Rating: 
Summary: John Adams
Review: Don't just read John Adams because, like the author, it is an American treasure. Read everything David McCullough has ever written!
Rating:
Summary: must read
Review: McCullough's opus is an easy to read, fascinating account of our greatest patriot. Did you know that John Adams: Defended in court the British soldiers at the Boston Massacre? Wrote the Massachussetts' Constitution? Immediately criticized the U.S. Constitution for failing to enunciate individual rights (later incorporated in the Bill of Rights)? Foresaw our country's rise to world power? Served as our first official ambassador to England? All this and more in this tremendous book.
Rating:
Summary: A magnificent biography
Review: Hats off to David McCullough! What a fine piece of biographical writing this is--one of the best biographies I've ever read. As a historian myself, and one who published a book of my own in 2001, I would have handled some things differently. But then the readership for my book will probably be less than .1% of McCullough's. The academic monograph has its place; winning the heart of the educated reader through a well-written narrative such as this is much more important. McCullough has justly earned all his kudos and royalties. And, for what it's worth, John Adams deserves a statue in some significant public space.
Rating:
Summary: John Adams
Review: McCullough did a heck of a job in capturing all the aspects of John Adams' lives. From his temper to his unfair treatment by others, this book shows, in great depth, the contributions of a man who was often misunderstood. Although a bit long at times, McCoullogh's storytelling keeps your attention and draws you into the time period. He does such a good job of this, that you will find yourself outraged at times and at the end saddened by the death of two great patriots. Great book!
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.
|
