Rating: 
Summary: Addictive, Compelling bit of Patriotic Hagiography
Review: When reading this book, I felt at times that the author was selling John Adams like a Madison Ave Advertiser.Even though I was conscious of this while I was reading, by the end I felt that John Adams was the greatest American ever. David McCullough's prose is sometimes glib and always entertaining. This is the kind of book that can, has and will re-awaken Americans to the importance of our Founding Fathers and their accomplishments and instill a sense of the importance of our experiment in Self government. By doing so, I think that the shortcomings of this book (from an academic historian's viewpoint)are outweighed by the cultural impact it makes. I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately starting McCullough's Truman afterwards and am currently searching for a biography of John Quincy Adams, who definitely seems like a great subject. I hope McCullough continues to write more for years to come.
Rating:
Summary: History as High Drama!
Review: Pulitzer prize winner David McCullough has the gift of writing good history that reads like an exciting novel. This biography of John Adams made me appreciate the founding fathers of our country. Theirs was not an easy task. Forging our young American republic took intellectual and moral stamina. John Adams had both.While the book emphasizes John, it cannot ignore Abigail who was an essential part of John Adam's success. The two maintained an extensive correspondence which gives us a glimpse into their marriage and into the issues of the day. Thomas Jefferson comes off in these pages as brilliant but somewhat hypocritical. He was against slavery but owned slaves. He preached economy but was a hopeless spendthrift.
The friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson was complicated and devoted. I'm glad I read this book and recommend it without qualification.
Rating:
Summary: Due credit given to a true founding father
Review: The first book I read about the times surrounding the American Revolution was "John Adams A Life" by John Ferling. It had the effect of tuning me in to the enormous impact the Adams had during that time. David McCullough has written an equally glorious work on the man who many are unaware of his historical relevance. McCullough has said "It's long overdue. There is no other American - no other patriot- with the exception of George Washington, who did more toward winning the Revolution and establishing our republican form of government than John Adams". I will go on record as saying that I believe Adams impact on the success of the revolution to be unparalleled. Yes, even George Washington's contribution cannot supplant Adams' role in history. Although Washington's work in the battlefield approaches genius, the key to the victory was Adams' diligent and selfless role in bringing the budding nation's leaders together for the common cause. Without his leadership, the likelihood of victory in the war would have been much more difficult for Washington. Although Adams was admittedly overly concerned with his place in history, his actions were selfless and directed to a single noble cause. Adams could very well have authored the Declaration of Independance but deferred to Jefferson as he knew that his value on the floor of the Continental Congress was much more important. His oratory skills were far superior to Jeffersons and they both knew it. Moreover, much of the verbage in the document came from Adams pen. Adams was a man with many personal flaws, but what makes him so interesting to study is his awareness of these flaws and his honesty in his personal documentation. Reading Jefferson's writings on the contrary seem to be made for the public. Jefferson was also one to avoid conflict while Adams had no fear. If the CC was filled with men like Jefferson, the revolution would surely have been relegated to the next generation. It is unfortunate that Jefferson has received more repute than Adams and hopefully books such as these will change this. Adams wrote to his beloved wife Abagail, "Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men". He may have been correct, but this question would not have been decided if not for his leadership. He also wrote "Mausoleums, statues, monuments will never be erected to me". Hopefullly this statement is not correct and the nation will more fully give him his appropraite due.
Rating: 
Summary: Restoring Adams
Review: As others have noted, this is an outstanding work which not only sheds light on the life of Adams, but on the American Revolution and the Federalists debates that followed. I can add little to what other reviewers have said, so will comment on things that they may not have mentioned. (So please do not rely exclusively on this review.) What I found most interesting about Adams from this biography, and which leads me to want to learn more was about how is views of human nature, particularly self-serving self-deceptions, influenced his views about proper constitutions. Unlike the romantics of his time, he knew that mantaining a non-tyranical form of government would not be easy. It is odd that he seemed so well disposed of people while having what would otherwise be a remarkably cynical view of human nature. This view of human nature, along with his views about the forms of government that are stable is what intrigues me most now about Adams' life. But there is a great deal of other material in there that will fascinate others. His capacity to refrain from passing judgment on those that had done him harm is simply astonishing, and is what this book brings out. My one complaint (which is why I've rated this with four stars instead of five) is that the author seems to feel that he needs to trash Jefferson in order to praise Adams. Yes, Jefferson lacked the sincerity and integrity of Adams, but the implications throughout that Jefferson wasn't the scientist that popular history has made him out to be is simply unfair. The author correctly calls the Alien and Sedition Acts as the most reprehensible act of Adams' Presidency, but spends less time discussing them then he does of Jefferson's spendthrift ways. On the whole, this book is fascinating. The writing is never about itself, but serves its purpose of telling the story and communicating the ideas directly, easily and flowingly. Nothing ever feels contrived, clunky or needlessly decorative. As an aside, I would recommend to anyone looking at the peculiar lack of content debate within the European Union about the nature of that union to look carefully at this period of American history. This biography is as good a place to start as any to help place that debate within a living context.
Rating:
Summary: This book renewed my commitment to the founding principles
Review: I have always been interested in U.S. history, the writings and opinions of the founders, and etc.. It has always been an impersonal subject though, and far more an academic pursuit than an entertaining one. That all changed when I read McCullough's John Adams. The book brings to life one of the most intriguing figures in history, and makes not only Adams, but all of American History seem alive, real, and relevant. McCullough does an excellent job of conveying to the reader the preferences and dislikes that Adams felt for his contemporaries, while at the same time not encouraging the reader to accept Adams' perceptions as fact. McCullough does, however, make a heartfelt and compelling argument for Adams as the preeminent founder. Since reading John Adams, I have expanded my library to include the writings of many of the founders, and the writings of those who influenced them. No student of history should pass up the opportunity to be educated and entertained by reading Adams, and in reality, it should be required reading for Advanced Placement U.S. History.
Rating:
Summary: Founding Father
Review: David McCullough's excellent biography of the life of John Adams is great reading for those interseted in US history. The books traces Adam's political ascent from revolutionary, to diplomat, to the presidency, and then his life as a statesman and family man after his term was up. The key to the book is that the author illuminates Adams as a person, as well as a political figure. His relationships with his wife, children and Thomas Jefferson are strong currents through the book, and show his compassion and humanism. I had been aware of Adams from history books, but I was quite taken with the portrait painted by this book. Adams like other American founding fathers, risked everything he had in life(including life itself) and devoted himself fully to a dream of independance and freedom for the original colonies. Inspirational.
Rating:
Summary: A compelling read
Review: David McCullough was blessed in his choice of subject. The Adams family's position at the center of the new America spanned a period of over 60 years, and their voluminous, literate and perceptive correspondence makes possible a recreation of a time and place with a level of personal detail that would not be possible today. The richness of detail and candor expressed in the letters throughout is remarkable, and it lead me to reflect on our current practice of considering all politician's papers subject to public scrutiny. In an era where a letter to a close friend or a diary can be suject to subpoena, no one in his or her right mind would write letters as Adams and others of his time did. What a loss for historians of the future! The book presents lots of food for thought; some of the highlights for me were the following: McCullough's description of the founding of the US describes in brilliant detail the almost overwhelming odds against the success of the new country. There was no model in the world at the time for what was ultimately achieved as a form of government. England of course had a representative Parliament but the power of the monarch was still very strong. Adams' and the other founders' deep knowledge of the classic political theorists was critical to developing the Constitution in the form it exists to this day. The founders were a pretty colorful group. The portrait of Franklin was amazing; the myth is of a scientist and dispenser of homespun wisdom; the reality was a man who loved the luxury of the French court, fit brilliantly into the decadent French society of the time; a charmer with less substance than meets the eye. Jefferson was also an extremely complex character. He too loved France, and spent his whole life on the verge of financial ruin due to extravagant purchases of furniture, books and art. Jefferson's personal life was complex--he was apparently devoted to his wife about whom little is known, and who died early. Thereafter the issue of Sally Hemings and others is murky, but one would expect that he did not live as a celibate for the rest of his long life. Portraits of Hamilton, Burr and others are also fascinating. The lives of these men illustrates for me at least that one can separate the personal and the political--these men were brilliant in many ways, and made outstanding contributions to their country, but in this day and age they'd be run out of town due to the issues in their personal lives. Adams personally was blessed with an extraordinary marriage. Abigail was intelligent, perceptive, highly educated, and a woman of strong opinions. Throughout long separations their relationship was kept alive through their remarkable letters. JQAdams was also a remarkable character--it is as if his father was unconsciously preparing him from an early age for the Presidency as well. One is struck by how parochial the Founders were as a group. The Adams, father and son, were a notable exception due to their long service in Europe. The details of everyday life are not ignored by McCullough. Extremely serious illness was a fact of life--malaria, typhus, yellow fever killed off hundreds every year. The Adams' were a pretty hardy group, but even they were often laid low by mysterious illnesses for long periods of time. The elements were a constant challenge--blizzards, heat waves, frigid winters had an impact on life that is hard to imagine today. Although not a focus, the issue of slavery comes up often in the book. From the very beginning it was an intensely divisive issue, and threatened the formation of a "united" states. Jefferson's views on slavery sharply conflicted with his actions, as did many others. It is easy to see how this problem erupted into civil war. One odd omisssion in the book is the lack of any mention whatsoever of the Bill of Rights, which itself was a contentious issue and as we all know was not part of the original constitution. Jefferson's work on religious freedom in Virginia is mentioned, but the big picture at the federal level ignored. Was Adams a participant in that debate? Hard to imagine that he wasn't unless his assignments in Europe removed him from the scene. Nevertheless, he must have had views on the issue of civil liberties, expressed in his letters, but the book leaves us in the dark on this point. Be prepared to make a commitment of time if you read this book. It is long and dense, but highly readable with many light moments. It's well worth your while.
Rating:
Summary: (not so) Ruthless Review
Review: Courtesy of ruthlessreviews.com At last we have a popular, critically praised book that will, if there is any justice in the universe of American history, rehabilitate the image of one of our greatest individuals. The author has not only written a book that reads, pleasurably, like a novel, but he has been slavishly faithful to the written record of Adams himself, ensuring an account that does not speculate but presents Adams as he was and should be remembered. Because Adams wrote more letters and diary entries than any of the Founders, we are able to penetrate the mind and soul of this complex character. Whereas Jefferson never betrayed an inner confidence and Washington left little of a private nature, Adams chronicled his life entire; from his doubts, passions, journeys at home and abroad, philosophical musings, political rivalries, and declarations of love for his equally brilliant wife, Abigail. As such, we can fully understand the Revolutionary period and the early crises of the republic because Adams himself gave a blow-by-blow account. Most instructive, however, was the manner in which the author placed Adams at the top of the list in terms of his contributions to Independence. Not only was he there at the creation, but he was instrumental in the selection of Washington to head the army and Jefferson to construct the Declaration of Independence. As the author states, had his contributions been limited to those two areas, he would be worth remembering as a great man. However, Adams did much more to secure the lasting independence of our nation. He traveled abroad to secure much-needed loans and recognition from the French and Dutch, without whose help the Revolution would have no doubt failed. In his journey to France, he went with his son John Quincy without knowing the language, having an official title, or even directed purpose. As a man adrift in a foreign land, he worked tirelessly to achieve what might have seemed impossible at the beginning of such an ambiguous mission. As a matter of personal interest, I was struck by Adams' written Constitution for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In that influential and presently ignored document, Adams gave us a blueprint of what our nation was to become: the separation of powers, and independent judiciary, and a strong executive. Moreover, he declared, much to the joy of progressives everywhere, that the federal government is duty-bound to promote education and intellectual pursuits. In an age of increasing privatization of every aspect of our lives, such idealism is both refreshing and bold. The author is outstanding as well in the documentation of Adams as Vice President and President. Consequently, we come to see how Adams' brave stance on the imminent war with France not only saved our young country from ruin, but gave the United States an opportunity to strengthen its navy and armed forces. Adams took this position at the risk of his political future and reputation. Still, it was the right thing to do and he never wavered. Without giving away too much, let it be said that this book is, without question, a modern masterpiece of historical biography. I came to know Adams and the times in which he lived in a way I never thought possible. I now have the greatest respect for John Adams, a statesman deserving of the highest commemoration in our culture. One day, perhaps, there will be the physical evidence in our landscape to cherish this wonderful man from Massachusetts. - ruthlessreviews.com
Rating:
Summary: John Adams: Unsung American Hero Revealed
Review: Without re-hashing the three hundred and some odd reviews already written, I am compelled after reading and re-reading this titanic and magnificent biography to write that any person wishing to avail themselves of America's second president must read this book. America's often-overlooked and criticized second president emerges here in full and beautiful form. McCullough does justice to Adams with his sweeping effort and sends the dust of history flying with this lively, engrossing biography of a man I once thought I understood. The times in which Adams lived and his contributions to the infant America at home and abroad against the backdrop of some of the most exciting, thrilling events in America's history are nothing short of amazing for those who do not know John Adams (well, who does? --he died in 1826 ;-) Throughout his work, McCullough shows the reader what can arguably be considered the finest rendering of this humble hero, the dilligent if testy New Englander who worked so hard toward the goals he believed in and fulfilled his duties to the best of his abilities given with what he had to work with: George Washington was a tough act follow. It is, to my mind, impossible to come away from this book without a great respect and admiration for Adams, a man who, in all seasons (and not always with success or the greatest circumspection) tried so hard to do what he thought was right. McCullough's inclusion of the correspondence between Adams and Jefferson in their later years and his presentation of the circumstances surrounding that correspondence, the issues raised, show Adams to be every bit the luminary and sage Jefferson was, if in his own contentious way. This is, among other things, the story of an honest man who was not afraid to speak his mind and, perhaps most importantly, was honest with himself. Here's to John Adams, rendered by McCullough: an honest man working hard in extraordinary times! Would that there were more men like Adams and his contemporaries today.
Rating:
Summary: Reads like a novel
Review: I picked up John Adams because I had previously read McCullough's Truman. While McCullough went into less depth into the personal character of Adams than he did into Truman, there stills remains a great deal of insight to satisfy the curiosity of most readers of biographical literature. For those readers who are more inclined to read fiction than deep historical literature, this book will be a decided pleasure. I found it enjoyable throughout.
McCullough's book is as much about the times of John Adams than about the person himself. He describes the life and character of Jefferson, Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, Aaron Burr among others. Unfortunately, McCullough seems compelled to dispel ideas about these men and women within this brief 600+ page book. To do so he must gloss over some events and people that the reader would desire to read about in greater depth.
If you are looking for an enjoyable look at the historical characters who effected the founding of our country, this book is for you. If you want a deep personal biography you may want to look elsewhere.
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