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Summary: A Magnificent Patriot Who was Little Understood in our Time
Review: This book by McCullough brings to light the life of a man who the average American has little or no knowledge of, a man who was a great patriot when being a patriot meant risking one's life. He was a man considered a traitor by the English, yet a man who would defend English soldiers in a trial in Boston because it was the moral and right thing to do. He was a man who worked long and hard to help win America its freedom, a man who deeply loved his wife, who was his adviser in many things, who was the very capable manager of their farm near Boston during the Revolutionary turmoil. It is the story of a simple man who came to greatness by being himself, by being dedicated to freedom, by being true to his conscience and by standing his ground when it was life-threatening to do so. It should be an inspiration to all who want to be called American patriots.
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Summary: A very detailed look at an important founding father
Review: This is a very detailed look at an important founding father, the second President of the United States. The book tells his entire life story and is based on the journals of the Adams' diaries and other writings of the time. It is a great single-volume work that is very fair about Adam's life and accomplishments. Just before he becomes the first Vice President, he is sent to England to be a diplomat. This is the only part of the book that I found dull because John Adams had slacked off in his journal keeping. Most of this information in this part is derived from Abigail Adam's writings and it is centered around life in England. This is not what I read the book for, so I found it tedious. Other than that short 30-40 page section, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about one of the most prominent founders of this great land.
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Summary: Superior Historical Writing
Review: As someone who routinely works with History texts for business and pleasure, this book stands high above a majority of historical work out there right now. The use of primary documents such as personal letters, journals, state proceedings, and other sources bring this work to life, and more importantly, John Adams to life. Here is someone who carved his own path time and time again, most of the time on his own, sometimes in foreign countries, and always did what he thought was right.If you want a great look at our second president, a man who is a titan of the revolution, you absolutely need to read this book. Adams is portrayed in a balanced light, and that is not seen much in this era of revisionist history. The author sticks with the story and represents Adams well two centuries later. I highly recommend this book. A+ Joseph Dworak
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Summary: A Man of Pure Character--Our Forgotten Founding Father
Review: Everyone knows and remembers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin & Patrick Henry; but very few think of JOHN ADAMS. This book tells so much of the "forgotten founding father" and everyone needs to read it. Set aside some time...its not an easy read...but...it is a premium quality read. The fantastic thing about this book is all the primary reference material. You get to read the actual words of John & Abagail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Rush and several others. You get inside their heads and experience their stories. You feel like your in the eighteenth century or at least McCullough was there when he wrote it. If you love this period of history...you'll love this book!
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Summary: Best Book of All time?
Review: I think this might be possibly the greatest literary achievement of all time. Mcullough does a masterful job of incorporating awesome amounts of information on all of Americas founding fathers. His detail, research, and style make this a fascinating, educational look into perhaps the greatest civilization in the history of mankind....
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Summary: Absolutely the best biography I have ever read!
Review: It MUST be one of the best ever written! This book gave me a much greater appreciation for a man that, unfortunately, has been largely overshadowed in history by many of his less deserving but better-liked contemporaries. Furthermore, if there is a more amazing and admirable First Lady in all of US history than Abigail Adams, I have yet to come across her! When you combine subjects this interesting and important--each of whom left a RICH body of correspondence in which they shared many of their contemporaneous thoughts, hopes and fears--with writing this accomplished, you have an unbeatable combination. I would recommend this book to ANYONE--especially those who do not think they like history (HS history teachers, are you listening?). If you don't enjoy this biography, I fear that you'll never enjoy one! A TRULY outstanding work! I cannot wait to see what McCullough writes next! I'd love to see him give James Madison or James Polk similar treatment! Hard to find good biographies of those guys!
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Summary: The Voice of the Declaration of Independence
Review: David McCullough presents such a vivid portrait of our second President of the United States, that I look forward to a sequel (John Quincy Adams?). This book, while providing an incredible education about our founding fathers and the history of ongoing inherent conflicts with Europe, brings to life Adams' spirit and humanity. He encompasses the integrity, discipline, thoughtfulness, and idealism you would expect in a founding father. And McCullough does not shy away from exposing Adams' weaknesses. The biography continually highlights the supportive and loving relationship between John Adams and his wonderfully intelligent wife, Abigail. Very few biographies have the ability to rely heavily upon researched quotes while moving forward such a compelling and educational history. Many thanks to the author for bringing to life the story of the man who was the voice behind the Declaration of Independence.
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Summary: History Alive
Review: McCullough's great gift is his ability to present facts and dates in a compelling tapestry that fills every page with the pathos and passion of his subject. This book is his finest to date and that's saying a lot. The fascinating character of Adams is so compellingly told that you'll be sorry to see the narrative end. Recommended for everyone who loves to read or loves impassioned writing. David R. Bannon, Ph.D.; author "Race Against Evil."
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Summary: Moving history at it's best!
Review: I was thoroughly enjoying this read (although I admit to getting bogged down in a couple of places), and was very impressed with some of the insight Adams had regarding a two-party system, slavery, the future of America, observations about Europe, and many other thoughtful comments and opinions. For me the book really took flight after Adams' presidency. It was an amazing life that Adams lived, but it was not one without many trials and tragedies. McCullough captures the emotion and intimacy of friendship with Jefferson and Rush; the lifelong partnership with a noble wife, Abigail; the frustrations, failures, and concerns for children and grand-children, and much more I had not anticipated. This book has given me greater appreciation and insight into what the founding fathers accomplished in the 'birthing' of the United States. It was a birth we seem to take for granted, but clearly there were many tenuous moments early on, which Adams helped trememndously to overcome. I love reading history books, but this one has moved me, challenged me, and enlightened me more than most of the books I have read.
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Summary: Amazing, even under pressure of school
Review: I read McCulloch's book as the topic for an high school English term paper after seeing it atop New York Times Bestseller lists for a while and all I can say is wow! What an amazing book, definitely one of my favorites. The truth is, and one will realize after reading this book, that the majority of Jefferson's accomplishments were built upon the foundation of Adams' presidency. Adams was obstinately stubborn and moralistic and even opposed his own cabinet in favor of the greater good of the country. McCulloch is an extremely gifted writer, and while the book is very long and at sometimes slow, if you are interested in our founding fathers, American history, or anything even remotely related to this period in time, you will love this book. I know I did, and I had deadlines to meet, something which often makes a book less enjoyable. Its no wonder McCulloch won the Pulitzer Prize for this masterpiece (As well as 1993's Truman).
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