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Summary: The Forgotten Founding Father -- rightfully so.
Review: Even David McCullough's brilliant insight and writing skills cannot elevate this competent and boring Ikon of American History beyond his deserved place as First Vice President. His life contained enough variety and excitement for a dozen men, yet he trod through it like a Civil Servant within sight of pensioned retirement. The only thing in the book more boring than the man himself are the quotations from his writings. I look forward to Mr. McCullough's next book, and hope it will concern someone more worthy of expending his time and energy.
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Summary: Brings John (and Abigail) Adams to life.
Review: This is a delight. Like all of McCullough's writing, this is a well-researched, scholarly work. Also like his other books, it is a lively, fascinating story. Much of the story is based on letters between John and Abigail Adams. The biography is also a love story about this devoted couple.In April 1999, I attended a lecture given by McCullough at Michigan State University. He read from a work in progress that he called a joint biography of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. I don't know why Jefferson was dropped, but I suspect that McCullough simply liked Adams, and didn't like Jefferson. Whereas Adams is steadfast and true, Jefferson is conniving and petty. One thing is clear, no one, not Jefferson, not Washington, not Franklin, played a greater role in declaring and winning independence from England than John Adams. Like a good novelist, McCullough doesn't preach, but lets the characters do the talking. Both Abigail and John, have delightful voices.
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Summary: Missing Face On Mt. Rushmore
Review: John Adams, our second President, led an extraordinary life as farmer, lawyer, patriot, diplomat and writer. While the presidency is often the pinacle of someone's career, it was his leadership in the Continental Congress, driving the Declaration of Independence, that is his crowning achievement. David McCullough often reveals Adams through his letters to family and friends. A prolific writer, Adams demonstrated an uncanny self-awareness on both his talents and foils. We learn to appreciate this forgotten leader through his humor and passion. His letters to his wife, son & future President - John Quincy and to friend/foe Thomas Jefferson bring out Adams' intellect, courage and selfless nature. Edward Herrmann is splendid in narrating the audio version of the book. While Adams should be a fifth face on Mt. Rushmore, David McCullough built a greater monument for this statesman through this fine book.
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Summary: To know the man and his times
Review: When I read biography, it is important to feel as if being immersed with subject in the Zeitgeist (spirit of the times). This presentation made me feel as if I got to know the man (Adams)and his times. Additionally, it is a great study on the American Revolution and the men and women who made it happen. When I finished the book, I felt as if I had been there. I compare it to A. Scott Berg's biography of Lindbergh. Both exceptionally well done. 5 stars!
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Summary: David, where did the fascinating detail go
Review: David McCullough can usually be expected to produce a monumental work which reads well as well as being historically accurate. This book reads poorly and is filled with details which are superfluous to an understanding of the man or the moment. As intriguing as "Truman" was, this biography is not......it fails to capture the reader and hold his interest, perhaps because the style is stilted or the persona are simply cardboard like in their depiction. It relies too little on a description of the times, and too much on platitudes which John Adams seems to b e surrounded with. David, where did that masterful presentation of history go??????
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Summary: McCullough's Genius Continues
Review: ANYONE interested in learning more about this country's genesis, the Founding Fathers and, of course, John Adams, should read this book. McCullough clearly is the U.S.'s resident genius historian. I loved "Truman" and Adams was just as good. The only drawback was that the audio version wasn't narrated by Mr. McCullough, whose voice is marvelous.
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Summary: his masterpiece
Review: This is a very exciting book and a great book to be reading around the 4th of July. It seems like his masterpiece.
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Summary: An inspired book
Review: Reading David McCullough's book on obscure John Adams is like walking in a garden with an expert horticulturalist who causes you to pause beside a rose bush you would otherwise overlook, to discover it among the most magnificant in the garden.
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Summary: Engaging...Entertaining...Fascinating Stuff!!!
Review: I'm on the last casette, last side of the audio version of the "John Adams" book and I don't want it to end! My interest in the person of John Adams began when watching the movie "1776" every July 4th...I was curious if William Daniels portrayal was accurate and now I'm sure it was. But after listening to the tapes, I've found the man himself and ALL his accomplishments throughout his lifetime truly astounding and remarkable! I laughed, was amazed, even got teary eyed listening to the tapes as they played out the story of John Adams life, loves, triumphs and tragedies. You will LOVE this audio collection!!! The only negative for this audio version of the book is that it's abridged and does not include the complete story, which I now desparately want to know! I'm, therefore, going to order the book right away!!! :)
Rating: 
Summary: An enoyable read- good anecdotes, not enough emotion
Review: I was somewhat daunted by the length of McCullogh's latest. I am a teacher of American history and always like to learn more. I felt that McCullogh offered interesting insight into Adams' early years and truly shared much of his personality in the first chapters. The later chapters, particularly those of his presidency lack that familarity. I would have liked to have known more of what Adams was thinking during his tenure in office and the years following. I was surpirsed that so much of the biography focused on Adams' years abroad and his separation from Abigail. I found his wife, children, and other supporting characters (including Thomas Jefferson!) offered much clarity on those first formative years of a tentative young nation. This was well worth the effort it took to read!
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