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Very few history books succeed in painting such a personal portrait of their subject without going overboard in mundane details. The characterization in this book is strong and vivid.
McCullough sets out to show the depths of Adams' legacy, and he does so successfully. McCullough persuasively convinces the reader of Adams' role in America's independence as well as the lasting affect of his diplomatic successes.
Before reading this book, I had no grasp of John Adams' importance in the founding of America. There is much sweetness between the two of them, and the quotes from their correspondence humanize John Adams in a way his political stories cannot.
John Adams is often given only a passing nod when discussing the Founding Fathers, but this book shows that he was arguably almost as important as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.The backdrop to John Adams is a love story. McCullough vividly portrays the relationship that John Adams had with his wife Abigail, which was ahead of its time in intimacy and companionship.
The reader finishes the book with a feeling for what John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Abigail Adams were like. John Adams reads like a suburb fiction novel, which is the highest complement I could give it.
This is a must read for any American. Never being wealthy even as President, he and Abigail always lived modestly. He was betrayed by his friends and publicly assaulted by the press whose funds were recieved from former colleagues. While his position was crucial to the outcome of the revolution, I was more interested in in what was happening back home ,rather than his opinion of the French or Amsterdam. I must say my opinion of some of our Founding Father's has drastically changed especially of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, although to have an unbiased opinion I should probably read biographies of these men as well. However, as he returned home and began both his Vice-Presidency and Presidency, it was nearly impossible to put down. It took me quite awhile to read mainly because my interest began to wane as Adams traveled to Europe in an effort to gain support for the American cause. He stood alone, refusing to join political parties for the sake of popularity or to further his political career.
I greatly admire his simplicity and humility, although both he and his colleagues referred to himself as 'vain'. Not born into wealth or status he was a brilliant man who was a descendant of New England farmers but had ambition and a zeal for constant learning. Yet, he never attacked maliciously in return. What I am unable to understand is why, of all the great men in our history, is there no monument erected in Washington as a tribute to John Adams.
Then again, when you are in the presence of Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson and team, it may be hard to stand out of the crowd. Many times a biographer will spend too much time on the personal or the historical aspect of a person's life, but McCullough creates the perfect balance.
Because of Mr. McCullough (and HBO).
David McCullough, as we are all aware, is a great writer. McCullough reminds us through masterful research and storytelling that it was President Adams who often was the one who was working for the best interests of the young United States and its people.
the oft forgotten, one term, 2nd President has been put back on the historical pedestal of the American psyche. It's amazing how John Adams seems to be the "also is" lackey of American history.
We get to see the beautiful relationship between the President and his wife and also feel like we are beside him during his times of glory and depression.For me, it was interesting to see a man shown as having such a big chip on his shoulder throughout his life. Adams may have died feeling like he never received his due, but after this book, he certainly should continue smiling.
What would John Adams say today. Boy I wish everyone was required to watch this movie. Then John Adam, knew his purpose and committed to the greater good of a nation, at the expense of his family. This man finally gets the credit after all this time. I know the point of the movie is to draw us in that time period and difficulty but still.worth putting it out there.This is one of the best investments of time and money. Our politicians now do have not unified purpose other than their own gain.
Okay I do need to advise Parents to be aware that there are some seriously difficult scenes to observe before allowing children to see: tar and feather seen, cutting off a leg, JA's daughter in surgery. I watched the entire set over a weekend and find it ironic how history repeats itself. I wonder. Sad. And is there a stronger bond that JA and Abigail.and Thomas Jefferson in latter years. I may just be overly sensitive but others may be as well.
Learn from this follywood.
I've read a number of books about the American Revolution, but, because I'm me, most of them have been about the battles, the men who fought them, the locations where they were fought, etc. In describing Adams, of course it was necessary to at least sketch his friends and foes, so you can learn more about people like Jefferson, Washington and Franklin from reading this book. It really took a man to defend the soldiers of the Boston Massacre AND help draft and then sign the Declaration of Independence AND THEN become the ambassador to Englamnd after the successful revolution, only to top it off by becoming the second President of the United States.
I finally got around to reading this book that's been sitting on my shelf for years. I really enjoyed the way the book was written too. I've read only a little about the men that worked in other areas of the Revolution, like John Adams.
If that doesn't make you want to read about an amazing human being, I guess nothing can. Wow.I've been missing out for a long time. What a life this guy had.
The way his contemporaries and relatives were drawn on to help deliver a full picture of the man really helped. It really was a wonderful read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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