 The Work Horse of American Politics
Wedged in between the Hero of the Revolution(Washington) and the Philosopher of Freedom(Jefferson) John Adams has often been overlooked. David McCullough has truly brought this towering figure to life. One of his achievements by themselves would warrant a book,but here is a man of many parts. He defended the British soldiers from the Boston Massacre, he was a driving force in the decision to declare independence, he was a diplomat to both France and the Netherlands, first U.S. Ambassador to the Court of St. James, first Vice- President, Second President and a first rate intellectual. He could also be vain, arrogant, pompous and thin skinned. Yet he was willing to sacrifice popularity with his own political party to keep the U.S. out of war with France. (He could be a Party of One-something the elected leaders of today do not have the courage to do)If you have never read McCullough you are in for a treat. He is a great narrative historian.(His critics often say he simplifies complex issues you decide) I did not feel that Adams needed to be built up by tearing Jefferson down. Recent studies of the Sage of Monticello are giving us a more subtle, nuanced portrait of Jefferson that are at odds with earlier less critical portrayals.Adams is great on his own- with his flaws- he does not need a deflated Jefferson to increase his worth. McCullough also is not too harsh on Adams role in the Alien and Sedition Acts. I feel the author gives him a free pass in this area.There have been past studies such as the Adams Chronicles and Passionate Sage by Joseph Ellis that do a great job with Adams but McCullough combines first rate history with top prose to yield a fine insight into an amazing Founder.John Adams should never have been forgotten and because of David McCullough, he will not be.
Adam's life shines through in this personal story
One of America's best loved biographers, David McCullough, gives us an intimate picture of one of America's overshadowed presidents. Adams' life of integrity, heroism, and warmth shine through in this personal story.
Impossible to put down
Just finished it and am downloading the mini-series now. I can't decide if I like his Truman or Adams biography better. They were both impossible to put down. This should be required reading in history class.
McCullough, through his choice of biographical subjects, seems to champion the underdog; the plain, unpretentious common man who was thrust into greatness by forces beyond his control. Both Truman and Adams are overshadowed by their flamboyant, aristocratic predecessors. Yet Truman and Adams' impact on U.S. history was arguably as great as - and maybe even greater- than that of Washington or FDR. McCullough is righting these wrongs by shedding light on these two unfairly overlooked presidents.
John Adams
i love this book. Adams diary and his wife's writings make the book come alive. Very much enjoying what i have learned about our second President of the US. I never knew how influential he was or how much he sacrificed for for the US independence.
Mary's review
I believe I already did this but once again, I loved the book and so appreciate all the hard work David McCullough went to to put it together to bring us a marvelous historical novel. I'd never have learned all I learned without this book. And a quick trip to Boston too! We have a country to be proud of if we can keep it.
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