John Adams

Rating:
Summary: Should be a favorite founder.
Review: John Adams refused to own slaves on principle, wrote the right to an education into the Massachusetts constitution and sacrificed a prosperous law career for often thankless tasks abroad in the service of his beloved new country. What a great man for us all to have largely forgotten, and what a great service McCullough has performed in bringing him back to popular attention. If only he had understood the importance of free speech, and hadn't signed the Alien and Sedition Acts, Adams might have been the perfect founder. Oh well, I geuss that's why we needed more than one founding father: each to fight for the principles which were important to them, all of which taken together have since become what Americans view as their inheritance.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating biography of a oft-ignored American patriot
Review: He's often dismissed as a mere one-termer occupying the Presidency between larger-than-life Washington and his equally-storied successor, Jefferson. But David McCullough credibly portrays John Adams as the equal of either (and in most respects, of greater character and historical significance of Jefferson). It's a fast-reading family portrait of a family weathering the Revolution and assuming a leadership role during the early days of the republic. The author employs volumes of personal correspondence to tell his story, apparently deeming this source more authentic than contemporary news accounts, most of which qualify as biased and scurrilous, at least by our standards. I was troubled by Mr McCullough's marginalization of both Franklin and Jefferson as well as his minimalization of the significance of the Alien and Sedition acts of 1798. Had Adams shown the leadership to veto the latter, he'd be enshrined on Mount Rushmore today. What's next for David McCullough? I'd wait in line overnight to obtain the first copy of "John Quincy Adams".

Rating:
Summary: Adams: The Beauty of Being Real
Review: This book absolutely outstanding. It is brilliant and written with expression and observation rarely found. The writings of Adams and his wife are a gift. Their manner of expression is beautiful. I found myself carefully reading and rereading segments again and again. We are most fortunate to have had this collection upon which to draw.

While integrating these portions of diary and letters with his own writing, McCullough opens the door to a philosophy and vision of a man who has been unfortunately underated. He has done an outstanding job. Most of all we are introduced to a real person, who while serving his country, under circumsatances unknown to us today, is beset with problems and feelings not unlike we all suffer, extending from personal feelings and economic difficulties to the joy and heartache of children. A side of this man we have never seen.

The politics of yesterday remain and I found it amusing to superimpose members of our Congress today with the representatives of the period. All the players are there, only the names change. The manner of man is remarkably constant.

The relationship of affairs in America and Europe as simultaneous interrelated functions has been an educational experience. My past learning about "the founding fathers" and the growth of our country has focused on each individual aspect separate and apart from the others. They certainly were not. Their interaction was exciting, enlightening, highly political, and yes, at times very funny. This book should be required reading of all students of American history.

Rating:
Summary: Adams: The Beauty of Being Real
Review: I found this book absolutely outstanding. It is brilliant and written with expression and observation rarely found. The writings of Adams and his wife are a rare gift. Their manner of expression is beautiful. I found myself carefully reading and rereading segments again and again. We are most fortunate to have had this collection upon which to draw.

While intergrating these portions of diary and letters with his own writing, McCullough opens the door to a philosophy and vision of a man who has been unfortunately under rated. He has done an outstanding job. Most of all we are introduced to a real person, who while serving his country, under circumsatances unknown to us today, is beset with problems and feelings not unlike we all suffer, extending from personal feelings and economic difficulties to the joy and heartache of children. A side of this man we have never seen.

The politics of yesterday remain and I found it amusing to superimpose members of our Congress today with the representatives of the period. All the players are there, only the names change. The manner of man is remarkably constant.

The relationship of affairs in America and Europe as simultaneous inter related functions has been an educational experience. My past learning about "the founding fathers" and the growth of our country has focused on each individual aspect separate and apart from the others. They certainly were not. Their interaction was exciting, enlightening, highly political, and yes, at times very funny. This book should be required reading of all students of American history.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent historical biography
Review: This book by David McCollough takes an in-depth look at the political career and personal life of John Adams. Starting with his humble beginnings as the son of a Massachusetts farmer, John Adams quickly rose into prominence as one of Boston's foremost attorneys. His opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765 revealed his strong convictions for American freedom and individual rights. Although he had strong patriotic views, he still found the courage and strength of conviction to defend four British soldiers who were accused of murder during the Boston massacre. Adams was criticized in many circles for taking the case but he earned high praise and respect for his dedication to the ideals of liberty. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is the amount of coverage that the author devotes to the relationship between John and Abigail Adams. Despite being accused of being self-righteous, vain, conceited and arrogant, Adams is shown to be a very devoted husband and father. His frequent correspondence with his wife reveals his human side. His doubts, insecurities and impulses are all saved for posterity in his many letters to Abigail. The years that Adams served in Europe as a minister for the United States was also fascinating. His travels to France, Spain, The Netherlands and England on behalf of the newly formed country were filled with adventure and tribulation. McCullough's account of his diplomatic career served to demonstrate his initiative and persistence despite his disagreements with Benjamin Franklin and the comte de Vergennes, the French foreign minister. His success in obtaining Dutch loans was particularly significant because it came at a crucial moment. Not only did Adams secure badly needed funds but he also got the Dutch to recognize the new United States and sign a treaty of friendship and commerce.

The author only devotes a few chapters to the Adams presidential administration but he does an excellent job of providing a quick overview. During his term as President, Adams was frequently accused of favoring a monarchial form of government when in fact he recommended a bicameral legislature balanced by executive and judicial branches. Like Washington, Adams sought to be above political parties or factions but he was nominally a Federalist refusing to be perceived as a party man. In 1798 despite his patriotic reputation and beliefs in liberty, Adams signed into law the Alien and Sedition Acts. At the time the threat of war with the French served as justification for the need of these Acts which severely limited free speech but nevertheless the passage of this legislation is seen as a dark spot in American history. His success in keeping the United States out of war with France is seen as one of the top achievement of his administration. The author also devotes a good deal of coverage to the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Their disagreements and opposing viewpoints are too numerous to mention so it becomes amazing that they found enough common ground to remain good friends and keep their admiration for each other. The relationship between John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams is also given a good deal of attention. John Adams took great joy in educating his son and seeing him rise through the diplomatic ranks as foreign minister to France and Russia. Ultimately John Adams lived to see his son become the 6th president of the Unites States which was a source of great pride for him. This book is an excellent biography, it provides an insightful view into the life and times of this little known founding father. It is easy to see why it has become a bestseller.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written - Excellent example of history
Review: David McCullough has obviously taken great pains in his research and development of this biography of the second U.S. President - pains that are rarely taken in today's world. The result is a work that exemplifies the term "researh", and provides what could be called the greatest look at a man who is largely unknown.

John Adams' presidency is often overshadowed by the events of the time. Most people don't realize the impact that he made while he served as the leader of the fledging nation that would evolve into the most prominent nation in the world. McCullough delves into the man, without really taking away from the myth, going into various details that have been sorrowfully left out of other writings.

This book has an appeal to me as a personal student of history, as well as an author of my own accord. Mr. McCullough has exemplified the methods by which historical information is presented, and delivers his work in a manner that is enjoyable for all, regardless of their degree of interest in the period.

As the author of Strike Hard, I would firmly recommend this book to anyone who would like to have a better understanding of what John Adams was like, what he went through, and where his true philosophies came from. The result is amazing, shocking, and altogether a wonderful experience that is one not to be missed.

Rating:
Summary: I loved it
Review: David McCullough has a real knack of getting down to the personality and character of his subject. He reviews the history in an exciting way, and helps the reader to feel like he really knows the man. Mr. Adams is a great subject because of the wealth of letters from John, Abigail, Thomas Jefferson and others, as well as the greatness of the man, and the lack of public understanding we have had of this great man. A great book!

Rating:
Summary: I actually missed it
Review: Although this is my intro to David McCullough, I must say it is the first book I have ever missed. I went to bed the day after finishing this book eager to crack open its spine, when I remembered that I had finished it. I was actually disappointed, and I now miss the man. Every page, every chapter, heck the whole book was so well paced, and Adams was so well fleshed out that I truly feel like I know the man better than I know some of my best friends. Although this was my intro to this very talented author, it will definitely not be the last venture into the worlds this man explores.

Rating:
Summary: John Adams Gets his Due
Review: McCullough has done a great service in reminding us what an important influence John Adams had in the founding of our nation. He is too often a forgotten figure in our nation's pantheon of founders. Adams' importance in securing our independence and protecting and perpetuating the federal government under the Constitution is arguably greater than Thomas Jefferson's.

Among Adams' accomplishments:

(1) He was an important influence in the committee that revised Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence and did the most to argue for and push for its passage by the Continental Congress.

(2) He was the one who made the original motion to make George Washington the general of the army commissioned by the Continental Congress to prosecute the Revolutionary War.

(3) He played a key administrative and political role during the Revolutionary War.

(4) He wrote the constitution of the State of Massachusetts, the oldest functioning constitution in the world, and a key model upon with the Constitution of the United States is based.

(5) He was instrumental in securing the aid of France and foreign loans during the Revolutionary War.

(6) He was a key negotiator of peace with Britain ending the Revolutionary War.

(7) He had the unenviable task of following George Washington as 2nd President of the United States and - despite a few serious mistakes - was able to keep the union intact and keep the U.S. out of war with France or Britain.

The biography is well written and illuminating - really absolutely fascinating. It brings to life Johns Adams and his varied activities - from his loving relationship with his wife Abigail and her own important role in events to his love-hate relationship with Thomas Jefferson that spanned most of their lives.

The only quibble I have with the book is that it sometimes does not give enough detail about some key issues that Adams had to grapple with. For example, too little attention is given the Alien and Sedition acts - one of the most odious pieces of legislation signed by Adams that thwarted freedom of the press. But then again - he would have needed multiple volumes to cover everything. (As a side note - you do end up empathizing for the act given that the newspapers of the time were vicious in their personal attacks and printed stories that would be libelous by today's standards.)

Suffice it to say - this really is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: I love to find a book that it hard to put down and this book is one of those. The writing is beautiful and poignant. McCullough's account of Adams' life and this period of history in our young country gives one a great perspective of the fragile nature of freedom, and the courage and sacrifice it takes to preserve it. I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially to those individuals who aspire to be "servants of the people".