John Adams

Rating:
Summary: Don't know much about the Revolution?
Review: If you're like I was, you're pretty rusty on the personalities of the American Revolution. If you'd like to educate yourself on this important part of our shared history, you'd do well to start with McCullough's extremely thorough biography of John Adams--signatory to the Declaration of Independence, the first Vice President, the second President of the U.S., and father of America's first political dynasty. In fact, Adams was so accomplished in so many areas that, even by modern standards, he seems superhuman.

In between his own well written historical narrative, McCullough allows the reader to get a sense of Adams via Adams' own extensive writings. His lifetime of corresponence with his wife Abigail and close friends like Thomas Jefferson are legendary, and rightfully so. (You'll be impressed at how much skill we've lost as a society in using the full expressive potential of the english language.)

In addition to providing a good basic summary of the Revolution, this book packs plenty of political intrigue. You'll learn how the Founding Fathers conspired against one another, engaged in savage verbal attacks against each another and were inveterate gossips. Modern political infighting looks tame by comparison!

Rating:
Summary: The author and the subject both deserve our respect
Review: David McCullough has written a fascinating book. Although taken aback by its size (it's more than 2 inches thick), I quickly became immersed in the story of a man who dedicated his life to the establishment of an independent nation. My first exposure to John Adams was in the musical film "1776," which portrayed him as crotchety, arrogant and not nearly as important as Thomas Jefferson or Benjamin Franklin, with whom he shared so much of history. Similarly, in "Jefferson" by Max Byrd, Adams is made to seem somewhat cranky and fairly unimportant. Not so in this book. Unlike other biographers, McCullough neither creates a fictionalized version of history nor writes a boring litany of dates, places and events; instead, he lets Adams and his wife, Abigail, speak for themselves through their letters, interspersed with information provided for context. I have gained a new respect for John Adams and now add David McCullough to my list of admired writers.

Rating:
Summary: A Revolutionary Hero
Review: In today's history texts, President Adams toils behind the juggernauts of Washington and Jefferson. Vice President for 8 years, President for 4, negotiator of European deals that may have saved the Revolution, he receives credit today for naught.

McCullough's book changes this in a fantastic way. To bring the lives of one of the most fascinating and misunderstood Americans to today's readers in a terribly entertaining and engaging novel that surpasses most biographies I've read is a debt that will never be repaid.

It is usually easy to recommend books to certain audiences. This book is an exception. Anyone who considers themself an American and a patriot will be enriched by reading this book.

Rating:
Summary: A moment of silence please.
Review: This is, quite simply, one of the finest books I have ever read. It does its job in informing dutifully, though perhaps with an acceptable amount of undisguised bias. It entertains, as it reads as quickly, easily, and as painlessly as a well written novel... which, quite frankly, feels like a criticism here, "John Adams" stands well above the standards of a novel. It also inspires; greatness is something our world lacks today, and among our founding fathers, John Adams exemplified greatness in humanity while maintaining all the falibilites of real-life. Inspiration to write: as John Adams and Abigal both wrote extensively, in letters and journals. Inspiration to activity: both practiced and preached a physically active life of walking and working in the fields, and both lived exceptionally long lives for the times. Inspiration to personal dignity, honesty, and hard work; both spoke what they meant and stood by what they felt, even in unpopular waters. Inspiration in love and companionship; John and Abigal were underneath everything, the very best of friends, and intensely supportive companions to each other.

David McCullough's account of this life will fill you with a wonder of the time, and a wonder for the power of excellent writing. I feel as though my life has improved from having read this book, and wish it had been written ten years ago. I am the proud owner of an autographed copy which will rest in a position of honor in my library for the rest of my life.

Having said all that, I'll admit to being a little embarrassed giving such a fine review, but the fault of such doting remains ultimately in the exceptional quality of the book.

A moment of silence please, for those readers afraid to read non-fiction, or even outside a particular genre, they deserve our sympathies.

Rating:
Summary: Readable and informative
Review: It is daunting to try to review a book that nearly everyone seems to love. And after hearing McCullough speak on C-span about writing this book and how he came to admire our second President so very much, a reviewer might want to take a second look at anything he or she did not like.

This biography is a highly readable one. Even the story of Adams' last years are not dull. It is quite clear that he was an important part of America's gaining independence, not from a military standpoint, but from a diplomatic one. He did work tirelessly on acquiring funds, getting France's assistance, and sometimes making himself disliked in certain quarters. However, it is clear that McCullough liked him very well.

He did not, however, like Jefferson at all well. One gets the impression that in comparing the two friends McCullough felt compelled to take sides, in spite of the fact that Adams and Jefferson made up toward the ends of their lives.

Although McCullough worked extensively from primary sources, a reader should probably also read biographies of other figures from the early American period to form a more complete picture of both Adams and his times. Since Washington seemed not to like or dislike Adams, a biography of the first President offers some insight. And there are numerous biographies of Jefferson and Franklin. It was a complicated time and the relationships among the actors were equally complicated.

Rating:
Summary: The American voice of History
Review: McCullough is a master of the historical narrative, both as narrator in film and more so in his grand-scale print biographies. His voice is authoritative and distinct in both mediums. If he says it, that is where the "buck stops." Adams was a primary architect of the American experiment, and differed with Jefferson in many ways based on philosophy; technique mostly. David McCullough takes us on the road from revolution to republic in an epic journey. The story of our country is as great a tale as ever unfolded and this work should cement that back into the collective American character as never before. We must never forget where we come from. Or where we are going.

Rating:
Summary: The "voice of the Declaration of Independence"
Review: We often tend to think of John Adams as a space filler--the man who occupied the Presidency between Washington and Jefferson. Sandwiched between these two great men, his contributions are often ignored. Yet few (if any) men did more to achieve independence or hold together the infant American nation than did John Adams.

Adams was the lion of Congress. He fought to sever the ties with Great Britain like no man, and it was largely due to his influence that it was finally achieved. It was he who nominated George Washington to be the Commander of the Continental Army. He was head of the committee of war, and was a part of the committee (with Jefferson) that provided the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence.

During the war, Adams fought his battles on foreign soil, as ambassador to France, Holland, and eventually (after the war) Great Britain. He was the Washington of diplomacy, and he helped negotiate for the Treaty of Paris in 1783. He secured a much-needed loan from the Dutch, which helped sustain the army. His accomplishments go on and on.

Through all this, he became close friends with Thomas Jefferson. When Washington became President, though, Adams (who was Vice-President) and Jefferson began to disagree on a number of issues, and their friendship eventually dissolved.

Amid much dissension and controversy, Adams became the second President of the United States. Though he served only one term, his actions were to have a lasting impact. Among other things, he advocated a strong navy (which proved invaluable when the French threatened war) and a united government, without political parties.

This book pays fitting tribute to a stalwart hero of the American Revolution. It is extremely informative, and full of quotes from Adams' letters and speeches. The account of the renewal of friendship with Jefferson at the end of their lives is touching to say the least. Both were great men, and they served each other well in their declining years. Ironic it was that they both died on July 4, 1826, the 50 year anniversary of the nation.

The main downfall to this book is it's length. At time it seems there is too much detail. Also, it does not give a very good account of the death of Adams' wife, Abigail. For one who was so close to Adams as she, it seems a more fitting tribute (or quote of his) could have been given.

Overall, this book is an excellent depiction of an amazing man. Americans should be immensely grateful for the selfless contributions of John Adams.

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding biography
Review: I'm more of an ancient history buff than a reader of American or modern history, but I picked up this book because of everything I'd heard about it, and I was glad I did. McCullough has likely written one of the greatest American biographies in this very well written and researched book. Adams really comes alive, as we get important glimpses into both the private and public Adams who managed to be both a devoted father and husband as well as the important public figure who was a key player in the momentous events of the early republic. Many of the stories told here are fascinating and not much discussed elsewhere, such as his appearance before the British king, and his ride across Portugal in the middle of winter on horseback. One difficult problem when writing history or biography of this breadth and depth is achieving a fine balance between necessary details and the need to keep the narrative flowing without getting bogged down too much in the details. McCullough accomplishes all this with a deft touch, and his treatment of the different phases of Adams's life also seems both thorough and well balanced. Altogether a fascinating and essential contribution to American history and letters that is likely to become a classic in its own right.

On a side note, I learned something interesting about McCullough's methods recently. He is also the author of The Johnstown Flood, his only book on a disaster. Anyway, he patterned the book after a famous, earlier book done about the sinking of the Titanic, A Night to Remember, which became a sensational, international best-seller back in the 50's when it was published, and which was also made into a movie of the same name. McCullough studied the author's methods and the resulting work closely (unfortunately, I don't recall the author's name, anymore) and consciously modeled his disaster book after the earlier work. The Johnstown Flood was also a success, despite it's being something of a departure from his usually less sensational historical and biographical subjects.

Rating:
Summary: Adams was a better friend of Jefferson than portrayed.
Review: McCullough explains Adams very well. However, Jefferson's shortcomings are monumental to McCullough. Why not see them as mutual contributors? For example: Adams was miserable with his task as Vice President for eight years. On the contrary, in four short years Jefferson wrote the rules for procedure of the Senate. They still exist today, and General Roberts said they were the foundation of his Robert's Rules of Order. The most significant contributions of Adams AND Jefferson were as Nation Builders from 1770 to 1790, rather than as Commanders In Chief from 1790 to 1817! They BOTH were honorable men. They both had flaws -- see Mercy Otis Warren's history of the period. McCullough is a very "readable" biographer, and versatile, and he has the voice of a moderator of books and TV. We look forward to his bio of Franklin.

Rating:
Summary: An Exceptional Man Revealed
Review: David McCullough has told the story of an exceptional man in a manner as engaging as fiction. He has come a long way since his Truman biography. History has neglected John Adams and left us facinated by some of our other founding fathers. When it comes to interesting and principled, John Adams is the "it" man. Without the support of his loving and intelligent wife, his full self might not have come to the fore. I felt I had gone back in time and could see events clearly in my mind's eye as I went through the years with this man who was as solid as a rock. I have a new hero - his name is John Adams.