Rating: 
Summary: A Giant of a Man
Review: Every once in a while a biography of an historical personage blazes across the horizon that makes a reader sit up, wide-eyed, and take notice. And, if the reader is lucky, this biography will catapult him or her into a sort of time machine where events of the past are vividly experienced in the present and persons from the antique pages of history will become intimate acquaintances. Such is the magnificent biography of John Adams by David McCullough.As a long-time admirer of Adams and the Revolutionary War period, I naively thought that there wasn't much left to know - that is, until I started reading this book. Mr. McCullough has masterfully hitched the dates and facts to the human element, some of the facts newly "discovered" and riveting in their "newness". It is clear that Mr. Adams and Mr. McCullough are on intimate terms and that Mr. McCullough is also well acquainted with the myriad of people who walked in Adams's world, people who, up until now, have basically remained only names in history books, their painted faces staring out from the "photo section" of historical biographies. John Adams - just the name evokes patriotic feelings, but no biography of this Founding Father that I have yet read brings this larger-than-life man into greater focus. He was one of America's giants. He knew everyone of consequence during this troubled and vibrant era and was never shy about expressing his decided opinions. Some of the time the reader wants to argue with him and at other times, take him into an embrace and hug the daylights out of him. You might not agree with everything Mr. Adams pontificates about, but you have to admire the man for having the nerve (in many instances) of voicing his thoughts! John Adams was very fortunate in his choice of his life's partner; his beloved Abigail never ceased to evoke utterances of passion and admiration and she, in turn, loved her "Mr. Adams" almost from the moment she laid eyes on him until her death in 1818. These two brave souls had an inner core of granite, enabling them to withstand long separations and hardships of every kind and bolstering each of them when it seemed as if the entire world had turned against them. The author's description of how John handled Abigail's death would melt a stone. Mr. McCullough also manages to bring the Adams brood to colorful life: the stressed-out and severe John Quincy, poor introverted Nabby who suffered through a horrific marriage only to die at age 48 of breast cancer; the baby daughter, Susanna, who died while still a toddler (John Adams was never able to talk about her for the rest of his long life), and the two youngest sons who were faded reflections of what their parents hoped they would be. Adams's comments on his fellow Founding Fathers were absolutely hilarious (the man had a well-developed sense of the ridiculous), especially his acid remarks about Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. Many times his outspoken comments and true-to-the-mark observations made enemies, but that didn't stop Mr. Adams! On he went, energetic, sputtering, irascible, stubborn, prudish - yet warm and loving. The book details the friendship between the short, pudgy Adams and the tall, elegant Jefferson which, due to political differences, turned to bitterness, only to dawn again into friendship. The correspondence between the two old men in the twilight of their years made beautiful reading. Likewise, Mr. McCullough presents the many years of Adams's service to his country, both in America and abroad, in such a way that the reader can easily understand what is happening and why it is happening. I suspected on more than one occasion that Mr. McCullough was John Adams himself writing, so intimately did the author know his subject. By the book's final chapters I, of course, knew what was going to happen - Adams was going to die and pass into the pages of history. I was dreading that moment because I had shared with Adams his many trials and his many joys and the thought that we would part company was almost painful, we had become such good friends. When Adams did die, on the same day as his old friend Jefferson, on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1826), I felt that a little light had gone out in my heart and I actually grieved for him. This was the direct result of the splendid writing of Mr. McCullough who is a wizard at bringing the dead to life and making them old friends of the reader. I had finished the book and had enjoyed many a delightful hour with Mr. Adams and I inwardly thanked him for being the person he was and I appreciated in a profound way what he had done for America. I also said "thank you" to Mr. McCullough for giving me the privilege of knowing Mr. Adams through his book. Not long after finishing the book, I traveled up to Quincy, MA to visit the crypt where John, Abigail, John Quincy and his wife Louisa, rest. It was a cold autumn day in Quincy and all was still. In the crypt, the four stone sarcophagi stood side by side, each containing the remains of four of America's greats. I went to each one, placed my hand on the lids of the sarcophagi and said "Howdy-do" and "Thank you" to my old friends. I am sure that Mr. McCullough would know exactly how I felt.
Rating:
Summary: The Importance of Not Being Important
Review: A person who is not generally considered by history texts on the same level as the other four of first five presidents, John Adams' behind the scenes accomplishments are illuminated in this book. McCullough employs Adam's own words to demonstrate what a self-conscious, thoughtful, and determined person he was. In the process, McCullough brings historical figures(George III, Hamilton, Jefferson, Louis XVI and more)some life by presenting how a contempory would consider them. Don't be deceived by the book's lengthiness. It's hard to put down once it's opened.
Rating:
Summary: The Man from Quincy.
Review: After reading David McCullough's book, it's evident that John Adams's lack of popular recognition is unfair. When given a choice, Adams tried to remain unobtrusive, but he was an important part of the founding of America. His single term as the second president is not a subject well known among casual readers of American history. Adams's greatest accomplishment as president may have been preventing an ill-timed war with France. Not the basis for a great legacy in a world of short attention spans and superficial values. Adams made significant contributions to American law and government. Among other things, his ideas were included in the U. S. Constitution. The private man rather than the public figure is the real story. Adams was well read, a man of integrity, and had simple goals in life. Aside from his family and his books, Adams found greatest joy in tending his Massachusetts farm. He abhorred slavery, but recognized its importance to Virginia planters. The political arena wasn't one of his priorities. Fate had other ideas. David McCullough serves up a masterful effort of historical research. A significant amount of the sources the author cites is from The Adams Papers collection. They include John Adams's letters and journals, and those of the discerning and perceptive Abigail Adams. McCullough relishes the intelligence of his characters. The panorama of American history is superlative. Even so, one wonders if McCullough is too kind to John Adams. The real Adams may have been more acerbic than his portrayal in this book. This is not light reading. The book suffers in comparison to McCullough's previous work on the life of Harry Truman. Regardless, it is highly recommended to students of American history. ;-)
Rating:
Summary: Historian/Patriot Must
Review: David McCullough truely understands one need'nt decorate or defend a virtuous man. His portrayal of John Adams presents the reader with a balanced picture of a very human passionate man with talants,convictions, and certainly human faults. It also gives details of our county's history, particularly the Revolutionary War, that I had lost or was unaware of. Don't let the lenght intimidate. I looked forward to my evening reading, was unable to put it down the final evening read, but am disappointed it's over. My only criticism is the first pages. The time line was confusing. Once past the details of his early life I was off and running. One last thought--while our founding fathers are often seen as 'lofty saints' to us today, some were human, selfish, ambitious, competitive and at times nasty. Gives us a good picture of the impact of politics on individuals. A lesson that certainly is applicable today.
Rating:
Summary: Reads like a novel, educates like a text book
Review: JOHN ADAMS is a marvelous pleasure: a love story, political thriller, historical saga. Not only do we learn about the facinating life of our underappreciated 2nd president, but we encounter little known facts--sometimes highly comical--that we might not have known: for instance, the night that Adams and Franklin shared a bed arguing over whether to open or close the window, or a Thomas Jefferson who preached frugality but couldn't resist purchasing every item that captured his fancy, even when he couldn't afford to do so, among so many others. The writing and uses of sources are spectacular: simply a delight.
Rating: 
Summary: A Man of Honor
Review: To say John Adams courted unpopularity would be inaccurate. But he certainly was no stranger to it. "While conscience claps, let the world hiss!" said Adams.
The man who would eventually be the second President of the United States represented the British soldiers who fired on American civilians during the "Boston Massacre" of 1770. And he got all but one of them acquitted.
He knew what he was doing, and he did it anyway. Adams represented the soldiers, and their commanding officer, because he believed every person should have the right to a fair trial.
That is a perfect example of the kind of man Adams was: utterly ruled by principle and determined to do what he believed what was right, public opinion be damned.
Largely due to that quality, Adams is an American hero of seismic proportions. His part in the revolution of the United States of America is rivaled by few, if any.
This reader didn't know how great a man Adams was. This sizable book has likely enlightened many other readers similarly.
The book jacket accurately boasts that McCulloch writes "from the inside" of history. It's true. The book is a page-turner and exquisitely written.
McCulloch takes the dusty pages of American History and breathes life into them, telling us, as any good writer does, a story-Adams' story.
It is one of a plain, industrious, sharp-minded man who stepped onto the stage of history at a crucial time, and who outshone all others not because of his abilities but because of his character.
This book is worth the read for the history it gives alone. Our country was founded against the greatest of odds, and by men of great courage and skill. It is to our shame that we are ignorant of this.
Adams wrote in May of 1776, weeks before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, "When I consider the great events which are passed, and those greater which are rapidly advancing, and that I may have been instrumental of touching some springs, and turning some wheels...I feel an awe upon my mind which is not easily described."
It is not easily described, but McCulloch's
spectacular book helps us understand it quite well.
"Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives," said Adams. The difference between Adams and other men was that he really believed this, and his life reflected it.
His decisions were always made for the good of America, even, sometimes regrettably, to his own family's detriment. His son Charles became an alcoholic and died at age 30, leaving a wife and two children behind.
Adams was by no means neglectful of his family. Rather, he was a loving father and husband, who was gone for long periods of time during the Revolution. His absence had an inevitable effect.
While Adams appears to have been a great man with some weaknesses, this book gives a much less flattering portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson comes off as a spineless, immoral coward of a man. He appears to have been brilliant but vile.
McCulloch's work also reminds us that as glorious as the Revolution was, some things never change. From America's inception, party politics has been the norm. In fact, it seems the mudslinging and backbiting was far more malicious during Adams' day. If nothing else, the insults were delivered more eloquently.
Rating:
Summary: superbly written, a must read.
Review: This book has to be one of the best written historical biographies ever. John Adams, a little known President, sandwiched in between two very Charismatic presidents, that of Washington and Jefferson, comes out on top after reading this book. Very rich in History, yet McCullough does not go overboard with facts and the such. A beautifully written story of a mans life as well. Don't let the 650pg book overwhelm you it is a very good story to read and is not boring at all.
Rating: 
Summary: Half Who Cares, Half Excellent
Review: The second half of this book rated four stars. But I had to rate the book lower because the first half was such a disappointment, so full of details about Europe that did not seem to me to add to the story of John Adams at all. Rather than speak of the American Revolutionary War or how Adams felt about the need for American independence, the first half of the book goes on and on and on about Paris parties and risque women, English gardens, and Dutch sewer systems. The book mentions (although barely) why the United States was losing battles, why General Washington withdrew troops, but there is no explanation of why the United States won or, specifically, what John Adams did to contribute to that. I got the impression that John Adams was a bore because the book did not describe in enough detail just why his life in Europe was so important to the United States that he found it necessary to leave his children's (all but his first born) upbringing, first, to his wife, alone, then to relatives. It left me wondering, why would someone who was willing to sacrifice so much for his country not find it important to raise his children? When the two that were most neglected (my word) came to such awful ends later in their lives, I wondered if their choices might have been more like those of John's first-born son if John had given more of himself to them. But the second half of the book rates four stars. John is back in United States, actually living what he spent 10 years in Europe for. It still doesn't get five stars, in my opinion, because, although better than the first half, the second half still lacks enough detail about why he made the decisions he did. I think this last half must be the reason other reviewers rate the book so highly, though. I learned that, in spite of all the reverence today that we feel toward the founding fathers and their ideals, their politics were often dirty, too. They debated, it appears, as strongly as we do today, on how the country should proceed, and it often got nasty. Yet, here we still are. The country hasn't gone to hell, as is so often predicted nowadays; we've survived and prospered.
Rating:
Summary: It is all about America
Review: McCullough, McCullough, McCullough............that says it all. His work on John Adams defies words. McCulloughs effort at bringing Adams alive in the 21st century is certainly not wasted. One can only wonder what direction this country would have taken if it had not been for John Adams and his unique ability to look into the future. John Adams, husband, father, statesman, diplomat and visionary was the true architect in the laying of the foundation of this great country.
Rating:
Summary: John Adams
Review: John Adams by David McCullough is an engaging educational book about the man and his times. Through letters that Adams wrote to his wife and other prominent men of the times, we see John Adams thinking and wondering, worrying about uncertainty for the country that he so loved. Adams was not born to riches, he worked hard to get what he had. Some today might call him a work-a-holic, but his hard nosed New England character carried him far. To Philadelphia and later to France, to Holland then England, he managed to meet Kings and courts, all along touting the virtues of freedom and independence for the birth of a new nation. Adams was not the most beloved of the Founding Fathers. He was the butt of jokes, his temper and stubornness usually got in the way. When he was most successful was when he could put these attributes to work for him. The author helps to put us in the life and times of John Adams, like if being there by his side all the time. The descriptions of the events transpired thoughout the book are steller. Events between Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay and his son John Quincy Adams are all well written. We not only see John Adams but as the others saw Adams though their eyes via leters. This is a rock solid work of import, well documented and a flowing narative that makes reading history fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend reading it.
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