John Adams

Book No: 21
Title: John Adams
Author: David McCullough
Genre: Biography
Completed: 5/19/09
No. of Pages: N/A
Rating: 5/5*****

Most school children probably know John Adams was the second President of the United States, in between the more lauded George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; they probably also know that he was married to Abigail Adams, was the father of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President and that he signed The Declaration of Independence. For most of us that would be the sum total of our knowledge of one of our Founding Fathers. David McCullough has stepped in to reacquaint us with this fascinating portrait of Adams and his life, including his considerable role in the founding of this nation.

Written in a very enjoyable and easily read style, this biography is well researched and full of detail about much of Adams' life as a country farmer, revolutionary, diplomat to the courts of France and England emissary to Holland and eventual rise to the Presidency of the fledgling nation. McCullough tackles the often prickly relationship between Adams and Jefferson, a lifelong friendship that had many ups and downs. Using many of the letters written between Adams, Jefferson and his many friends and relatives, the story that evolves is that of a man who was clear in his convictions, often stubborn and just as often brilliant. Almost all of his life was devoted to public service, often sacrificing his own pleasures in his family and home, enduring years of separation from Abigail and his children.

For me the most enjoyable parts of this book involved the relationship and obvious love and respect between Abigail and John. Quite clearly she was his bedrock and as they often addressed one another in their correspondence they were each other's `dearest friend'. Abigail Adams was a remarkable person, enduring many hardships as a woman alone in New England, raising a family and keeping the home running smoothly during some harrowing times and hardships. She was truly the great woman behind a great man.

I came away from this book with a genuine admiration for the sacrifices made by Adams, and many of the other patriots and a thirst to read and learn more about this fascinating time in our American history, in particular some of Adams own writings, starting with his letters to Abigail. I recommend this book very highly to anyone interested in learning about one of the men who helped establish some of the very freedoms we cherish in this country.