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Summary: The REAL Founding Fathers
Review: I was totally immersed in the eighteenth century by the time I had read a few pages. In spite of the size of the book, I read it in only 4 days, as I found it hard to put down. Compelling reading, and beautifully written. It was as though I knew each of these people personally by the time I had finished. I was lucky enought to have read another book just before this, "Children of Wrath" by Leo Hirrel, which gave me additional insight into the values and concerns of the New Englanders, such as John Adams, who impacted and shaped the development of our country. I highly recommend this as an adjunct to the John Adams book. I never enjoyed history so much.
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Summary: A Walk into History
Review: This is a terrific book, providing much more information about Adams than I had ever known in the past. Clearly well researched, the real joy of the book is found in the descriptive letters exchanged by John and Abigail Adams. The love the two of them shared is powerful, and the mutual respect is obvious. The presentation of these letters allow the reader to feel a connection with the Adams that a regular history book would not allow. John Adams' love for his family and his country is clear as one reads this book. You share in his adventures and his defeats. The relationship between him and Jefferson also is interesting as the book shows the tension that exsisted between the two men, as well as the respect. I highly recommend this book.
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Summary: JOHN ADAMS, THE UNDER-RATED FOUNDING FATHER
Review: In recent years, there has been much written about John Adams, one of the founding fathers and, of course, our second president. For many years, Mr. Adams' reputation as a founder, diplomat, politician and statesman has been overshadowed by other, more charismatic leaders. A New England country lawyer, Mr. Adams was typically presented, in history classes, as a provincial politician, curmudgeon family man and second rate diplomat, particularly in comparison with such charismatic men as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. In an era where style overshadows substance, the resurgence of Mr. Adams' reputation is indicative of the recognition of the inherent greatness of the man.JOHN ADAMS, by David McCullough presents an engaging and articulate biography of this remarkable individual. As with Mr. McCullough's other biographies (TRUMAN, e.g.), the author provides both professional and personal insight into the man, neither placing the subject on a pedestal, nor glossing over his human frailties. A theme of "personal integrity" in matters public and private presents Mr. Adams, not as a relic of late 18th century America, but as a living, breathing human being, with virtues and flaws as immediate today as they were during those early days of the republic. One of the most engaging aspects of this book is the comparison between Adams and Jefferson. Both men emerge as "two sides of the same coin," with love of country as the common bond. Their friendship ultimately epitomizes the concept of "agreeing to disagree." Unlike his more charismatic friend, Mr. Adams' intellect and brilliance often remain hidden beyond a presentation of stolid New England character. This book is highly recommended for those seeking a thorough understanding of Mr. Adams and his times. For those who wish to read further, there is another excellent biography, JOHN ADAMS: A LIFE, by John Ferling.
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Summary: An amazing read!!!
Review: It's hard to say where to start on reviewing this gem. I have found that it is indeed a rarity when a history ("Yuch!! Not History!") book falls into the category of "hard to put down."
This one does!
What Mccullough has skillfully acomplished deserves merit: He has combined the task of bringing a (relatively) little known figure to life, both personally and politically, while making the narrative appealing to those readers who previously cared little for our second President, much less American history itself.
Tough task.
Mccullough blends Adam's interactions with the key players of the late 18th and early 19th century, namely, Jefferson, Washington,as well as some European diplomats, and how these relationships changed, both for the better and worse, during the events of the time.
My only criticism, albeit a small one, was Mccullough devoting only one or two sentences to the Hamilton/Burr duel.
Perhaps I'm being picky here.
For anyone interested in American history, I need not recommend this book; they no doubt have already devoured it; for those skeptical about finding anything enlightening about our second President, pull up a chair and give your TV a rest.
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Summary: Godfather Of Our Country
Review: John Adams is perhaps the least studied founding father of our country, yet I believe he probably had the greatest impact. No matter which theatre of the American revolution might draw the most attention, if you look closely you will see Adams` hand was certainly involved. Be it choosing the head of our army, international negotiations, financial securities, or the writing of the Declaration itself, John Adams was there. He sacrificed more of himself for the cause than any other patriot of his time. He was not the First American, he was not the Father Of Our Country, nor did he write The Declaration of Independence. However he did accomplish more for the good of the 'nation yet to be' before he was even voted President of the new United States.
I believe David McCullough has finally done justice to a most deserving soul. After reading this book one discovers the true meaning of patriotism.
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Summary: :How, but not why
Review: Mr McCullough did lots of very hard work studing an interesting subject. Adam's life and his relationships with his contemporaries are covered in excellent detail. This makes a good reference as to what Adams did when and with whom. The essential Adams, however is missing. Why did Adams make revolution? Why did he risk his neck for the goal of independence? We follow Adams through some scary times and had work, but his reasons are as mysterious at the end of the book as they are at the begining. McCullough recognizes that there fundimentals to Adams. He makes mention of these things when he is contrasting Adams to Jefferson, whose essentials are almost diametricly opposed to Adams. Why then were these men allies? McCullogh never bothers to ask. How Adams got along with Jefferson is an essential part of the story. Adams's moral code of standing for right but being 'christian' explains his forgiving Jefferson, but where this code came from or how Adams felt about it arent' covered at all. This is an enjoyable book, and it was a fast read, but there is something missing that would make it a great book
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Summary: A New Appreciation for John Adams
Review: David McCollugh has captured the essense of John Adams in this biography that spans from Adams' early years as a lawyer to his years after he left the White House. This work gives the reader a clear understanding of the passions that drove Adams to being an ardent patriot and the sacrifices that he made for his country. Although many may recognize Adams as one of our founding fathers, they may not know the pivitol role he played in many revolutionary era events. His dedication and passion for the cause of liberty is proven by the fact that his name was not included on a British list of those to be pardoned in the event of a British victory. An American loss would surely have resulted in Adams' hanging for treason. McCollugh paints a picture of a complex man that was misrepresented by some of his peers, namely Hamilton, Jefferson and Madison particularly during Adams' administration and his failed attempt for reelection. He was characterized as a monarchist and accused of wanting to establish an American monarchy, with his son John Quincy as his successor. To be sure however, his administration was not without controversy as was the case with the Alien and Sedition Acts. It is difficult to reconcile how a man so dedicated to liberty and the principles of the US Constitution could support such acts. In the end however Adams is depicted as a good and caring man that was highly principled to the point of his own detriment. I had mixed emotions on completing this book for it was like losing an old friend.
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Summary: The only biography I ever read that I couldn't put down!
Review: Working a very intense job in the high tech industry, I pick and choose what I can read during my brief vacation with great care. This biography was the cornerstone of my vacation reading this year. I literally could not put it down once I started. Mr. McCullough is a master at leveraging the amazing content of the letters between the Adamses (and others)to weave a spell that takes the modern reader squarely into the events of this time.
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Summary: A Good Man
Review: Mr.McCullough has done the almost impossible. He sticks to his subject. We are so used to hearing more about other founding fathers, that it takes us by surprise when McCullough actually writes about JOHN ADAMS. Yes, the other guys are mentioned too, but only in light of their relationship to John Adams. Adams' interactions with and views of Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, Hamilton and others shed light on them that we probably have not seen before. The author's ability to stick with his subject is more than commendable--its as honorable as the subject himself. I was very grateful for all the new insights into this plain, if vain, simple man whose integrity was impeccable. Nation-making is no simple task. America was far more fortunate than it knew to have John Adams as a Founding Father, and we are now most fortunate to have this fine biography. I was also happy that I didn't have to wade through the long history of all his ancestors for the first five chapters of the book. We learn all about John Adams and family, but McCullough inserts the information in an unobtrusive, pleasant way. I was also pleased to read how well John and Abagail educated their son, John Quincy, who would become our sixth president. This is a fine book.
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Summary: History Review
Review: I am just truly enjoying this book. It is full of those important historical events that made our United States the place it is today. It also has a lot of those interesting little tidbits of information in the way of correspondences that make for a great read. I am learning my US history all over again and loving it.
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