Americas : John Adams
1776 | 
 | 80% Recommended by our customers.
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Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
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- ISBN13: 9781416575887
- Condition: USED - Very Good
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 Wonderful!
This is a must read for any American! It took me quite awhile to read mainly because my interest began to wane as Adams traveled to Europe in an effort to gain support for the American cause. While his position was crucial to the outcome of the revolution, I was more interested in in what was happening back home ,rather than his opinion of the French or Amsterdam. However, as he returned home and began both his Vice-Presidency and Presidency, it was nearly impossible to put down.
I greatly admire his simplicity and humility, although both he and his colleagues referred to himself as 'vain'. Not born into wealth or status he was a brilliant man who was a descendant of New England farmers but had ambition and a zeal for constant learning. Never being wealthy even as President, he and Abigail always lived modestly. He stood alone, refusing to join political parties for the sake of popularity or to further his political career. He was betrayed by his friends and publicly assaulted by the press whose funds were recieved from former colleagues. Yet, he never attacked maliciously in return.
I must say my opinion of some of our Founding Father's has drastically changed especially of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, although to have an unbiased opinion I should probably read biographies of these men as well. What I am unable to understand is why, of all the great men in our history, is there no monument erected in Washington as a tribute to John Adams?
John Adams: An American Martyr?
David McCullough, as we are all aware, is a great writer. Because of Mr. McCullough (and HBO!) the oft forgotten, one term, 2nd President has been put back on the historical pedestal of the American psyche. It's amazing how John Adams seems to be the "also is" lackey of American history. McCullough reminds us through masterful research and storytelling that it was President Adams who often was the one who was working for the best interests of the young United States and its people. Many times a biographer will spend too much time on the personal or the historical aspect of a person's life, but McCullough creates the perfect balance. We get to see the beautiful relationship between the President and his wife and also feel like we are beside him during his times of glory and depression.
For me, it was interesting to see a man shown as having such a big chip on his shoulder throughout his life. Then again, when you are in the presence of Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson and team, it may be hard to stand out of the crowd. Adams may have died feeling like he never received his due, but after this book, he certainly should continue smiling.
Worth Time and Money
Boy I wish everyone was required to watch this movie. I watched the entire set over a weekend and find it ironic how history repeats itself. Then John Adam, knew his purpose and committed to the greater good of a nation, at the expense of his family. Our politicians now do have not unified purpose other than their own gain. Sad. And is there a stronger bond that JA and Abigail...and Thomas Jefferson in latter years? This man finally gets the credit after all this time. What would John Adams say today? I wonder.
Okay I do need to advise Parents to be aware that there are some seriously difficult scenes to observe before allowing children to see: tar and feather seen, cutting off a leg, JA's daughter in surgery. I may just be overly sensitive but others may be as well. I know the point of the movie is to draw us in that time period and difficulty but still...worth putting it out there.
This is one of the best investments of time and money. Learn from this follywood....
Wow!
I've read a number of books about the American Revolution, but, because I'm me, most of them have been about the battles, the men who fought them, the locations where they were fought, etc. I've read only a little about the men that worked in other areas of the Revolution, like John Adams. I finally got around to reading this book that's been sitting on my shelf for years. Wow!
I've been missing out for a long time. What a life this guy had. It really took a man to defend the soldiers of the Boston Massacre AND help draft and then sign the Declaration of Independence AND THEN become the ambassador to Englamnd after the successful revolution, only to top it off by becoming the second President of the United States. If that doesn't make you want to read about an amazing human being, I guess nothing can.
I really enjoyed the way the book was written too. The way his contemporaries and relatives were drawn on to help deliver a full picture of the man really helped. In describing Adams, of course it was necessary to at least sketch his friends and foes, so you can learn more about people like Jefferson, Washington and Franklin from reading this book.
It really was a wonderful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
What a patriot, great story
Before reading this I liked Adams for what he had done to found this great nation but felt he was a small piece of a big puzzle. I was inspired by his sacrifice and vision. Stephen Ambrose makes the characters come alive as you read this gripping biography.
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