnership. There were a couple of points I had to slog through where it felt like David Mc Cullough was belaboring already made points...but for the most part I enjoyed it. One of the things I really took away from this book was the thought that, at many points in John Adam's life it looked as if everything he was working for would fail and he was subject to universal ridicule. And yet he stuck to his convictions and his work and eventually events would prove him right, the seeds he planted bore fruit, the people came around. Reading this book has determined me to read more biographies because they really inspire me. Show Less
LibraryThing member MichaelGlenn
I enjoyed the book but it was a slow read for me, except for the last chapter, at which point I felt so comfortable with John Adams that I enjoyed his company.
LibraryThing member christinejoseph
good history of US starting
In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life-journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot -- "the colossus of independence," as Thomas Jefferson called him -- who spared
In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life-journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot -- "the colossus of independence," as Thomas Jefferson called him -- who spared
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nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution; who rose to become the second President of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; who was learned beyond all but a few and regarded by some as "out of his senses"; and whose marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the moving love stories in American history. Show Less
LibraryThing member burnit99
In my review of David McCullough's "Truman", I commented that Harry Truman was probably the only president of whom I would read a 1000+ page biography. This biography of John Adams is slightly less wordy at just over 700 pages. In addition, he was probably one of the "founding fathers" of whom I
One must be wary of the tendency of biographers to lionize their subjects. But McCullough has a very good reputation as an objective historian, and "Truman" was a warts and all biography. John Adams may have been the most important single figure of the American Revolution and formation of the country. He was the main drive for selecting George Washington to lead the military revolt against England, and for choosing Thomas Jefferson to compose the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen as our representative to France during the Revolution, when that country's support was desperately needed. During that time he worked with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, with whom he formed a deep and lifelong friendship. Adams later became our first ambassador of the new America to England, our first vice-president, and our second president.He was instrumental in developing the standing navy. Short, rotund and unprepossessing in appearance, he aroused strong loyalties and enmities, and was somewhat betrayed by Thomas Jefferson when running for his second term of president, a race which Jefferson instead won.
In many ways, Adams as portrayed here reminds me of Truman; they had similar qualities and beginnings, and both were fortunate to be married to strong and supportive women who made it possible for them to devote so much of their lives to their country. By comparison, Ben Franklin, Jefferson and particularly Alexander Hamilton do not fare so well. The first two are favorite historical figures of mine. I have lengthy biographies of both waiting to be read; I'll be interested to see if McCullough's interpretation of Franklin and Jefferson reads true in the hands of other biographers. I already knew it, but the death of both Adams and Jefferson on the same day, July 4, 1826, 50 years after the country declared its independence, was incredibly moving and was seen as an omen favorable to the future of the young America.
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knew the least and was least interested. One must be wary of the tendency of biographers to lionize their subjects. But McCullough has a very good reputation as an objective historian, and "Truman" was a warts and all biography. John Adams may have been the most important single figure of the American Revolution and formation of the country. He was the main drive for selecting George Washington to lead the military revolt against England, and for choosing Thomas Jefferson to compose the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen as our representative to France during the Revolution, when that country's support was desperately needed. During that time he worked with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, with whom he formed a deep and lifelong friendship. Adams later became our first ambassador of the new America to England, our first vice-president, and our second president.He was instrumental in developing the standing navy. Short, rotund and unprepossessing in appearance, he aroused strong loyalties and enmities, and was somewhat betrayed by Thomas Jefferson when running for his second term of president, a race which Jefferson instead won.
In many ways, Adams as portrayed here reminds me of Truman; they had similar qualities and beginnings, and both were fortunate to be married to strong and supportive women who made it possible for them to devote so much of their lives to their country. By comparison, Ben Franklin, Jefferson and particularly Alexander Hamilton do not fare so well. The first two are favorite historical figures of mine. I have lengthy biographies of both waiting to be read; I'll be interested to see if McCullough's interpretation of Franklin and Jefferson reads true in the hands of other biographers. I already knew it, but the death of both Adams and Jefferson on the same day, July 4, 1826, 50 years after the country declared its independence, was incredibly moving and was seen as an omen favorable to the future of the young America.
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LibraryThing member kaulsu
This book underlined for me why it is important that I have begun this project to read at least one biography of each American President. Basically, I knew nothing of John Adams other than that he was our second president. If McCullough tells the tale correctly, Adams found politics and political
Of the many factoids presented, I especially appreciated learning that it was The Netherlands which lent us money that kept our fledgling country afloat.
I have to laugh at Adams' description of Quakers: he found most of them to be as "dull as beetles."
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parties to be anathemas. How refreshing! Yet how sobering, too, to think the infighting we behold today has been with our government nearly from the beginning of our nation.Of the many factoids presented, I especially appreciated learning that it was The Netherlands which lent us money that kept our fledgling country afloat.
I have to laugh at Adams' description of Quakers: he found most of them to be as "dull as beetles."
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LibraryThing member rmolter
I got the audiobook and it is great. Well read. After listening to this I do wish I could have known the man in person. Abigail Adams who is highly regarded in American history is given her due in this account. Her words via her letters point to her ideological brilliance. As much as I learned to
I honestly find myself reflecting on my life and wondering what I could emulate from him, and find myself emboldened in our similar characteristics.
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appreciate and admire Adams; his wife is every bit as intriguing. McCullough doesn't give her short shrift either, at every point in Adams's life and career you are blessed with her insight on matters, and when there's no historical record McCullough judiciously points this out.I honestly find myself reflecting on my life and wondering what I could emulate from him, and find myself emboldened in our similar characteristics.
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LibraryThing member mgeorge2755
There is so much that I did not know about our second president that McCullough has brilliantly unlocked. This book is now one of my most prized possessions. A must-read for any historian!
LibraryThing member otterpopmusic
Benjamin Franklin used to be my favorite Founder, but McCullough's John Adams is my new signer crush. Quintessential New Englander and devoted husband - my kind of guy. Of course, like most bios, this book could have been shorter (the Europe sections especially dragged down w/ details), so points
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off for that. Show Less
LibraryThing member csayban
Among the founding fathers, perhaps no one’s contributions to the revolution and to liberty are less understood than those of John Adams. But it was his fierce independence, unarguable brilliance and absolute moral grounding that made him in indispensable part of the American Revolution. If
As David McCullough so thoroughly demonstrates, the accomplishments of John Adams cannot be overstated. And while McCullough does a superb job of cataloging both the pieces and the whole of John Adams, it is his writing style that so completely brings us to know John Adams as both a person and a statesman even two hundred years after his death. As he mentions in the afterward, nobody during the revolution wrote as much as John Adams did…not even close. Just his correspondence between him and his valiant wife Abigail will fill tens of volumes of history. Somehow McCullough manages to take the impossibly large collection of writings and not only condense them into a single resource; he is able to piece it together masterfully.
But John Adams isn’t just a history lesson…it is a love story. His love of his children, his friends and his country are poignant. However, no love was greater than for his wife and best friend Abigail. Not only was she the rock that his whole existence leaned upon, but she was his sounding board on politics. No woman in the revolution had more influence on the birth of the new nation than Abigail Adams did. Still, it was John and Abigail’s passionate love for each other that allowed John’s greatest contributions to come to pass.
I could point out all of the amazing accomplishments that John Adams managed in his illustrious 91 year life, but I would be better served to simply say – buy this book! It was a joy to read, insightful in its detail and immensely readable. If you are going to read only one book about the American Revolution at all, start and end with John Adams. Not only will David McCullough’s masterpiece give you more information than any other, it will leave you both in awe of John Adams and the special times he lived in. Simply the best biography of its kind and a must-read!
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Washington was the face of the new nation, and Jefferson was the voice, then Adams was most certainly its heart. As David McCullough so thoroughly demonstrates, the accomplishments of John Adams cannot be overstated. And while McCullough does a superb job of cataloging both the pieces and the whole of John Adams, it is his writing style that so completely brings us to know John Adams as both a person and a statesman even two hundred years after his death. As he mentions in the afterward, nobody during the revolution wrote as much as John Adams did…not even close. Just his correspondence between him and his valiant wife Abigail will fill tens of volumes of history. Somehow McCullough manages to take the impossibly large collection of writings and not only condense them into a single resource; he is able to piece it together masterfully.
But John Adams isn’t just a history lesson…it is a love story. His love of his children, his friends and his country are poignant. However, no love was greater than for his wife and best friend Abigail. Not only was she the rock that his whole existence leaned upon, but she was his sounding board on politics. No woman in the revolution had more influence on the birth of the new nation than Abigail Adams did. Still, it was John and Abigail’s passionate love for each other that allowed John’s greatest contributions to come to pass.
I could point out all of the amazing accomplishments that John Adams managed in his illustrious 91 year life, but I would be better served to simply say – buy this book! It was a joy to read, insightful in its detail and immensely readable. If you are going to read only one book about the American Revolution at all, start and end with John Adams. Not only will David McCullough’s masterpiece give you more information than any other, it will leave you both in awe of John Adams and the special times he lived in. Simply the best biography of its kind and a must-read!
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LibraryThing member AngieN
I finished this book during the beginning of labor with Max--it was that good. Such a quirky man, and what a great love story with Abigail (a fantastic woman). I read that Obama's reading it on his summer vacation at Martha's Vineyard--I give it 5 stars, Mr. President!
LibraryThing member TooBusyReading
It took me almost forever to read this ~650-page book, but don't let that deter you from giving it a try if you are interested in American history or the founding fathers. That is more a reflection of my reading skills than it is of the book. This biography is fabulous. John and Abigail Adams are
What drives John Adams throughout his life is a very high sense of integrity. There is nothing he wouldn't do if he thought it the best thing for his country. Abigail is the perfect match for him, able to manage the household and farm during John's long absences, and never afraid to speak her mind. The relationships among Adams and Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were fascinating. All were flawed in different ways, all accomplished some remarkable things during their lifetimes. I found the portrayal of Franklin especially interesting because he seemed to live much differently that his homespun wisdom would have led me to believe.
McCullough included many excerpts from letters and speeches, and the family letters especially brought the writers to life. For me, there was occasionally a little too much quotation, and a few of the author's sentences seemed unnecessarily complex but that disappeared for me once I got used to his writing style. Numerous illustrations, especially reproductions of portraits and documents, made an enjoyable addition.
This biography won a Pulitzer Prize, and with very good reason. I highly recommend it.
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people I would have wanted to know. This book allowed me to meet them the best way possible when almost two centuries separate us.What drives John Adams throughout his life is a very high sense of integrity. There is nothing he wouldn't do if he thought it the best thing for his country. Abigail is the perfect match for him, able to manage the household and farm during John's long absences, and never afraid to speak her mind. The relationships among Adams and Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were fascinating. All were flawed in different ways, all accomplished some remarkable things during their lifetimes. I found the portrayal of Franklin especially interesting because he seemed to live much differently that his homespun wisdom would have led me to believe.
McCullough included many excerpts from letters and speeches, and the family letters especially brought the writers to life. For me, there was occasionally a little too much quotation, and a few of the author's sentences seemed unnecessarily complex but that disappeared for me once I got used to his writing style. Numerous illustrations, especially reproductions of portraits and documents, made an enjoyable addition.
This biography won a Pulitzer Prize, and with very good reason. I highly recommend it.
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LibraryThing member wunschie
The HBO series John Adams, produced by Tom Hanks (I think) is wonderful, and whet (whetted?) my appetite to read the book. We found the series on Netflix.
LibraryThing member tloeffler
I wish that David McCullough had written a biography of all of the Presidents. It would make reading about them all so much more enjoyable! I don't know what his trick is, but he can keep me engrossed in a 650 page book about the second President. An excellent and thorough biography of an
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interesting man. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheGalaxyGirl
I found this biography at a thrift store, and thought, oh, I really should know more about this time in our history. I didn't know very much about John Adams -- he is overshadowed by Washington and Jefferson in classroom history. I had some notion that he and his wife Abigail were influential, but
The actual reading experience of this book was a little slow, because there is so much packed into this 700 page volume. I put it down several times but always picked it up again. This book is not only the story of one man, but also of the birth of a nation and the many complex individuals that were present at the time. It is utterly deserving of the Pulitzer it won.
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that was about it. Well, after reading this book, I now say that John Adams is my new favorite president. Not only was he supremely intelligent, he was courageous and had a towering integrity. He was one of the few of those early founding fathers who was unabashedly opposed to slavery, an attitude he held throughout his life. His relationship to his wife was a love story for the ages. He held her in the highest esteem, and consulted her on all things. She was his match in intelligence and fortitude, and their letters to each other are a treasure. Indeed, all the Adams family letters are amazing. McCullough quotes from them liberally, and it was interesting and touching to learn about their daily cares and griefs, the friendship he held with other people, and the care he lavished on his children and grandchildren. This biography makes him human, flawed and obstinate and sometimes pompous, but also a bulldog for democracy and a patriot in the true sense of the word. The actual reading experience of this book was a little slow, because there is so much packed into this 700 page volume. I put it down several times but always picked it up again. This book is not only the story of one man, but also of the birth of a nation and the many complex individuals that were present at the time. It is utterly deserving of the Pulitzer it won.
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LibraryThing member cmbohn
ohn Adams is remembered today as the second president. Sometimes he is also remembered because until the Bushes, Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams were the only father-son combination to each serve as president. Sometimes he is remembered as a delegate to the convention in 1776. But this
This book really is monumental - over 700 pages. But for the most part, it didn't really feel too long. There were some great pictures in there, which helped a bit, but I think the main thing that made it a fun read is that there were so many stories; that's what I love to read.
I had read a little about Adams before, and about his wife, Abigail. But I loved the story of their courtship and their abiding love for each other. I was also interested to read of the complex relationship between Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Despite their serious differences, both men had an abiding respect for one another.
I couldn't help thinking that there are few such patriots around today. Patriotism is in fact a sort of code word that some political groups use to throw around, but most of us feel a little uncomfortable with such a concept. And yet how long would the United States have lasted if it weren't for unabashed patriots in the infancy of the country? Adams contributed much towards making the continuation of our country a possibility. He had enemies on almost every side, including his own cabinet, but he was able to leave a lasting legacy.
I gave this book 5 stars. It kept my attention, despite the size, and I felt that I knew so much more about John Adams than I did before I started. A really great book.
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monumental book by David McCullough told me so much more about Adams than I ever knew.This book really is monumental - over 700 pages. But for the most part, it didn't really feel too long. There were some great pictures in there, which helped a bit, but I think the main thing that made it a fun read is that there were so many stories; that's what I love to read.
I had read a little about Adams before, and about his wife, Abigail. But I loved the story of their courtship and their abiding love for each other. I was also interested to read of the complex relationship between Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Despite their serious differences, both men had an abiding respect for one another.
I couldn't help thinking that there are few such patriots around today. Patriotism is in fact a sort of code word that some political groups use to throw around, but most of us feel a little uncomfortable with such a concept. And yet how long would the United States have lasted if it weren't for unabashed patriots in the infancy of the country? Adams contributed much towards making the continuation of our country a possibility. He had enemies on almost every side, including his own cabinet, but he was able to leave a lasting legacy.
I gave this book 5 stars. It kept my attention, despite the size, and I felt that I knew so much more about John Adams than I did before I started. A really great book.
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Subjects
Awards
Pulitzer Prize (Winner — 2002)
Audie Award (Finalist — 2002)
LA Times Book Prize (Finalist — Biography — 2001)
Ambassador Book Award (Winner — Biography/Autobiography — 2002)
Salon Book Award (Nonfiction — 2001)
Douglas Dillon Book Award (Winner — 2001)
Booklist Editor's Choice: Adult Books (Biography — 2001)
Notable Books List (2002)
ALA Outstanding Books for the College Bound (History — 2004)
Language
Local notes
Inscribed by author. Underlining throughout
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