Book Description
A vivid portrait of a man whose pre- and post-presidential careers overshadowed his presidency.Chosen by the House of Representatives after an inconclusive election against Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams often failed to mesh with the ethos of his era, pushing unsuccessfully for a strong, consolidated national government. Historian Robert V. Remini recounts how in the years before his presidency Adams was a shrewd, influential diplomat, and later, as a dynamic secretary of state under President James Monroe, he solidified many basic aspects of American foreign policy, including the Monroe Doctrine. Undoubtedly his greatest triumph was the negotiation of the Transcontinental Treaty, through which Spain acknowledged Florida to be part of the United States. After his term in office, he earned the nickname "Old Man Eloquent" for his passionate antislavery speeches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

John Quincy Adams and American Nationalism
Robert Remini's brief study of John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) is part of the American Presidency Series edited by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. The series has the commendable aim of introducing the reader to each of the Presidents in a volume of short scope. The broader aim, I think, is to reawaken an appreciation of the history of our country and to stimulate reflection on the American experience. Thus, each volume tries to present a story of a life and also to explain briefly what is unique about each President and makes him worthy to be remembered.

Remini gives an excellent discussion of John Quincy Adams's service to the United States, both during his Presidency and before and after it. The aspect of JQA's public service that stands out, both in his Presidency and otherwise, is his commitment to American Nationalism. By this I mean a devotion to creating a strong, united nation for all the people to promote the public welfare. JQA worked diligently to advance the interests of the entire American people, as he saw these interests, rather than to be a tool of any faction or party or momentary passion. Much of the time, he succeeded.

As President, JQA advocated the creation of public works and improvements to link the country together. He was a strong supporter of education, scientific advancement, and learning. He wanted the Federal government to play an active role in supporting these ends and worked towards the creation of an American university. (After his Presidency he was a strong advocate for the creation of the Smithsonian Institution.)

Before he assumed the Presidency, Adams served as the Secretary of State under James Monroe. He worked for the goal of American Nationalism by expanding the boundaries of the United States through a skillful exercise of diplomacy until they extended to the Pacific Ocean. JQA also was instrumental in the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine.

Following his presidency. JQA served as a Congressman from Massachusetts. He distinguished himself in working for the anti-slavery cause and, specifically, by his tireless opposition to the "gag rule" which aimed to prevent critical discussion of slavery-related issues in the halls of Congress.

Remini presents his material in a way that focuses on this theme of JQA's public service and on its nationalistic aspirations . He also points out how and why JQA failed to realize many of his goals, particularly during his term as the sixth President (1825-1828) Adams was named President by the House of Representatives following a highly contested election. It was alleged that he struck a "corrupt bargain" with Henry Clay, who became Adams's Secretary of State. This "corrupt bargain" doomed the Adams Presidency and tarnished both Adams's and Clay's careers.

Adams was also highly opinionated and stuffy and gave the impression of aloofness. He was not a good politician and lacked a certain ability to compromise or to work cooperatively with others. At one point Remini writes (p. 110): "It is really impossible to think of any other president quite like John Quincy Adams. He seemed intent on destroying himself and his administration. By the same token, it is difficult to think of a president with greater personal integrity." JQA was defeated for a second term by Andrew Jackson in a bitterly fought campaign. Among other things, Jackson possessed abundant popular appeal and charisma, in sharp contrast to JQA's aloof, intellectual character.

While Adams's Presidency failed, his goals and ideals were good. They lived on and deserve studying and remembering.

Remini also gives a good summary of Adams's personal life, adopting some of the psychohistory of JQa's recent biographers. He points out the stresses that Adams endured from his famous father and mother and the pressures placed upon him and his brothers for high achievement. JQA also imposed these pressures and expectations, alas, on his own children. There is a good discussion of Adams's failed love affair as a young man --probably the one passion of his life -- and of his subsequent marriage to Louisa Johnson. Remini describes JQAs extensive intellectual interests, his tendencies to anger and to depression and he links these traits in a sensible way to the failings of Adams's Presidency.

This is an excellent study of JQA which captures in short compass the essence and character of his contribution to the United States. Readers who want to learn more about JQA -- with a focus on his service as Secretary of State and as Congressman from Massachusetts may wish to read the two-volume study by Samuel Flagg Bemis: "Joh Quincy Adams and the Foundations of American Foreign Policy" (1949) and "John Quincy Adams and the Union" (1956).

Robin Friedman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A superb introductory John Quincy Admas juvenile biography
The Profiles of the Presidents series is a superb collection of introductory juvenile biographies for young students, which I think is around the halfway mark in terms of covering everyone from Washington to Bush the Younger.Ironically, it is because of the current resident of the White House that John Quincy Adams has received more attention in recent years.After all, the parallels are extraordinary: both men are the only sons of Presidents to be elected to the office, they both have the same first name but different middle names, and they both lost the popular vote in their first election.Will the parallel continue in 2004?Well, no: because while every other President who was elected with less of the popular vote lost their bid for re-election they both (John Quincy Adams and Benjamin Harrison) lost in rematches with the opponents who won the popular vote (Andrew Jackson and Grover Cleveland) and that is not going to happen this time because Al Gore did "Saturday Night Live" and disappeared into the sunset.

Michael Burgan begins this book by establishing the idea that the story of John Quincy Adams is that of "A Lifetime of Service."Where Adams is most unique is that there he continued to serve his country after his four difficult years in the White House, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and becoming known as "Old Man Eloquent" for his attacks on slavery (touched on in Steven Spielberg's film "Amistad").Burgan deals with the problems of being the son of a President but also goes into detail on the extraordinary diplomat career both abroad and at home.The end result is the inevitable conclusion that even if he had not been elected President the life and political career of John Quincy Adams should be remembered.

In addition to the concise but detailed biography, this volume is profusely illustrated with historic etchings, paintings, and maps.Even when the illustrations are black & white they often end up with colored frames, showing the premium placed by the editors on having an eye-catching book.In the back of the book you will find a glossary, fast facts about Adams, a parallel timeline of world and presidential events, extensive resources to help young students better understand the life and times of this particular president, and a decent index.The Profiles of the Presidents series is excellent and Michael Burgan's look at "John Quincy Adams" is one of the best to date. ... Read more

Book Description
Presents a biography of John Adams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mike Venezia is a genius
I am a teacher of middle school students with learning disabilities. What a treasure Mike Venezia's many books are. They are well-written, funny and accessible -- while being factually correct. The students really learn a lot from these books. The students got to see the benefits of the Federalist party, which generally they thought was only for the interests of big money. ... Read more

Book Description
A fresh look at this astute, likably quirky statesman, by the author of the Pulitzer Award-winning Founding Brothers. "The most lovable and most laughable, the warmest and possibly the wisest of the founding fathers, John Adams knew himself as few men do and preserved his knowledge in a voluminous correspondence that still resonates. Ellis has used it with great skill and perception not only to bring us the man, warts and all, but more importantly to reveal his extraordinary insights into the problems confronting the founders that resonate today in the republic they created."151;Edmund S. Morgan, Sterling Professor of History Emeritus, Yale University. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

A fine book
Ellis again does an excellent job of making public figures who are seemingly lost to history real again.While not as flowery and readable as McCullough's work, I believe Ellis' effort to be more substantive.Following only Adams' post-presidency years, Ellis explores Adams' core political principles and beliefs through the struggles and battles of his sunset years.

Through Adams' fight with long-time friend Mercy Otis Warren over his legacy, to his arguments with Mary Wollstonecraft in the margins of her own books, Ellis is able to show an aging John Adams at his best (or worst): outspoken, irreverent, fiesty, and more often than not, correct.The reader is led through Adams' opinions on government, law, the French Revolution, and more.The curious reader would do well to compare Adams' and Jefferson's opinions of the French revolutionaries, keeping "track of score."

I only wish that Ellis could have written more.This book, while dry at times, will hold the reader's attention and leave them wanting more chapters.

Recommended to the general reader who has already read through a full-length Adams biography.

Like Adams: Both Fiery and Dry
Joseph Ellis has taken upon himself the task of bringing the relatively unknown 2nd President of the United States out of obscurity and making him relevant to today's industrial America. Surprisingly, Ellis finds a way to make this shadowy figure between Washington and Jefferson every bit as memorable and important as his predecessor and successor; no simple task, given that Adams was forcibly shoved from the pantheon of American heroes over a century ago.

Passionate Sage reveals Adams as he would have liked: Contrarian in every respect, an irritating mixture of sanguine and volcanic, pessimistic and hopeful, witty and reserved. More importantly, though, Ellis reveals Adams for the master of political thought that he was. No longer is Adams a footnote between the Great Leader and the Republican - in this slim tome, Ellis finds a way to enlighten readers to Adams' unparalleled contributions to Constitutional and American history. As history has shown, few men did more for the American cause than the underappreciated John Adams, and even fewer living Americans are aware of the monumental accomplishments the Sage of Quincy achieved in his nearly nine decades in America.

Though Passionate Sage falls victim to the dry definitions of a professional academic, these drudging pages do not occur with great frequency. However, the slim size of this volume does seem cluttered with pedantic and tangential discussions that distract from the subject himself - ironically, the same slight Adams suffered in his own time.

christmas present
Great book that I shared with friends at Christmas.John Adams, an extraordinary intellectual who, thanks to Joseph Ellis, history has not forgotten.Fascinating, one that you want to read word for word, slowly.

John Adams Redeemed
This book by Joseph Ellis covers the post-presidential years of John Adam.It discusses his renewed correspondence with Thomas Jefferson after many years of silence because of partisan politics.It reveals a picture of a brillant but misunderstood founding father who Ellis calls "the voice of the Revolution" and Jefferson "the pen of the Revolution."A well-written and insightful book!A must read especially for those who read McCullouch's book on Adams.

An insightful character sketch of the most unique founder
Of all the Founders, John Adams is simultaneously one of the most enjoyable and the crankiest. He liked virtually nothing that was taking place in the political scene of his day, and he would certainly have disapproved of nearly everything taking place today. For instance, though he is considered a conservative, he would rail and rant against those on the Religious Right who want to claim that God especially favors the United States (he felt the notion of any Divine Favor on the US was an utter delusion). He would be outraged by the increased role that the economic elite play in today's political process, while at the same time rushing forth to point out that he had predicted its inevitability. He would further be outraged that the president, the part of the government he placed what little hope he had for a more democratic form of government, was not only refusing to fight the economic elite, but fighting for an expansion of its privileges. On the other hand, Adams might take some solace in the end of slavery. But on the whole, he would point out all the ways that the selfish passions of human beings had intruded into American political life.

Joseph Ellis, who is the finest popular historian of the Founding Generation currently at work, wrote this exceptional character sketch of John Adams several years before his similar sketch of Jefferson, his group portrait FOUNDING BROTHERS, or his excellent biography of Washington, HIS EXCELLANCY. If one has read FOUNDING BROTHERS, one knows that Adams is possibly Ellis's favorite of the founders. All of the other major Founders remind us more of statues, he points out, than real live flesh and blood human beings. One never makes that mistake with Adams. He is all flesh and blood and more than a little vitriol. Though arguably the most intellectual of the Founders (though Franklin was a practical genius, he wasn't nearly as literate as Adams; in fact, Adams's closest competitor, as in so many things, is Jefferson), he was a man of intense and always expressed passion. He could summon his formidable powers of reason, but only in a cause that inflamed his emotions.

Ellis does a great job for the most part of exploring Adams's fascinating character. He is guilty, in my opinion, of minimizing Adams quirks. For instance, Adams was incredibly grudging in any praise of Benjamin Franklin, veing one of the very few people of his age not impressed by the Sage of Philadelphia. Ellis hints at this, but doesn't dweel on it, but the almost pathological need that Adams possessed to denigrate Franklin and others is a major clue to his personality. Ellis dwells more on Adams need to elevate his contribution to the Revolution, or at least to make sure that his very real contributions were not forgotten or underestimated, as they most assuredly have been for most of the past two hundred years.

Ellis also does a good job of showing Adams's importance as a political thinker (though I would recommend even more highly John Patrick Diggins's short biography of Adams in this regard--Ellis is more of an historian, while Diggins is a political theorist, and is stronger in this regard). Adams is one of the great political critics in American history, though it is not often appeciated that he was, as so many other political thinkers are (one thinks of Marx or Nietzsche in this regard) better on attack than in contructing. Adams offers a host of trenchant and accurate analyses of the underlying dangers to democracy or any form of government, but despite his wealth of insight offers virtually nothing tempting in the place of what he criticizes. He was brilliant at seeing how things shouldn't be, but a bit vague on how things ought to be. Ellis mentioned but doesn't make graphic just how awful Adams is as a writer. I own and have struggled to read the collection THE POLITICAL WRITINGS OF JOHN ADAMS, edited by George W. Carey. Though I have read Hegel and Spinoza and Heidegger, I found much of this much, much harder going. Adams is frequently a terrifically uninteresting writer. He can lace monumentally dull and impenetrable material with passages laced with terrific insight. All this changes, however, when you turn to the Jefferson-Adams correspondence. Here he comes alive. Ellis does a good job of bringing this out.

Ellis makes the mistake, as so many do, of characterizing Adams as a conservative. Given the fact that he would detest virtually every aspect of conservatism today I find this characterization to be incomprehensible. I think he was a conservative by accident. Had the predominant trend of the day been conservative rather than Jeffersonian, I think we would have seen an impassioned Adams rising against what he perceived as the many mistakes of the conservative cause. I honestly don't believe that any government, conservative or liberal, radical or revolutionary, would have contented Adams. I've seen Thoreau characterized as a coyote, too wild for civilized life, destined to howl on the edges of society. I think that fits Adams as well.

I thoroughly recommend this biographical sketch (for it is not a true biography) by Ellis, though I would hasten to add that I perhaps like Diggins even briefer book a bit more. Though Adams was neglected for most of the period since his death, these days he has regained much of his deserved stature. Anyone not familiar with him needs to be. Next to Franklin he is probably the most likable of the Founders, and none of them anticipated the dangers facing our republic better than he. ... Read more

Product Description
A set of 21 audiotapes contained in two separate cardboard sleeves. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Way over my head!
This book didn't peak my interest in Shade making.....I was hoping to find a simple wood plan and all the ones I liked seemed way over my skill level.

What a wonderful surprise!
I work in both wood and metals and was expecting a basic volume of metalsmithing techniques. To my surprise, this book can be used in metalsmithing (example: dimensional layout drawings awayla), but it focuses on the use of colored paper (instead of mica or stained glass) and cardboard (instead of metals) Although it explores a medium I ordinarily use to design and make mock-ups, the drawings can easily be used in the metal shop using solder or riviting as a fastener instead of glue and tape and mica or glass in the place of paper.

Please note: These are vintage lighting designs put together by Popular Mechanics during the Arts & Crafts era and I would recommend it to anyone interested in this period of design and technique. Although some of the designs are a little 'dumpy', it would take little time or effort to change them to your liking. This book is a steal!

good book if you have a base in wood working
I like this book as reference for lamps in the arts and craft style however if you are looking for lots of step by step instructions you are out of luck.if you are looking for a good reference book and can visualise a project based on a few black and white drawing and some instruction then this book is for you.

... Read more

Product Description
For many years, most people didn’t think very highly of John Adams. He was regarded as a small man between the two giants, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Today, this opinion is changing. Adams is increasingly honored for his many contributions to the cause of liberty. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence. He urged the appointment of George Washington to lead the Continental Army. He did valuable work in Europe to help the colonists in their struggle. And he served as the second president of the United States. This is the story of an amazingly honorable man and the times that helped mold him. ... Read more

Book Description
Drawing on extensive written record of the ideologies of John Adams and Adam Smith, the father of modern capitalism, Dr. John E. Hill argues that these two great men advocated a balanced, values-based, and just political economy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

John Quincy Adams A Personal History
While her book is the best I have found on this former President, I find she is the best on the politcal side and presents him in a much better light than Nagal does in his book. When I compare the two books Nagal tries and fails to present Adams as a malajusted man who blames all his problems on his mother. To get a true idea about him you must read both books.

John Quincy Adams, A Person History of an Independent Man
After seeing the movie Amistad I was curious about this president who was pretty much passed over in our history books. This Hecht book satisfied all my curiosities plus some I didn't think of.She covers the public andpersonal lives of JQA.All the public figures of the time, great and neargreat,American and European, walk through thesepages. And, yes, theAmistad story is there.I have limited vision so I save wear and tear onmy eyes each day in order to be able to read this great book in bed beforeI go to sleep. Minor criticism:I have to keep paging back todeterminethe year of given happenings.The author could have repeated dates alittle more generously.Otherwise it would be a five-star!

John Quincy Adams, A Person History of an Independent Man
After seeing the movie Amistad I was curious about this president who was pretty much passed over in our history books. This Hecht book satisfied all my curiosities plus some I didn't think of.She covers the public andpersonal lives of JQA.All the public figures of the time, great and neargreat,American and European, walk through thesepages. And, yes, theAmistad story is there.I have limited vision so I save wear and tear onmy eyes each day in order to be able to read this great book in bed beforeI go to sleep. Minor criticism:I have to keep paging back todeterminethe year of given happenings.The author could have repeated dates alittle more generously.Otherwise it would be a five-star! ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (11)

Perhaps Analyzing Adams Is too Great a Task.
First and Foremost, Adams is a fascinating subject, and Grant is a highly qualified historian.

However, it is disappointing that several of the reviews of Mr. Grant's book find it necessary to compare it to D.McCullough's effort.Certainly the latter did create a mania of sorts a few years back, which in turn led to a golden period for historians with a Revolutionary preference.

But having read both, the one thing that seems clear is that Adams is difficult to contain.

Grant's work is a nicely crafted, eminently readable depiction of John Adams, and one that features many interesting and unique observations regarding the revolutionary that Americans have only recently, it seems, elevated to an appropriate level amongst the founding deities.

But too often, Grant's book begins to develop around a certain point about Adams' life or achievements, only to suddenly trail off, leaving the thought unfinished, and the reader wondering if perhaps they'd skipped a page.Yet,this is no brief inquiry.Grant covers the great expanse of Adam's adult life, but fails to acutely identify very many of the key productions of that life.

It is as if there is too much about Adams to be treated adequately in this sort of Comprehensive Biography.

McCullough's work in many ways suffered from the same affliction, but I would measure his prose a little more lyrical, if somewhat less inquiring.

Both authors are absolutely convincing in terms of identifying Adams as a major force in the shaping of the nation, a bold and dynamic personality who left his large fingerprints clearly evident on so many chapters of that formation, and definitely deserving of Franklin's famous assessment of the man's virtue and insanity.Each one of the chapters of Adams' life are so worthy of their own in depth analysis that the soup to nuts biography only serves to (as George Clooney's character says in O Brother Where Art THou) arouse the appetite of the reader without taking him or her to bed.

Grant would have done well to get his fingernails a little dirtier on issues like the Alien & Sedition debacle; the Paris years with Franklin; etc., instead of leaving them too soon.Too many unanswered questions.Too many superficial or unfinished portrayals.Adams deserves more.

A Lot I Didn't Know About John Adams
I found a lot here not available in other recent books about John Adams, and I read one chapter in this book then a chapter in a longer book.Two examples on information covered only here are details of the loans he arranged in Europe after teaching himself the financial trade, and his role in the beginning of the Episcopal Church in the United States.

This is not a shorter version of a more detailed book, but a complete biography by an author with expert knowledge of the financial world of John Adams.I recommend this book to anyone interested in John Adams.

Far better than McCullough -- a splendid biography of a fascinating subject
Written with clarity and grace, supported by thorough research, and characterized throughout by scholarly care and respect for both primary and secondary sources, this is the large biography of John Adams to read.It is half the length of David McCullough's tome, but far more scrupulous in its treatment of Adams, especially in its engagement with the rich historical scholarship on the subject.Even an expert can learn from this admirable book, and I did.

An often analytical look at John Adams
John Adams: Party of One by James Grant is a different look at John Adams than the recent bestseller from historian David McCullough. Grant does often quote from primary sources, but not nearly to the extent that McCullough did. This should make the biography less challenging to readers that found the frequent shifts between McCullough's modern style and primary sources difficult. However, Grant makes the text less accessible by some use of vocabulary unfamiliar to the general audience.

The book is worth reading because it gives a look at Adams using primary sources that have not been available previously just as the next Adams biography will do (the Massachusetts Historical Society has spent years compiling Adams' papers and has yet to complete the task). Grant goes out of his way to give a balanced look at John Adams. In some matters, he is highly supportive of Adams' efforts and methods, such as securing loans in The Netherlands. In others, Grant is highly critical of Adams such as his lack of tact as a diplomat. Granted, that particular opinion will not get much argument. One thing that is unusual for most recent biographies, Grant often discusses Adams' faith and religion, keeping its presense throughout the biography unlike, for example, Walter Stahr's biography of John Jay where his noted strong faith disappears for chapters at a time.

As already mentioned, Grant's style does not lend itself to a general audience, at least one that does not wish to have a dictionary handy. Grant brings a highly analytical style, which makes this biography more than a simple narration of Adams' life. The danger with this is that the objectivity can be lost in favor of only citing sources that support a particular point of view. Grant slips into this commentary several times, which could be a distraction if one does not enjoys this style of biography. The stylistic issues raised in the preceding can be considered positives or negatives depending on the reader's own personal preference.

In this reviewer's opinion, this biography of John Adams will not appeal to everyone. It will be heartily enjoyed by some for its analytical and direct style, but may be a disappointment to others who are looking for a milder approach. However, this reviewer endorses an attempt at reading this biography because of the quantity and perhaps quality of what it has to offer.

Good man, great book!
James Grant has written one of the most readable biographies I have ever come across.I was never interested in John Adams before (why I'm not sure) and even tended to make light of him in my own novel (if in no other way than that he only slightly appears), but a friend of mine is a big fan of Adams and when I saw this book, it seemed a good chance to spark conversation with him.

Rather than rehash what has been said by other reviewers, I want to commend Grant for placing his historical comments in context.Rather than trying to explain Adams from a 21st century perspective while pretending not to, when Grant injects a 21st century persective (i.e. Adams' stand on slavery or his "progression of faith") he says so within the text.This, I thought, was a more honest way for him to make such comparisons than is found in so many modern writings.

Grant is also an expert on finances and he made the fiscal problems of the Revolutionary era interesting in a way it never had been for me before.An excellent book! ... Read more

Book Description
The lives of this remarkable couple unfold alongside events of the Revolutionary War era, a time in which John left his family for prolonged periods to serve his colony and country. Their engaging exchanges follow John's career from provincial lawyer and farmer in Braintree, Massachusetts, to delegate to the Continental Congresses in Philadelphia, to diplomatic success in Europe. John reveals himself as an ambitious, determined, and self-doubting statesman with a trusting, deeply affectionate character and an earthy sense of humor.

Abigail's lively and captivating letters show the trials of an intelligent, strong, and resourceful woman who managed the family's farm and business affairs and reared the pair's four children during her husband's long absences. Her missives to John are filled with outspoken remarks on politics, public figures, and world-shaking events. An independent thinker and advocate of equal rights for women, she urged him in one spirited letter to "Remember the Ladies" in framing the new government. Abigail also vividly documents domestic life in eighteenth-century America, providing enlightening details on health problems, childbirth, education, women's activities, the difficulties of travel, and the impact of wartime inflation.

The 226 letters contained in this volume are supplemented with a few to third parties and a sampling of diary entries. Altogether, the words and thoughts of these warm, if occasionally fallible, human beings richly convey the experience of the Revolutionary generation in a most personal and authentic way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The First Harvard Collection of Adams Letters--1975
This collection is the first assemblage of the letters between John and Abigail Adams published by Harvard University Press.Subsequently, in 2007, an expanded collection was published by Harvard, under the editorship of different scholars, with the title of "My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams" (which I also reviewed on Amazon).While the newer version has more letters (289 v. 226), and covers the period of John's Vice Presidency and Presidency, this earlier edition continues to have value.It includes more editorial material, some correspondence with third parties, and a larger number of illustrations--though not the beautiful color plates found in the newer volume. As I mentioned in my other review, the star of the letters clearly is Abigail, who carried on alone under the most challenging of circumstances while John was absent.She manifests both a literate perspective, as well as a sharp eye for political issues.John's letters afford an invaluable insight into a most critical period of American history; especially perceptive are his assessments of some of the leading political figures of the day.Either volume is well worthy of consideration and study--perusing both is doubly helpful.

Good History Book
This was a very interesting book showing the way a women saw the start of a new country.It also shows the sacrifice that both John and Abigail both had to make to still be together while John was helping the colonies.John tells Abigail all of the political happenings that have been going on not including deaths etc...Abigail is very much into politics and reminds John to "remember the ladies" when writing the Declaration of Independence.This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn more about the war at a different perspective than what just the history books say. ... Read more

Book Description
It was a contest of titans: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two heroes of the Revolutionary era, once intimate friends, now icy antagonists locked in a fierce battle for the future of the United States. The election of 1800 was a thunderous clash of a campaign that climaxed in a deadlock in the Electoral College and led to a crisis in which the young republic teetered on the edge of collapse.Adams vs. Jefferson is the gripping account of a turning point in American history, a dramatic struggle between two parties with profoundly different visions of how the nation should be governed. The Federalists, led by Adams, were conservatives who favored a strong central government.The Republicans, led by Jefferson, were more egalitarian and believed that the Federalists had betrayed the Revolution of 1776 and were backsliding toward monarchy.The campaign itself was a barroom brawl every bit as ruthless as any modern contest, with mud-slinging, scare tactics, and backstabbing. The low point came when Alexander Hamilton printed a devastating attack on Adams, the head of his own party, in "fifty-four pages of unremitting vilification." The stalemate in the Electoral College dragged on through dozens of ballots. Tensions ran so high that the Republicans threatened civil war if the Federalists denied Jefferson the presidency. Finally a secret deal that changed a single vote gave Jefferson the White House. A devastated Adams left Washington before dawn on Inauguration Day, too embittered even to shake his rival's hand.With magisterial command, Ferling brings to life both the outsize personalities and the hotly contested political questions at stake. He shows not just why this moment was a milestone in U.S. history, but how strongly the issues--and the passions--of 1800 resonate with our own time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Well rounded work
I picked this up at a discount book store to brush up on my early American history.As I read it, I was surprised I had never heard of Ferling before now.He is concise and well written.His insight into the election illustrates the complexities of our electoral process showing it not to be perfect, but better than most in the world.I have a new sense of respect for Adams now, before I was not too fond of him.I am a big fan of Hamilton, who is portrayed in a negative manner at times. In retrospect it was accurate as Hamilton, like all other politicians then and now were/are opportunists. I look forward to more Ferling works and am glad I found this piece.

A great read on the most contentious of all elections, replete with radically differing idealogies
Adams vs. Jefferson: The Tumultuous Election of 1800 is a wonderful addition to the Pivotal Moments in American History being published by the Oxford University Press.John Ferling does a superb job, in fairly short order, bringing the reader into the time when our nation was in its nascent stages - prior to political parties dominating the electoral landscape. He describes robustly and vividly the radically differing ideas between the Federalists and Anti Federalists (Republicans).The book traces the ideological roots of the struggle between those favoring a strong central government and those favoring a much loser confederation of states.

Both Adams and Jefferson are treated fairly and evenly by Ferling.Their growing differences and eventual break are covered well.This work clearly demonstrates that the American Revolution didn't end at Yorktown but, rather, continued as a political struggle through a clash of ideologies both in the press and on the ballot.Interestingly, it also shows the ugliness of current American politics is far from new.Some of the vitriol written then about the leaders of the time is alone worth the read.

The rather quick decline of the paternal and elitist Federalist Era is a topic that other authors seem to have trouble limiting their pages on.Ferling, while fairly thorough, is quick in his analysis.He traces the political struggle that led to the demise of Federalism in the contentious and pivotal election of 1800 back to and including the Revolution itself.

Ferling's writing is direct and highly engaging. "Unlike Adams, Jefferson had never wavered in his belief that the American Revolution had been a glorious success.The `flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776 have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism,' he remarked in 1821, adding that the `light and liberty are on a steady advance".In his final letter, written in 1826, Jefferson reiterated his belief that the American Revolution had been, and would continue to be, `the signal arousing men to burst the chains' that bound them and to secure the `blessings and security of self-government'".

This is one terrific book on a very interesting period in American history.I can't imagine anyone with any appreciation of our history not greatly enjoying it.

ELECTION BATTLES
I liked this book. It is about friends who are running against each other becoming bitter enemies. It is one of the earliest mud slinging books about election battles and dirty politics about the election of 1800. My sister gave me this book as a Christmas Gift in 2005 and enjoyed reading about election tactics, and tis book is a must for history buffs. I rate this book 4.5 to 4.75 stars.

Great addition to a wonderful series
This is one of the best displays of political history in a long time.The tactics of the Federalists and the Jeffersonian are well presented here in the election that showed American democracy was a reality.The author does a wonderful job of weaving together the complex issues that were involved.For those who feel today's campaigns are filled with personal attacks they have nothing on 1800.The book is very well written and is an excellent addition to a great series.This book serves as a summary for the lives of Adams and Jefferson as well as looking at the development of political parties in the United States.There is some consideration thrown on to Hamilton although a little more would have solidified the arguments. Despite that this is a great book to start with or if you are an expert in this area it is one you will enjoy.

Humanizes legends, an excellent read
Ferling has captured one of the pivotal moments in American history, the first peaceful transfer of power from one "party' to another.The individuals who are key players: Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton, Burr, etc. have passed into myth and legend in the popular mind.Ferling presents a real picture, which includes both the virtues and faults of the various characters.As a few other reviewers have pointed out, Hamilton gets hammered a bit, but evidence suggests that this was not entirely undeserved.Of course, history buffs will long for more in-depth analysis of other characters in the drama, as well as the actual mechanics of the governmental procedures in place at the time.Such was not the goal of the work.The goal was to describe the behavior of the most key individuals involved and the implications of the outcomes for future events.What I always find interesting in such works is just how easily events could have gone a different way, with predictably dramatic consequences for our current ways of life and thinking.In this, the book achieves the aim admirably.
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Book Description
In this concise biography, Parsons masterfully chronicles the dramatic and prolific career of one of America's most absorbing figures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, the second President, was one of America's greatest diplomats. He made a name for himself as the country was being formed, especially with his defense of "the rules of law" against the will of the majority. He was one of the last of the old Federalists. He was a foreign minister to Holland, Portugal, and Prussia, and was Secretary of State under Monroe (where he was the main force in establishing the Monroe Doctrine). He became the sixth President in a controversial election that was decided in the House of Representatives.

Parson's short (272 pages) but thorough and well-written biography of Adams is a job well done. She details the accomplishments of his life, but focuses primarily on the man himself. Adams was a stern man (his portrait reminds me of some evil Dickens character, Marley perhaps), and not well-liked by the public. He believed that one should not "run" for a political office, but should just accept it if offered (imagine that today!). He hated Andrew Jackson and slavery, and fought hard against both. This is an excellent book on an interesting man.

You cheered his life after reading this book.
After reading this well written biography, I experienced the sorrows, joys, and accomplishments in the life of one of our country's greatest statesmen.

A highly recommended, easy reading bio of the 6th President
Lynn H. Parsons has written a biography that is blessedly free from 'academic speak' or the sense that he is only writing for other historians.This is definitely a biography for even the most casual lover of history. Parsons' familiarity with JQA allows him to introduce us to that prickly character as one would introduce an eccentric friend--always aware of the eccentricities but never apologizing for them. Adams (and his father) are two of the greatest of America's early statesmen and two of it's worst politicians.Parsons presents the genius and the folly and allows us to weigh our opinions--tho' its clear where Parsons' affections lie. It is hard to imagine that anyone will (or could) write a better one volume popular biography of JQA.Parsons clearly could tell us much more, but he chooses not to bog his narrative down in the kind of historical detail that glazes the eye of the casual reader.For serious historians this is a valuable book because it doesn't get lost in its own importance--the writing is direct, succinct and keeps the reader aware of the difference of the attitudes of Adams and his contemporaries to our current sensibilities. Parsons ends with a note that JQA's only monument in Washington is a small plaque in statuary hall in the Capitol.I would argue that Adams' best monument in DC is the one he would be proudest of--the Smithsonian Institution he fought so hard to help establish. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Pride of the Union
This book is the second volume of a two volume biography of John Quincy Adams and it is the definative study of the subject.

The book takes up in the midst of his presidency.Beemis wisely assesses Adams's presidency as a low point in his career as an American statesman.The focus of the book is career as a congressman, his one foray into the world of popular politics and he performed magnificently.

While in congress the crucial issue was slavery.Adams, like his father, detested the institution.While not an abolitionist, Adams's concern was the effect that this "peculiar institution was having on the politics of the republic.

The justification of slavery seemed to occupy the focus of the southern delgations to Washington during this period. One of the innovations designed to halt discussion was the so-called "gag order" which prevented any petition addressing the subject of slavery to be automatically tabled.While not having the reputation as a popular politician, Adams realized what was at stake by this measure.To maintain slavery, fundamental rights were being sacrificed.To this son of the revolution this endangered all that had come before.If congress could limit the right of petition, it could limit other rights granted by the constitution, something that all branches of government were willing to accept.

Luckily for the future of the United States, Adams was a stubborn fighter who relished the conflict.This book charts his efforts to overturn this measure and to make the government accountable to its citizens.

During this period Adams also defended members of Amistead revolt, fought for the establishment of the Smithsonian Instition (congress had predictably squandered the original bequest), opposed the growth of slavery.Ironically Adams's reputation was more effective as a congressman than he ever was as president.He died in 1848 denouncing the Mexican War. He was carried from the chamber of the House of Representatives by his fellow congressmen, among them Abraham Lincoln, a moment of great symbollism.

Professor Beemis again demonstrates his mastery of his subject. While a distiguished scholar of American diplomatic history, he displays a great grasp of domestic affairs that his often lacking in those who are specialists in this subject. ... Read more