Rating: 
Summary: Authoritative and exhaustively researched
Review: David McCullough's Pulitzer prize winning biography of John Adams is exhaustively researched and authoritatively written. It is certainly worthy of the critical acclaim it has received, if for no other reason than that it focuses a much deserved spotlight on the life and accomplishments of one of America's most important historical figures, who for whatever reason had until now remained in relative obscurity compared to his contemporaries such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. McCullough, who previously won the Pulitzer for his biography of Harry Truman, more than does justice to his subject. In 650 pages, he examines Adams' life from his birth in Massachusetts to a humble farming family through to his death at the age of 89, highlighting not only the major accomplishments of Adams' lengthy and illustrious political career but also his personal and family relationships. This book, in fact, is not only a biography; it is also an excellent historical appraisal of the early years of our newly-founded republic, and will be appreciated by lovers of history as well as avid biography readers.McCullough draws on the thousands of letters written and received by Adams throughout his life as the basis for much of his research. During his long separations from his wife, Abigail, they wrote each other often and shared extensive political ruminations as well as intimate feelings. Adams also corresponded for much of his life with Jefferson and several other lesser-known political figures. These letters provide a wealth of information about his life and allow McCullough to paint a rich tapestry of Adams' life. We learn of Adams' early life, his education at Harvard, and his initial forays into the world of politics as an ardent support of American independence from Britain, then follow him to Europe where he honed his diplomacy skills while negotiating peace with Britain, and later vital loans for the new republic from the Netherlands. But without doubt the most impressive writing covers his years as vice-president and then president, giving great attention to the political rivalries and intrigues of the day. Even educated, knowledgeable readers will find this book worthy of close reading. It explores in detail the peaks and valleys of Adams' relationship with Jefferson, a close friend at times but also a political rival. It also gives close study to the behind-the-scenes machinations and back-stabbings of Alexander Hamilton, whom McCullough portrays as a political miscreant and manipulative opportunist. And it more than does justice to the loving, respectful relationship between Adams and his wife and children. If there is one potential criticism of this book, it is that McCullough may have seen Adams through slightly rose-colored glasses. And how could this not be the case, given that so much of the primary-source material available to researchers consists of Adams' own reflections and ruminations? Perhaps John Adams was as remarkable, respectable, and honorable a man as this book makes him seem, but he was certainly unpopular for much of his career and at times ridiculed by well-admired thinkers and government leaders. Granted, these opposing views are fairly presented, but only after McCullough has portrayed Adams in such a positive light that it is only natural for the reader to view his critics as less impressive players driven by jealousy and ego more than altruistic intentions.
Rating:
Summary: Why You Want to Read John Adams
Review: This year while working in Washington, DC, I started reading biographies of American Presidents -- Washington Irving's story of George Washington, Carl Sandburg's life of Abraham Lincoln, Jean Edward Smith's brilliant biography of Ulysses S Grant, and David McCullough's study of Truman. To these I've added McCullough's spendid biography of John Adams, and I've not been disappointed. David McCullough has a knack for taking primary source materials -- letters, diary entries, and official documents -- and piecing them together cohesively into a narrative that reads like good fiction. The reader gains a personal affection for John and Abigail Adams while also seeing them in the context of their times. John Adams' influence on shaping the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution was enormous. I don't think he's received as much credit as he deserves in the teaching of American history nor in the folklore of our country. Moreover, this book sheds light on his wife Abigail as an archetype of the enlightened, liberated woman even though she contented herself with making great personal sacrifices in a supporting role in the drama of her times. Bottom line: This book will help you more clearly understand the foundation of the USA and is fast, enjoyable reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Well-written, entertaining and informational
Review: It's rare that a biography can provide all three of the above, but this book does it. You feel you truly know Adams after reading it, and I wanted to learn more about him and his times. In spite of its length, this is a quick read, and does not suffer from too much detail, which is often the case with historical biographies.
Rating:
Summary: The History Lesson We Should of Learned
Review: After reading John Adams, by David McCullough I walked away with not only great knowledge of the man who helped found this country but a better understanding of how it was formed. Mr. McCullough does more than educate the reader about one of the greatest men in American history, but also does a great job of going beyond John Adams, by explaining in detail the history of the Revolutionary War as well as many of the other men who took part. Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, George Washington as well as the men abroad in Britain and France. Each story about our former President goes beyond the part he played giving the reader a new history lesson every time. Examples include the Boston Massacre, the Stamp Act, the securing of important loans and treaties as well as the complete details of the writing of the constitution. The History spoken throughout this classic pours out at the reader on every page making it impossible to but down even for the smallest history buff. I only wish my former history teachers had this book to read prior to my teachings, so I wouldn't of had to wait this long to discover the true facts about our beautiful history.
Rating:
Summary: Duty, Honor, and Action!
Review: John Adams as a subject and David McCullough as a biographer were made for one another. Adams was a prolific letter writer and essayist whose wife, family, and friends also wrote a great deal. With so much raw material from and about Adams to choose from, McCullough could emphasize his obvious talent for creating a smooth narration through simply connecting the most pertinent written materials authored by the key figures. Most people who read this book will gain three important lessons: (1) even the most successful people look to their personal lives for their real satisfaction; (2) exploring deep relationships with remarkable people is far more rewarding than knowing lots of people; and (3) serious mistakes and antagonisms will dog even the most successful person, so you have to take yourself with a large grain of salt. John Adams is eclipsed in most histories of the Revolutionary period by the story line of building the new republic, and the lives of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. As a result, your perception of John Adams probably is limited to his role in defending the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre, encouraging the break with Britain, his ambassadorships, and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts during his presidency. From that, you will have a perception of a man who saw his best days in 1776 and may wonder vaguely how his son became the 6th president. If you are like me, this book will totally change that perspective. His best days were clearly those after he left the presidency when he could enjoy private life as a farmer. His son was raised from a small boy for public life, accompanying his father to France for diplomatic service during the Revolution. John Adams also had a talent for making tough decisions that showed up well in his encouragement of George Washington to become commander-in-chief, his advocacy for the Revolution, selecting Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence, his steadfastness in finding allies in Europe regardless of protocol, his steady focus on getting sea power for the United States, and his attempts to avoid war with France while president. On the other hand, his style made him frequently misunderstood. He believed so passionately in his ideas that he often offended people by the vigor of his pursuit of them. From those extreme actions, people assumed that he had secret, extreme views in favor of authority and monarchy . . . which was probably not the case. Mr. McCullough is probably a little too gentle in forgiving Adams for his sometimes offensive ways because of the purity of his intentions. His life also helps anyone better understand American history because he was bedeviled by communications and travels delays more than any other American of his day. Decisions about politics normally had to be made in light of limited and out-of-date information. So the man on the spot had to use his best judgment. Many interesting examples of this are well covered in the book. In many ways, this book is almost a triple biography of Adams, his wife Abigail, and Thomas Jefferson. The interactions of the three are the most interesting parts of the book. Clearly they were among the very most talented of their age, and you get to see how the relationships formed, were put under pressure by public life and politics, and reasserted themselves with leisure and retirement. My main complaint about the book is that Mr. McCullough could have included a lot more about the implications of what Adams believed and did. For example, although Adams was like Washington and wanted there to be no political parties, his presidency saw that unhappy event occur. How could Adams have helped maintain the consensus that there should be no parties? Clearly, he would have had to have been more active in cleansing his own Federalist supporters . . . which would have required a break with Washington's choices. Adams also kept us out of a war with France. However, would such a war have likely been very serious for the United States? France was well occupied at the time fending off every monarchy in Europe. So, although the book raises many delicious subjects like that, you will have to think them through on your own. That's a good way to learn to think independently, so this is a blessing in disguise. Another limitation of the book is that Adams is forgiven too easily for the Federalists passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which clearly could have destroyed our civil liberties. How could someone who had fought for liberty do anything other than oppose such legislation with every ounce of his strength? After you finish reading this fine history, I suggest that you think about how you could learn from the example of John Adams. What did he do well that you need to do better? What virtues do you have that he lacked? Even in the midst of crisis, be sure to notice and enjoy the wonder of life all around you!
Rating:
Summary: A fine Biography of a Great American
Review: David McCullough has done a great service to the memory of John Adams and to all who are fortunate enough to read this biography.
With so many other reviews posted here I wanted to mention an aspect I found fascinating about the book: The contrast depicted between John Adams and two other prominent Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. These three worked together frequently and prominently as the United States was being created, yet they were quite dissimilar except for their commitment to the success of American Independence. Adams was a pious, hard-working New Englander - a stark contrast to the Benjamin Franklin who was a generation older, not particularly religious, fond of his leisure time, and with an eye for the ladies, even in his later years. The Northerner Adams thought slavery evil, yet was able to reconcile his personal feelings ably enough to develop a fond life-long friendship and working relationship with the slave-owning Virginian Jefferson. One of the most enjoyable portions of this book is the depiction of the two former Presidents in their later years, trading correspondence about the "good old days" after reconciling from a feud which was likely precipitated by the Mischief-causing Hamilton. This book is a pleasure to read and unless you are already a Revolutionary Scholar of the highest order, you'll learn a few things as well. I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Every American Should Read this Book!
Review: This book was very well written and looked closely at
the life of a complex and very thoughtful founding father.
It was great to hear about John and Abigail's wonderful relationship. It was interesting to read about the stress Adams felt as he was caught between his commitment to his country and his obvious dedication to family and to his generous and loving wife. Even in old age, Adams was a devoted reader and student of life. He had a wonderful life. It was also interesting to read about his relationship with Jefferson. I never liked history in high school, but this book got me passionately interested in that period of history. I am also intensely interested now in reading McCullough's prize-winning work on Harry Truman. He may even a more fascinating man than Adams. Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
Rating:
Summary: Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Even Closer
Review: I found this book absolutely fascinating and it has now inspired me to read some other biographies on those men who formed the principles by which we live today. Fortunately for the author, most of the members of the Adams family were prolific letter writers helping us to get a peak inside their eighteenth century world. These letters have become the foundation of so much of the historical fact of that time. As I was reading about the difficulties between Adams and Franklin and then between Adams and Jefferson, I couldn't stop thinking about that saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer" because John Adams, in his quest to be a good American, did in fact make some enemies. It's amazing that he made it to the Presidency with all the animosity surrounding him. I'm certainly not going to relate the story as told by the author in this book as there are five hundred other reviews that can tell you that. What I'd like to share are the things that amazed me. Sure I studied John Adams in school but can one truly study a leader of our country without reading an in depth biography? I don't think so. Things that surprised me.... I was blown away to learn that everyone who was nominated actually ran for President and the runner up became Vice President. I don't remember learning that years ago. It gave me a good laugh to think of George Bush today with Al Gore as his Vice President. I was also shocked that Adams kept Washington's cabinet basically in tact when he assumed office, even though many of them were from an opposing party. What was he thinking? The book certainly does not show Thomas Jefferson (very liberal), Alexander Hamilton (a conspirator) and Ben Franklin (should have been French) in the best light. My mission now is to read these biographies to see if McCullough was being biased or objective. Adams was a huge proponent of the Navy and here are two great quotes from him.... "Peace was attainable only as a consequence of America's growing naval strength."
"A strong defense and a desire for peace are compatible." Now there's some food for thought. And here is the most amazing bit of trivia I learned while reading this book..... John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4, 1826 on the 50th anniversary of this signing. Thomas Jefferson, signer of the Declaraton of Independence, died on July 4, 1826 on the 50th anniversary of this signing. I can't get over this coincidence. These two founding fathers died on the same day within hours of each other....the most momentous anniversary of not only their lives but of ours as well. I have come to the conclusion that John Adams was a true patriot who wanted only to serve his country in the only way he knew how......honestly.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: A great deal has been written about the number two in this particular case. John Adams was not merely the second President of the United States, he was the father of yet another American president (John Quincy Adams) and a contemporary and colleague of such historical players as Thomas Jefferson (with whom Adams seemed to have an eerie and almost supernatural link), Benjamin Franklin and James Madison: all of whom take prominent roles in "John Adams," David McCullough's thorough and deservedly lengthy biography of the longest lived American president's life. While the rich ground of Adams' life has been probed many, many, many times since his death on July 4th, 1826, no one has blasted as much life into this story as McCullough. The author understands exactly what it takes to breathe life into material that, in other hands, has the potential to be deadly boring. Reading "John Adams," you get the feeling that McCullough could write a biography on your neighbor the plumber and make it at least passably interesting. Working with a historical character like Adams, whose long life was filled with fascinating people and deeds and who lived at a time of great change, the result is little short of mesmerizing.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, great man -- but maybe not such a great guy
Review: I thought the book was very well written, though I should disclose that I listened to the abridged audio version. In any case, I thought the book was great: informative, enjoyable, and with the right mix of macroscopic and microscopic detail. (I assume that the unabridged version goes into much greater detail, which I don't regret missing). In some reviews, McCullough is criticized for being too forgiving of Adams' personal and political faults. I disagree. In fact, my overriding impression of Adams after listening to this book was that I probably would not have liked him at all had I known him personally. For someone who esteemed humility in others, he was outwardly very arrogant. And despite his frequent claims to desire the simple life, he seemed continually determined to attain high office and personal glory, even at the expense of familial relationships. He often claimed to be unconcerned with how history would remember him, but I can't help but feel that many of his letters to Jefferson and even family members were tinted with attempts to reshape his reputation for posterity. One response from Jefferson in the book suggests that even T.J. suspected Adams' motives for wanting to rehash old battles in his letters. To be fair, I do believe that Adams sincerely changed for the better once he was out of office and out of the limelight, and that he was finally able to enjoy the company of friends and family above power and prestige. I also gained new respect for the key role that he played in building the new nation.
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