John Adams

Rating:
Summary: McCullough does it again!
Review: I bought "John Adams" simply because I enjoyed "Truman." I knew very little about John Adams and next-to-nothing about the book itself.

It was a great read. McCullough skillfully weaves in correspondence between John and Abigail Adams and between Adams and Thomas Jefferson to make the story come alive.

Can't wait for his next book!

Rating:
Summary: Yankee Doodle Pit Bull
Review: I recently re-read two biographies. The other is Edmund Morris's biography of Theodore Roosevelt. However greatly their two subjects differ, both are written with the narrative skills of a novelist, the discipline of a consummate historian, and an objectivity which enables the reader to absorb and digest the abundance of information without manipulation by the biographer. Whereas Morris limits his attention to a period which extending from 1901 when Roosevelt became President after McKinley was assassinated until 1908 when Roosevelt vacated that office rather than seek another term, McCullough examines Adams' entire life (1735-1826). I was especially interested in McCullough's portrayal of Abigail Adams' many admirable, in some instances heroic qualities, notably her courage and determination when separated for extended periods of time from her beloved husband. McCullough also offers a vivid, sometimes poignant portrayal of the great personal sacrifices which John Adams also made during the years preceding and following the Declaration of Independence.

McCullough carefully Adams' relationships with Washington (with whom he served as Vice President for eight years) and, of course, with Jefferson whom McCullough reveals to be -- at times -- a selfish and self-serving (when expedient, hypocritical) person who was unwilling and/or unable to make the same personal sacrifices in service of the new nation which others did. Adams made certain that the government in which he served sustained a delicate but essential balance between and among "an independent executive authority, an independent senate, and an independent judiciary power, as well as an independent house of representatives." Adams lived until the age of 90, the longest life of any President. Eventually, he and Jefferson re-established their friendship. Both Jefferson died on the same day: July 4, 1826...the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This is indeed an epic biography as well as a probing and comprehensive examination of the society in which Adams lived. McCullough enables his reader to accompany Adams throughout what was, arguably, the most stressful and productive period of American history. Drawing upon a wealth of research resources, including correspondence and especially the letters which Abigail and John Adams exchanged, he is also able to reveal the defining qualities of Adams' character which were not always evident in his interaction with others. Even those who found his company on occasion intolerable also noted and admired his impeccable integrity. Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to read Ellis' Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams and Ferling's Setting the World Ablaze: Washington, Adams, Jefferson and the American Revolution.

Rating:
Summary: ~*History is no longer boring~!*~
Review: I am still in awe at how much i enjoyed reading this book~! I am a highschool junior and decided to read it for my english class. Like other students, i read it for the grade and i thought that speed reading would be the best for some history book. But i was so wrong. At every page read, i stopped to think about what i just read. John Adams, who was the second president of the united state, is an incredible man. Together with his wife Abigail, Adams was able to overcome the toughest obstacles. Even though he was constantly criticized for his ambition, he based his decisions on the good of his nation, not on what his colleagues wanted. From his accomplishments, Adams will always be known as one of the greatest presidents ever. i seirously recommend you buy and read this book so enjoy~!!

Rating:
Summary: Read The BOOK!!!!
Review: An excellent book by an excellent author. The 26 cd set is packed impressively. Then be prepared for a good snooze. Mr. Runger, whose name appears nowhere on the box, has a voice that is the exact opposite of that of Mr. McCullough. I was hoping that the author would have read some of the work because his voice is captivating. Mr. Runger reminded me of a bad college math class. I do want to thank him for the much needed sleep.

Read the book, and imagine that you are listening to McCullough.

Rating:
Summary: John Adam Preach Principles And Practice Them Too!
Review: An outstanding book written by one of America's best author, historian, and narrator who happens to have his roots from Pittsburgh. We are delighted such books are written by such favorite sons from the Steel City.

The book shows how John Adams was the only Founding Father who never owned one slave. He put principles over politics and would do what he would preach to others. He was a devoted husband to the only woman he ever loved and taught his children to exhibit the same kind of headship of moral fiber in everything they would accomplish too.

What I found especially delightful is how he later would help his own political opponents that he often disagreed with like Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia. He did so out of respect of their character and knowing a serious disagreement can sometimes lead to better government from respectful debates on the facts.

The contrast to Thomas Jefferson is also seen in this book and one now knows American President's desires can make themselves victims by events surrounding their terms in office. Jefferson often preached what others should do but seldom held himself accountable. Adams always let his principles guide his actions. Yet, America benefited from such diversity of judgments, disputes, and compromises. In the end, Adams and Jefferson died on the same Fourth of July in the same year as friends not adversaries.

This is a remarkable book written with great sources and capturing the character, strength and portrait of a leader in history. America is blessed to have such a man in John Adams follow George Washington into the White House and David McCullough telling us all about it.

Rating:
Summary: An American Leader...
Review: I find it difficult to evaluate books on tape vis-à-vis the books upon which they are based. (I listen to books on tape while I drive to and from my apartment in Pittsburgh to visit my parents' home in suburban Philadelphia. Try driving through Central Pennsylvania for five hours by yourself listening to the regional country music station.)When evaluating a book on tape one must not only evaluate the quality of the writing but the structure of the story and quality of the narrator's voice. Audio books are abridged and often result in baffling versions that delete the best parts of the book for no discernable reason. Putnam's audio version of "Red Storm Rising", for example, I found to be a terrible adaptation, Clancy's editors having dropped huge portions of the novel in favor of a quick thumbnail sketch of the story. Putnam's adaptation of "Patriot Games" was a good deal better. They preserved the story well and wisely chose Martin Sheen to lend his voice. Likewise, I found David McCullough's "Truman" to be a very enjoyable book- excellent structure to the story of Truman's life, an outstanding decision to have the author himself read, etc. "Truman" is the gold-standard for audio books for me. What of McCullough's latest effort?

Readers of McCullough's book will be happy to know that much of the book is preserved in part by the unusually long running time of 9 hours (typically audio books are just 5 or 6 hours). Edward Herrmann was ideal choice for narrator. His deep, crisp voice is a pleasure to listen to.

Adams himself was an interesting biography subject for McCullough: one of the key leaders of the Revolution, a deep thinker and a voracious reader, and one of America's most powerful politicians in the Post-Revolution era. Part of the boomlet of books on our Founding Fathers, McCullough presents Adams as one of the key figures in the movement towards independence. I am unsure that Adams quite deserves the distinction. (As an aside: with all of the books being written about Jefferson and Adams and Hamilton I'm perplexed that nobody of McCullough's stature has bothered to write a biography of George Washington. The father of our nation is sadly under-valued by historians and the public.) Jefferson, a man the author clearly despises, is probably the most important Founding Father in my opinion. Adams Presidency was markedly less successful than that of his predecessor or his successor. His contribution to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence is debatable. To put him before Jefferson or Washington makes scant sense to me.

That said, the tape is enormously interesting. I particularly found the passages discussing the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence to be a fascinating portrait of life in America circa 1776. Adams role in creating the American Navy is an interesting tale. Helping all of this is that Adams (in contrast to the cold, distant and somewhat duplicitous Jefferson) is an easy person to like: witty, charming, warm, full of character.

On the balance, I found "John Adams" to be quite enjoyable. Not as good as "Truman", yet still an enjoyable book to listen to.

Rating:
Summary: Second in the hearts of his countrymen
Review: This is David McCullough's second book about an American President and the second also to win the Pulitzer Prize for biography. Like his 1992 epic "Truman", this life of our 2nd President is filled not only with the man's existence but with the atmosphere of his time. In describing Adams's career from ministerships to the Netherlands, Russia, France and England, to his Vice Presidency and finally to the White House (its first occupant), Mr McCullough gives the reader a Grand Tour of late 18th Century and early 19th Century America and Europe. There are extremely interesting side trips. For instance, when Adams and Thomas Jefferson were in London in 1786 they took a tour of English gardens, and Mr McCullough takes us along with them,including the glories of Stowe and the capabilities of "Capabiity" Brown.Inconveniences of the age are also described. The term "snail mail" takes on a new meaning when we read that if Adams sent a letter from Paris to his wife Abigail (in Massachusetts) at Christmastime she may or may not receive it by June. Travel in the Colonies was hit-and-miss, so that public coach itineraries were virtually worthless. It's a wonder the Colonies progressed at all. At 650 pages, Adams's character gets a thorough investigation. Mr McCullough obviously admires both the private citizen and the politician, but he never whitewashes. The Alien and Sedition Acts are laid firmly on Adams's doorstep, and his adamant insistence on employing regal terms (king!) in a new democracy can only be called foolish. The long estrangement between Adams and Jefferson was more Adams's fault than Jefferson's; and Abigail must have had the fortitude of a saint to put up with her husband's long absences, sometimes lasting years. As for his children, one son became 6th President of the United States, of course, but another became an alcoholic failure. Our 2nd President was "Not a simple man!", as someone said of another American; and Mr McCullough deservedly won the Pulitzer for bringing complicated John Adams to life.

Rating:
Summary: Dangerous President
Review: A glib but superficial book overlooks Adam's horrible role in signing the Alien and Sedition Acts -- the most enduring threat to civil liberties in the history of the United States. This book is pleasant entertainment but not serious history.

Rating:
Summary: Better Lucky than Smart
Review: Both "John Adams" and "The Real Lincoln" are RECOMMENDED reading for the history nut (and in that chronological reading order).

A rainy weekend in Louisiana & I finished all the books that I really wanted to read. "John Adams" was on my shelf. I got it as a gift but I was desperate. I read it. Super history of the Revolution & a great love story (& I don't like love stories).

Just as I finished "John Adams", "The Real Lincoln" showed up.

What LUCK, the "rest of the story" with the 1st half FRESH in my mind.

Regards,

Jim

PS- Oh yah, cruel stepmother - thanx for the gift of "John Adams" :-)

Rating:
Summary: John Adams
Review: This was a really good read. Mr. McCullough helps to take us there to that time period with Mr. Adams. Of course the letters give us that "I'm here" feeling while we read. I was surprised to notice a change in my opinion of Thomas Jefferson. I'm not so Jeffersonian now. Excellant read.