Product Description
Until recently rescued by David McCullough, John Adams has always been overshadowed by Washington and Jefferson. Volatile, impulsive, irritable, and self-pitying, Adams seemed temperamentally unsuited for the presidency. Yet in many ways he was the perfect successor to Washington in terms of ability, experience, and popularity. Possessed of a far-ranging intelligence, Adams took office amid the birth of the government and multiple crises. Besides maintaining neutrality and regaining peace, his administration created the Department of the Navy, put the army on a surer footing, and left a solvent treasury. One of his shrewdest acts was surely the appointment of moderate Federalist John Marshall as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Though he was a Federalist, he sought to work outside the still-forming party system. In the end, this would be Adams's greatest failing and most useful lesson to later leaders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great, brief intro to John Adams
All other reviews on Amazon at the time of my writing this review are for a completely different book in a different series, The American Presidents, and erroneously placed under this book.This is a review of the John Adams book for the Childhoods of the Presidents series.

This book is a simple, short (40 easy pages, including many pictures) telling of Adams's life, with an emphasis on his childhood.It would be appropriate for children from 3rd-6th grade, although all ages would enjoy reading it.Far from being a dry textbook, it's written in an engaging, easy-to-read style, with a short glossary in the back for words a child might not be familiar with (such as "diplomat" and "pulpit").My 11 year old homeschooled daughter and I love this series of books.In less than one enjoyable hour, you get an accurate (if brief) biography of the president, with a focus on the influences and circumstances that led him to become the man he did.If we didn't get to read it for school, we'd read it for pleasure.It should be noted that there are only a few pages dedicated to his actual presidency, and no mention of his affiliation with the doomed Federalist political party, so any student doing a book report on Adams would certainly need other sources.But for a basic, interesting introduction to United States history and our presidents, this series can't be beat.

A Complex Take On A Complex Man
Over the past few years, thanks to a TV docu-drama bearing his name, our nation's second President, John Adams, has gotten quite a bit of press after years of playing second-fiddle (at least in public perception) to names like Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin.This book only adds to that new-found sense of legacy for Mr. Adams by giving a very clear and concise picture/assessment of his time in office.

The author mostly focuses on how Adam's political philosophy differed so radically from his contemporaries.Whereas George Washington thought himself above politics and government, and Thomas Jefferson thought that "the people" should completely control the government, Adams instead championed the notion that a strong government and executive office is actually NEEDED in order to provide for the masses.Though this idea was ultimately what led to the general sullying of Adams' reputation, as he was labeled a monarchist by a young country fresh off a revolution, Adams was remarkable adept at turning his ideas into practices, some of which still thrive to this day.

Basically, this is the summary of Adams that you want to read if you would like to get to know both the man and his times without poring over volumes of literature.I am currently in the process of working my way through this American Presidents series, and this volume surely did not disappoint.

Good short bio of John Adams
Personally, I prefer more detailed biographies of historical figures as opposed to briefer ones. Hence, I really appreciated McCullough's detailed work on John Adams. Nonetheless, Diggins' book is a worthwhile addition to one's library. Especially for those who want a briefer, accessible biography, the Diggins' book would be a good investment.

First, unlike most books in The American Presidents series, there is considerable emphasis on the ideas of John Adams. This is most important, given that he had a more philosophical bent than most American presidents, and his writings are, in themselves, contributions to our understanding of American political thought. This alone makes this book most useful to those who are interested in the impact of presidents. In this case, his ideas are important to be aware of.

Second, it is a decent biography in its own right, given its brevity (a hallmark of this series). The book traces the arc of Adams' life from birth to death--a rich, long, full life. We see his friendship with Thomas Jefferson disintegrate and become enmity--only to have the friendship rekindled after the termination of Jefferson's political career. Their letters back and forth are intriguing, in exposing the very different political perspectives at stake in the early 19th century.

We get a sense of the special relationship between Adams and his wife, Abigail. We see his unique, and sometimes problematic, personality at work--desperate for respect and prickly enough. His role as diplomat in Europe. His service as Vice President under George Washington (describing the office as "The most insignificant office that ever man contrived"). His role as President, after having defeated Jefferson. While he had some bad moments (e.g., the Alien and Sedition Acts), he also showed some political, courage (e.g., not caving in to the demand for war against France). He was much aggrieved in his loss in the 1800 election to his archrival Jefferson. He retired to his native Massachusetts and the book describes his life as citizen. . . .

So, in the end, a worthwhile brief biography, that makes a nice contribution in describing Adam's political thinking.

Overanalytical for a summary history.
The author spent an ungodly amount of his space in writing about John Adams theories and thoughs rather than spend the necessary time talking about his short one term Presidency. This clouded the enjoyability of this read.Rather than here what he did during his Presidency, we come away with his thoughts and theories about social class and political functions.Thus, this short read became difficult to those who wanted to know a little about our second President and his term in office.

The American Presidents series are nice little summaries of all our Presidents.This book is not as interesting as some of the latter books.

John Adams (The American President)
I found this book very concise and informational.It is an excellent overview of his Presidency without getting deeply into all issue's.I found many items out which I was not previously aware of after reading this book.I deigned that your acquisitive nature will be rapt within the pages of this book.I only caution that I found myself going to the dictionary frequently in regards to wording used to describe the situations.Overall, though, this book met and exceeded my expectations. ... Read more

Product Description
In this highly praised biography of the formative years of the America's second president, Mrs. Bowen portrays John Adams within the context of colonial America and examines the momentous events that forged a new nation and the character of our second president. This is an old-fashioned biography, beautifully written, passionately interested in its subject. Mrs. Bowen's primary aim is to convey the temper of mind and intellectual curiosity of a man who many consider the most brilliant individual to have ever held the high office of the presidency. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Dazzling
Catherine Bowen's 1950 version of "John Adams and the American Revolution" is a fascinating portrayal of one man and his resolute passion for independence from England.
Mrs. Bowen's approach to writing is descriptive, embracing and above all, instructive.

This book covers Adams' life from the age of ten to his early forties when, in 1776, we declared independence from England.
We read of his early childhood on the Massachusetts farm, college days at Harvard, law practices, defending the British soldiers from the "Boston Massacre" due to his obsession with proper law ideologies, speaking out against the Stamp Act and other numerous injustices from England, his election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and finally, the almost never ending debates, arguments and reasoning's for declaring independence.An amazing man.He simply never quit even when ¾ of the country were either pro-Crown or hesitant for independence.

While reading this outstanding narrative of John Adams, I now and then found myself asking, how many of our former presidents actually had a thorough knowledge of the American Revolution...beyond a fifth grade level (?)This book will enlighten.

Great Biography!
John Adams and the American Revolution by Catherine
Drinker Bowen is a great biography of John Adams.
Ms. Bowen spends a great amount of time on the childhood and young manhood of Adams. She also touches on his great marriage life. This is a book that I enjoyed perhaps even more than David
McCullough's biography titled John Adams, though this book was good. I usually stay away from biographies and read more of the reference type books, I'll have to say though that this book kept my interest to the end.

Excellent biography of John Adams
This book was an excellent portrait of how John Adams matured over the years from age 10 up until the signing of the Declaration of Independence, particularly how a loyal British subject became one of the primary moversof separation from the British Crown. It is a great narrative describingthe slow movement from loyal individual colonies to a united country.Significant historical figures are included with more than a passingmention since they were colleagues of his, including Sam Adams, ThomasHutchison and many more. It reads like an historical novel, not a textbook.If you want to get an interesting flavor for this portion of Americanhistory, I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
John Quincy Adams was raised, educated, and groomed to be President, following in the footsteps of his father, John. At fourteen he was secretary to the Minister to Russia and, later, was himself Minister to the Netherlands and Prussia. He was U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, and then President for one ill-fated term. His private life showed a parallel descent. He was a poet, writer, critic, and Professor of Oratory at Harvard. He married a talented and engaging Southerner, but two of his three sons were disappointments. This polymath and troubled man, caught up in both a democratic age not to his understanding and the furies of passion, was an American lion in winter.Amazon.com Review
Who is the real John Quincy Adams? The brilliant secretaryof state, prime mover behind the Monroe Doctrine, and principledopponent of slavery, defender of the Africans shanghaied aboard theAmistad? Or the ineffectual president stymied by a hostile Congressand his own self-righteousness, the vindictive political foe famedfor his cold, disagreeable character? Paul C. Nagel, author oftwo previous books about the Adams family, seeks to give readers amore human Adams (1767-1848) whose complex nature contained manycontradictions. John Quincy Adams is a valuable revisionist biography of a misunderstoodfigure at the crossroads of American history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (57)

A Character Study
"John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life" by Paul C. Nagel is a biography of the sixth president of these United States. JQA, as he referred to himself to be distinguished from his prominent father, was a melancholy politician who would have rather been a man of letters, than the lawyer / diplomat / politician he turned out to be. The book is based mostly on JQA's diary which spanned an amazing seven decades - arguably the "most valuable historical and personal journal kept by any prominent American".

The book is divided into five parts:

Facing Expectations (1767- 1794) introduces the reader to the young JQA traveling Europe with his ambassador father. Upon returning to America to continue his law studies at Harvard, JQA falls in and out of love and opens a fledgling law practice in Boston. His real breakthrough comes through his essays in which his understanding in international law shines through and puts him on the short list to be an ambassador to the Netherland representing President Washington.
And thus a promising diplomatic career has been started.

Discouraging Choices (1794 -1805) touches about how JQA met, feel in love and married Louisa Catherine Johnson while being an minister plenipotentiary to the Prussian Empire in Berlin (his Netherland appointment being changed). When Thomas Jefferson took office, JQA was called back to the United States, to his chagrin. The life of a diplomat suited JQA because it left a lot of time for other pursuits and studies. While in Boston, his law practice did not succeed, and he hated every moment in the office. Even though he promised not to run for office, he finally did and ended up a US Senator while trying hard to maintain his independence from the party.

Cautious Hopes (1805 - 1817) which covers the time of JQA's appointment as minister to Russia. In Russia JQA became friends with Tsar Alexander and the Tsarina, due to his wife accompanying him and the little girl (the short lived Little Louisa) born at the time which helped immensely due to JQA's lack of charm. JQA did get the Tsar to be favorable towards the new United States as well as reporting Napoleon's attack in 1812 and defeat in 1814. JQA was recalled by President Madison to London to server as chief negotiator of the U.S. commission for the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Soon after he was appointed ambassador to Great Britain from 1815 until 1817(a post held by his father years before).
President Madison appointed JQA to the office of Secretary of State.


Faltering Ideals (1817-1829) After being Secretary of State for Madison & James Monroe (where JQA was an influential advisor on the Monroe Doctrine), JQA beat Andrew Jackson to be President. Never admitting he wanted the job, JQA's tenure suffered under an assault of his opponents and the book only dedicates one chapter to the four years. JQA could not stay out of public service and, in a move rarely seen to this day, went back to Washington to serve the people as Congressman.

Astonishing Results (1829 - 1848) A tough time for JQA who also lost his sons George and John who battled with alcoholism. At that time it was expected of JQA to support their wives and children as well as his own.However, as he is getting older, JQA becomes a hero, celebrated for the same things the politicians hated him - his individualism, independence and refusal to vote on party lines. As much as JQA is celebrated in the North, the notoriety he brings upon himself in the South for his abolitionist views and his defense of the slaves on the ship "Amistad" make him a household name until his death.

As the author mentions in the preface, this book is more of a character study of a person thought to be an elitist and out of touch, than a historical biography. The four years of JQA's presidency get a mere chapter, but as noted, many of JQA's accomplishments were not done in his own presidency, but rather as an ambassador or as a high level cabinet official.
Nagel's ability to understand several sides of this talented man, who is tormented by his own perfectionist demons as well as the loving grandfather and a hard headed legislature, is a masterful accomplishment for any historian. The book is written from JQA's point of view, for example the treatment of his mother, Abigail Adams, is much harsher as a domineering pushy mother, than David McCullough which treats her as a strong woman equal to her man in his excellent book "John Adams" .

Peppered with humor, some supplied by JQA, some by the author but mostly by both "If the little girls had a good a time at the circus as their grandfather evidently had, the outing was a rousing success, the book lets us go inside the head of a man who rarely showed this side in public". I especially enjoyed the recipe for lemonade "add to a gallon of water a bottle of Jamaica rum, a bottle of cognac, a bottle of champagne, and a pound of sugar. As a minor detail, the recipe suggested including a pint of lemon juice."

"John Quincy Adams" is an amazing book about one of American's most fascinating people. The book is full of information, told in a readable narrative, chronological style which is easy to follow but because it's so dense, a slow read but an interesting one.

For more book reviews please visit ManOfLaBook dot com

Allergic to analysis
Obviously, there's nothing wrong with a good narrative, but at least at some point an author should try to actually analyze and understand his subject, not simply recount his actions.Nagel argues that he is the first historian to use the entire JQ Adams diary; that's debatable in and of itself, but even if true, he should try to USE it, not simply tell us what it says.

To be sure, Adams' life IS a very good story: the man was extremely intelligent, and witnessed (not to mention participated in) many of the most pivotal events of US (and European) history during the early national and Jacksonian periods.And Nagel writes well.What could be bad?

Well, it's not as if that story hasn't been told before.I don't quibble with Nagel's decision to focus on Adams the man -- if he actually could tell us something about him.But I find that lacking.For example, he confidentally tells us that Adams suffered from "clinical depression," which is quite a claim given that he was not, and could never have been, clinically diagnosed.So maybe Nagel could make the case for it, set forth the pros and cons.That, however, would have required him to actually do more than going through the diary.

Similarly, we learn about his political ineptness, particularly as President.But where did that come from?Why did it happen?The man was elected President, after all, albeit by the House: surely that means that he had SOME political skills.

While this book is unparalleled, then, in giving us the details of Adams' private life, it really doesn't tell us much about the strenghts and weaknesses of Adams the man.At the beginning of the book, Nagel tells us that he has wound up really liking Adams personally.But why?What's the basis for that judgment?(This is especially so, given his concession in one of his earlier books, The Adams Women: Abigail and Louisa Adams, Their Sisters and Daughters, that Adams was an often unkind husband.What changed?).

Although its treatment is much less detailed than Nagel's on Adams himself, for my money (and time) I'd go with Daniel Walker Howe's What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 (Oxford History of the United States).Howe dedicates his book to Adams, and you can see why: it really makes the case for why Adams was right in his policies, as well as why his personality and world view made his Presidency a failure.

JQ Adams' life and character are so intrinsically fascinating that this book has ample value.But it could have been so much more.

A good study of the private John Quincy Adams
Few American presidents enjoyed a career as varied and accomplished as that of John Quincy Adams.As early as his teenage years he played an informal role in American diplomacy, and soon after college he rose quickly in American politics.His years as a state legislator, United States Senator, diplomat, and Secretary of State would be crowned with election to the presidency in 1824 and followed with an extraordinary post-presidential career in the House of Representatives.Yet such achievements can often overshadow the man who made them, reducing him to a series of decisions with little sense as to the motivations of the man who made them.

It is for this reason that Paul Nagel's biography of Adams stands out.Rather than providing another book that seeks to understand Adams through his professional accomplishments, Nagel instead concentrates on Adams's personal life.This has the effect of humanizing Adams, turning him from the stern and oftentimes forbidding figure from paintings and old photographs into a real human being to whom the reader can relate.The problem with this book, however, is that this is pretty much the limit of Nagel's examination.Adams's public career receives nowhere near the degree of coverage that his private life receive; in this respect, the subtitle is only half correct.This diminishes the value of what Nagel has done, as there is no effort to connect his insights into Adams's personality with any analysis of his public achievements.

Because of this, Nagel's book is only a qualified success.Though well written and valuable for its exploration of the inner Adams, Nagel's book is at best only a partial portrait of the nation's sixth president.To get a complete picture of this fascinating man, it is best read in conjunction with one of the more comprehensive examinations of Adams's public careers, such as Samuel Flagg Bemis's award-winning two-volume study of Adams's life,John Quincy Adams and the Foundations of American Foreign Policy and John Quincy Adams and the Union, or Marie Hecht's shorter John Quincy Adams: A Personal History of an Independent Man.

John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life
After visiting Quincy, MA, I realized I knew almost nothing about JQA, so I ordered this book.Good choice.

Precocious, brilliant, irascible, hyper-critical of himself, always striving for the family tradition of integrity, esteem, and honor, and only in his final years receiving accolades for his accomplishments, JQA presents a fascinating study of an intellectual on Jefferson's plane.Because of his diaries and letter-writing, we have a view into his innermost thoughts.Ahead of his time, he was probably the first influential politician to declare against slavery.

Well written biography.
The author clearly researched a mountain of material to write such a complete biography of JQA.It was rather fast paced and did not get boresome as some bios. tend to be.All in all, I would recommend this history of our 6th president, one who got very little recognition as President, but far more for his writings and scholarship. ... Read more

Product Description
A rare jewel has been discovered in the oeuvre of Ansel Adams.SIERRA NEVADA: THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL, originally published in an edition of only 500 copies in 1938, is an extraordinary publication in many respects. Adams, at the age of 36, was commissioned to prepare a book of his photographs taken along the world-famous John Muir Trail as a tribute to Pete Starr, a young American mountaineer (and son of a Sierra Club president) killed in a climbing accident. Composed of 50 photographs of the Sierra Nevada--many never published again--the book is an exquisite portrait of the mountain world of the High Sierra in California. When first published, it set a new standard for fine photographic reproduction in book form. Little, Brown takes great pride in announcing a new edition of this magnificent book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Mass Produced Version of the Ansel Adams Classic with Uninspired Printing
I am very glad that this book is available. It's history has near legendary status for its role in helping the conservation movement in the high Sierras. I was pleased to read the extensive essays about the book's origin and how it was originally produced in an expensive version of 500 copies. I felt like I was holding the fate of wilderness preserves in my hand.

I also know from talking to many climbers that the John Muir Trail is a special treat. I wanted to see it from Ansel Adams' perspective. And that was quite rewarding and revealing.

Due to the limitations of printing when the original came out, it was impractical to include more than 50 images. Adams' choices of what to include are as interesting as the John Muir Trail.

I have to add a big caveat before you consider buying the book: The photographic reproductions aren't nearly as good as you've seen elsewhere. I don't know why (it may even have been intentional), but it's hard to imagine that Ansel Adams who liked to use detail to bring out an emotional reaction suddenly created one book where the potential emotional impact seems downplayed.

My suggestion is that you look at this in a book store or a library . . . but don't buy a copy. You'll be unhappy with the images. It would be better to remember Ansel Adams through printed versions that he approved of personally.

Ansel's Quartets
Ansel Adams has in some ways become a victim of his own mythology. The Ansel Adams Trust and the Bullfinch press have maintained a steady output of Adams' work since his death, and they have maintained his notoriously high standards, but these are the standards Adams set in his last years when his printing style, in the opinion of this reviewer, became dramatic to the point of brittleness. Everything is played at d-max, all forte and no piano.

This remarkable book is an exception, and William Turnage has taken a brave stand in revisiting Adams' earlier work and printing methods. Yes, some of these photographs were later printed and published with a more contrasty appearance, but they were not thereby improved. This is the work of an artist coming to maturity, confident, meditative and above all about the Sierra Nevada, not about the photographer. Adams was an accomplished musician and often drew upon musical analogies when talking about photography, memorably describing the negative as the score and the print as the performance. To push the analogy a little further, this is not the Wagnerian Adams we are are used to seeing; these are his string quartets. Adams worked at the same high standard for the rest of his long career, but as a suite of photographs Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail was never surpassed.

Lives up to the original
The original version of this book was published in 1938 in a limited edition of only 500 copies.Ansel's other well known work of this early period include his portfolio entitled Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras (1927) and his other early books include Taos Pueblo (published in a limited edition of about 100 copies around 1930), and the relatively common instructional book "Making a Photograph" (1935).I have seen all of these works in their originalform and was grateful to see this book reprinted making it accessable to modern Ansel Adams fans of modest means such as myself.

Ansel's printing style changed over the course of his life.For instance, the Monolith (face of Half Dome) print included with the Parmelian Prints looks completely different than the much more familiar and frequently reproduced prints from this negative made in the 1970s.Several other examples can be found of this change in printing style.Most books currently on the market and prints that are frequently shown focus on the dramatic Wagnerian style of printing Ansel adopted in his later years.Modern Ansel Adams publications which seem to include several new books every year focus on already well known images as Ansel printed them in the final decades of his life.This book is refreshing in that focuses on Ansel's early images and printing style.The book is also focused on the John Muir trail rather than being a "greatest hits" collection.

Printing technology has also changed and improved a lot since the original version of the book was published in 1938, and his improved significantly even since 1984 when Ansel died.Of course not every book is printed with the best technology of an era.I have not seen original prints of all of many of the images reproduced in this book, but I believe the printing to in the spirit of this era and to the original edition.

Plate #49 in the book, "Lake and cliffs, Kaweah Gap" has been reproduced in several other books as "Frozen Lake and Cliffs" including as plate XIII in the 1935 "Making a Photograph" and on page 10 of the 1983 printing of "Examples the Making of 40 photographs."I have taken the opportunity to compare these three reproductions side by side.The 1935 reproduction is clearly the worst of the three to my eye - likely because of the printing technology of that era.The 1983 book and the current book are much closer. The blacks are deeper in this book.There is more constrast in the cliff in the current "John Muir Trial" reproduction at the expense of a slight amount of shadow detail which is present in the "Examples" book.In "Examples" Ansel mentions that the negative was processed in nearly exhausted developer and lacks density in the shadows making it difficult to print.He goes on to say in "Examples" (which he wrote in the early 1980s), that it was "Only within the past year or so have I been able to get a nearly satisfactory print..."This implies to me that the loss of shadow detail in the John Muir Trail reproduction of this image is due to the way Ansel printed this image in that era and not due to the quality of printing in the book as another reviewer suggested.

This is one of the few books currently available which focuses on Ansel's early photography career, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in his work.Having seen and read the 1938 edition, I believe this new printing does justice to the original as well as makes this body of work accessible to the current generation Ansel Adams enthusiasts.

A book of so-so quality for AA's gem prints
It is always told that AA put enormous energy and care in producing his 1938 edition of "Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail", originally published in only 500 copies and a fine art book of highest quality at the time.

I never saw a copy of the origional edition and my comment is purely on what I see in this 2006 standard edition. I don't know how this book is made from the original edition. It says tri-tone but the printing quality is so-so. Some images are a little vague, some losing details in shadow or highlight. The book is pale in compasrison with some great AA books published by Bulfinch in the past, such as "California" or "Yosemite and the High Sierra". You can find some images from this book in other AA books and in better quality. Overall, it would make AA uneasy to stamp his famous AA Authorized Edition to the book. If it were not for its historical value, I'd skip this book.

Now Bulfinch also offers a 2006 deluxe edition at $1,200. Again I haven't seen a copy but perhaps the pricier version can live up to the standard of the original edition.

The trend looks a little worrisome recently in AA books pulished by Bulfinch. The printing quality goes down from "California (1997)" to "Ansel Adams at 100 (hardcover 2001)". "Trees (2004)" rebounds just a little but "Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail (2006)" is a little disappointing. I would hope the next AA book by Bulfinch can rejuvenate the printing quality, even if doing so means a higher price tag.
... Read more

Product Description
The administration of John Adams was a period of rapid change, internal discord, and the continual threat of war. Few of the nation's chief executives have been subjected to such immediate and ever-present danger of foreign involvement and national destruction, to such bitter animosities and serious cleavages within their administrations, or to such constant need for decision making as was John Adams. In the face of such adversity Adams successfully pursued a policy of neutrality and consiliation and, in so doing, provided time for the country to grow strong and to prosper. Yet, despite the seriousness of the country's problems and the contributions of his administration, he is seldom designated as one of the great American presidents.

In this volume, Ralph Adams Brown presents a new evaluation of John Adams and of his four years in the presidency. The portrait drawn by Adams's enemies disappears and the second president emerges as a world citizen whose insight, judgment, and perseverance held the young nation together in a critical period. Brown focuses closely on the most significant aspect of Adams's presidency, foreign affairs. He examines the country's increasing concern with matters of defense and Adams's successful efforts to evade foreign entanglements.

Describing the vicious personal attacks to which Adams was subjected, and the devious and disloyal maneuvers of his cabinet members, Brown traces Adams's difficulties with Timothy Pickering, James McHenry, Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Alexander Hamilton, and others. He documents Adams's steadfastness to his ideals and principles, despite the hostility, exaggerated accusations, and perfidy that surrounded him.

This book is part of the American Presidency Series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Displays John Adams as he really was, a great president
All U.S. presidents must confront and solve problems, some more unique than others.There are a few whose difficulties are unprecedented and will never recur again. John Adams was such a president and his effectiveness as a chief executive is often underestimated. When he took the oath of office, the nation was still young and in many ways not yet a nation. Regional differences, which sixty years later would explode into civil war, were powerful and could have led to a similar event during his administration. The governmental structure was idealistic, novel and untested. There were many who felt that it was unworkable, and with minimal communication infrastructure, it was difficult for the central government to project its' power quickly and effectively.
The framers of this government were highly talented, ambitious men, who were now faced with the task of governing. As history has shown us so many times, the talented revolutionary is often mediocre at governing. Political parties began to form and like all births, involved a great deal of fits and starts. George Washington commanded such respect that no one could reasonably hope to challenge his authority, and yet he was wore down by the political battles. Succeeding such a towering figure would have been difficult for anyone. Europe was also currently engaged in a general war as a consequence of the revolution in France, and there were strong forces driving the United States towards involvement.
Into this horrendous mix of conflicting forces, John Adams became president. There is no question that the crises he faced rank in the top five of all presidents. Forced to face and solve these problems, he performed admirably. There is no more telling measures of his success in that he angered many in both parties and one of his strongest enemies, Thomas Jefferson, continued his policies when he succeeded Adams.
Brown does an outstanding job of describing these circumstances, for without this knowledge it is impossible to understand how successful Adams was. He also describes many of the details of John Adams' relationship with his wife Abigail. Although the times dictated that women play secondary roles in society, it is clear that many women wielded substantial power behind the scenes, if only to provide the strength for her husband to do what was right. After reading this book, you cannot help but be impressed with the power and intelligence of Abigail Adams, one of the most talented first spouses that this country has ever had.
This book serves a necessary and overdue purpose. It shows John Adams as more than just an adequate successor to Washington, but as a president who stood firm and always placed the interests of the nation first. He was a great man, showing that many of the men who made the American revolution were also, and perhaps even more skilled, at making and executing a government. I will forever be in awe of their political genius. ... Read more

Product Description

Dear Reader:

The Childhood of Famous Americans series, seventy years old in 2002, chronicles the early years of famous American men and women in an accessible manner. Each book is faithful in spirit to the values and experiences that influenced the person?s development. History is fleshed out with fictionalized details, and conversations have been added to make the stories come alive to today?s reader, but every reasonable effort has been made to make the stories consistent with the events, ethics, and character of their subjects.

These books reaffirm the importance of our American heritage. We hope you learn to love the heroes and heroines who helped shape this great country. And by doing so, we hope you also develop a lasting love for the nation that gave them the opportunity to make their dreams come true. It will do the same for you.

Happy Reading!

The Editors ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Another Great Reader
Just an outstanding history for children to dig into.We have a 7 and a 9 year old that love these series.

Wonderful series of books
The Childhood of Famous American series are excellent tools to help kids learn about history and great people who have lived.My 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter have both enjoyed reading these books, and now have some admirable heros to look up to!After reading about Thomas Jefferson, my son said--I hope I can become a great man someday!So, both educational, and inspirational! Easy reading that is appealing to children. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
John's heart sank. A British man-of-war was plowing through the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean in hot pursuit of his ship. If the British caught up with the Boston, John would be hanged. He had proudly signed the Declaration of Independence and was carrying the colonies' secret papers. He couldn't be captured now!

"Growing up in Massachusetts, longing to be a farmer like his father, John Adams never imagined the vital role he would one day play in the transformation of the colonies into an independent American nation. As the injustices of British rule stirred up the colonists to revolution and independence, this rising young lawyer became and influential member of the Continental Congress and a passionate advocate for freedom.

As a foreign diplomat for the young United States, first vice president, and second president, this true American patriot held firmly to his integrity and left an uncompromising legacy: Independence forever." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

John Adams "Independence Forever" by Janet & Geoff Benge
I don't think the recommended age for any books written by Janet and Geoff Benge be limited to high school age.These books are packed with chronological details and additive stories.You can't put them down until you are finished.John Adams wanted to be a farmer and his father insisted he get a good education.Who knew he would be one our most important founding fathers?You will soon discover details of John's life that leads up to him being a great man.All curiosity about the subjects of the "Heroes of History" books is satisfied because the authors start at the beginning of their lives until the very end.They are quick reads - packed with valuable, well-researched life stories.I recommend that any age group start ordering these books, and if you want to get your kids hooked on historical figures, this is the way to go.You will want to read everything they have penned. ... Read more

Product Description
In February 1778, at the height of the Revolutionary War, the American representative from Massachusetts, John Adams, is sent on a secret mission to France. It is dangerous to cross the Atlantic in winter, but the situation is desperate-the colonies need France's help against the British army. Adams is accompanied by his ten-year-old son, Johnny. Together, father and son must weather an angry ocean, perilous sea battles, and other dangers to help the colonies achieve freedom.

Vivid illustrations and a fast-paced narrative bring to life this little-told story of a character-defining event in the lives of two future presidents. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

See how math explains what you see
The book is filled with little examples of what we see and do during our day; then shows how to calculate the magnitudes of what is going on.Pick it up, look up your subject/interest, read and within 5 minutes see how math explains another event.

Wonderful
The book was very well written and very well put together. It was very organized and made you think.

Tough going
I have begun studying maths as part of a science degree and I thought this would be a good book to add a little spice to the often dry theoretical work involved in introductory calculus.
Although the book is good for what it is, it should be advertised for people who have at least mastered the fundamentals of calculus and probably beyond. I have had to hold off reading this book until my calculus is at an intermediate level, so while I don't feel cheated I would warn against buying this unless you're very 'fluent' in maths.

A Mathematical Nature Walk
This book is not for the lay person.The reviews on the back cover were
written by the author's peers.Being a scientist myself, I bought the book
to inspire my grandchildren (high school and college age) in things
scientific and mathematical.However, their eyes would glaze over before
finishing the Introduction.While the questions posed in the book are
certainly interesting, the derivations of the answers are strictly for
those who have a mathematical mindset.

Explanitory approach to simple wonders
I have found this book to be a good source of answers to some very common questions about nature, science, and the things we see every day.In the age of search few of these answers are out of reach, but this book is a nice compilation presented in easy to follow ways.I particularly think it a good review for people wanting to keep some of these answers fresh in case children's inquisitive minds happen to ask. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

I loved the book!!!
It's very good reading, the letters are really good. I just finsh reading John Adams that's a really good book too. And I just brought John Adams DVD it was on HBO early this spring!!! I'm trying find more books on John and Abigail books and other time period books in the 1700 and other history books. I just can't find any but I keep trying. I know they are there I just have I to looked!!!

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

Product Description
Publisher: James M. AldenPublication date: 1850Subjects: BibleChildrenHistory / GeneralReligion / Biblical Studies / GeneralReligion / Biblical Commentary / Old TestamentReligion / Biblical Commentary / New TestamentReligion / Biblical Criticism ... Read more

Product Description
The Big Three in Economics reveals the battle of ideas among the three most influential economists in world history: Adam Smith, representing laissez faire; Karl Marx, reflecting the radical socialist model; and John Maynard Keynes, symbolizing big government and the welfare state. History comes alive in this fascinating story of opposing views that continue to play a fundamental role in today's politics and economics. In the twenty-first century, Adam Smith's 'invisible hand' model has gained the upper hand, and capitalism has ultimately won the ideological battle over socialism and interventionism. But even in the era of globalization and privatization, Keynesian and Marxist ideas continue to play a significant role in economic policy in the public and private sectors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Misleading
This book is well written, easy to follow and presents the ideas of many economists with simplicity. Yet I only gave it two stars, and this is due to several reasons. First, the content of the book is not faithful to its title. This book should have been called "The Big One in Economics (Adam Smith)". I bought the book hoping to read about the main economic principles put forth by each of Smith, Marx and Keynes. Instead, the book turned out to be a description of how Smith's ideas triumphed over all others despite the numerous attacks that were launched on them. My problem is not the fact that the author thinks that Smith's ideas have triumphed, although I don't agree with that. Smith after all is the father of modern economics and he was an excellent thinker. His book should be read by all. My problem is with the author using such a misleading title. Second, I was amazed at the ease with which the author wrote off Marx as an economic thinker. The author actually goes as far as to wonder how anyone can believe in Marx's economic theory. The answer, again according to the author, was that Marx was more of a prophet and hence the effect that he had on his followers need not be rational. The author mentions Paul Sweezy's book "The theory of Capital Development" in a small paragraph and does not even bother himself to address any of the issues raised by it. Instead, like many authors before him he spends a considerable amount of time talking about Marx's life. I would have rather read a critique of some of the Marxian ideas put forth by Sweezy than read how Marx had an illegitimate child. When it came to discussing the ideas of Keynes, the author manages to give Keynes credit for being a great economist, yet makes his ideas seem as good enough for specific circumstances, and not good enough to be an all-encompassing theory. Keynes, according to the author was right in a specific circumstance, nothing more. All in all, the book started out as being very promising and ended as a narrow version of the history of economic theory.

Reads like a college essay.
I didn't make it very far into this book before putting it down. It was not what I expected. I did not care for the writing style at all. It was too dry and academic for me to continue reading. I am interested in learning more about these three figures, but this read like a thesis paper.

An excellent book
The book takes an open-minded and balanced view of the philisophies and economics of those titled.If you're looking for an explanation of how the modern economy evolved, this book by Dr. Skousen, a brilliant author and speaker, is an excellent choice.

Opinionated
The author's predilection for Smith is obvious from the early chapters.It would be a more satisfying book if he substantiated this with real-world examples.His sniping at fellow academics is trying at best.

excellent history of economics
For a while I have been wanting to delve into economics. With the current crisis, I thought it imperative to start learning what was going on so I could at least understand the news if nothing else. This book is fantastic for the novice who wants to understand economics. Though it is a history, learning the history may be the best way to learn the subject.

Those sympathetic to free-market economics will probably enjoy more than others since Skousen is critical of Marx and Keynes. But he also submits evidence as to why Marx and Keynes have been wrong much of the time. While it is called The Big Three (Smith, Marx, and Keynes), I'd say that they take up only about half of the book.A fair amount of space is given to the background and influences of these big players.A brief biographical sketch is given of the Big Three. Then he covers their economic beliefs. He discusses their successes and shortcomings. Skousen does an excellent job of painting a coherent image of economic history.

In case you are wondering, I would guess that Skousen is most sympathetic to the Austrian School (and rightly so!).
Unfortunately this book came out just a bit before the current economic crisis took off so it isn't covered. But Skousen does correctly point out that much of what you see in the news media (and the governing politic) is Keynesian ecomonics (consume, consume, consume your way out of the recession). And this is very evident watching the TV today. Too bad they're wrong. ... Read more

Product Description
America's finest eighteenth-century student of political science, John Adams is also the least studied of the Revolution's key figures. By the time he became our second president, no American had written more about our government and not even Jefferson or Madison had read as widely about questions of human nature, natural right, political organization, and constitutional construction. Yet this staunch constitutionalist is perceived by many as having become reactionary in his later years and his ideas have been largely disregarded.

In the first major work on Adams's political thought in over thirty years, C. Bradley Thompson takes issue with the notion that Adams's thought is irrelevant to the development of American ideas. Focusing on Adams's major writings, Thompson elucidates and reevaluates his political and constitutional thought by interpreting it within the tradition of political philosophy stretching from Plato to Montesquieu.

This major revisionist study shows that the distinction Adams drew between "principles of liberty" and "principles of political architecture" is central to his entire political philosophy. Thompson first chronicles Adams's conceptualization of moral and political liberty during his confrontation with American Loyalists and British imperial officers over the true nature of justice and the British Constitution, illuminating Adams's two most important pre-Revolutionary essays, "A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law" and "The Letters of Novanglus." He then presents Adams's debate with French philosophers over the best form of government and provides an extended analysis of his Defence of the Constitutions of Government and Discourses on Davila to demonstrate his theory of political architecture.

From these pages emerges a new John Adams. In reexamining his political thought, Thompson reconstructs the contours and influences of Adams's mental universe, the ideas he challenged, the problems he considered central to constitution-making, and the methods of his reasoning. Skillfully blending history and political science, Thompson's work shows how the spirit of liberty animated Adams's life and reestablishes this forgotten Revolutionary as an independent and important thinker.

This book is part of the American Political Thought series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

You're in for a treat.. this is good stuff
I've been trying to learn more about the founding fathers of our great nation and most books are quite negative about John Adams. This book is not only fair and balanced about Mr. Adams, it also opened my eyes to John Adams' book that most people have never studied or heard about. I have put that book, "A defence of the Constitutions of Government of the USA", on my amazon wishlist and I am looking forward to diving into it next. I think that is the true sign of a great book and author, one who makes you want to study deeper into the subject matter. In summary, a great book, not easy to read, but an entertaining look into a misunderstood president.

John Adams - American Hero
The most critical period of American history actually occurred after the revolution. The instability of anarchy threatened to make the ideas expressed in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and the heroic successes of Washington nothing more than a forgotten dream. Another hero, one who would be willing to chronicle all previous forms of government and guide the architects of the constitution in creating something entirely new was what was needed. He was more than just another name on the list of American presidents. That hero was John Adams.
Thank you, C. Bradley Thompson, for this inspirational account of an often overlooked and undervalued intellectual giant among the American John Adams and the Spirit of Liberty by C. Bradley Thompson
founders.

The Mind of Adams
Enjoy one of the biographies of John Adams, then read this superb book to complete the story of this great man.Mr. Thompson is a fine writer and can be seen on an old CSPAN segment giving a lecture on Adams.His grasp of President Adams's work and his ability to explain it are unmatched.

Knowing the Ideas of the Founders

To return America to its original foundation of freedom and individual rights, it is vital that we know the ideas of the men who created that system. This important task will be easier thanks to this book by C. Bradley Thompson. Readers interested in the Founding period and its legacy for our own time will not want to miss this book.

John Adams: Second American President; First American Psycho
I am floored! I started reading biographies of John Adams after the musical "1776" piqued my interest in him and have absorbed at least 20 of them since then. I don't know how this 1998 title flew underneath my radar until 2004 but it did ... and I think NOW, after the 2004 election, is the time when every American needs to know what he did for us ... or TRIED to ... including: pointing the way for those of us who CAN to start doing something about the mess we're in now. His insistence on basing our government structure on actual human nature instead of a fantasized ideal of how human nature ought to be may be the only reason we've lasted even this long. Communism went down because it flew in the face of this wisdom. We could be next. Thompson shows that Adams was not only a political theorist, he was a scientifically oriented psychologist. So am I. And I know that he had a handle on psychological reality that exceeds what most modern psychological theorists can lay claim to. He was an Adlerian more than a century before Adler was a gleam in his father's eye. May ALL the Gods bless C. B. Thompson for what he has done ... and may his publisher start doing a better job of getting this book before the public. ... Read more

Product 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 (42)

Adams vs. Jefferson:The Tumultuous Election of 1800
I have read all of Professor
Ferling's books and have enjoyed all of them. This book is an excellent book that illustrates one of, if not the most important elections in America's history. It is a virtual outline of the many more that succeeded it.

As one who reads a great deal of historical books, I believe that Professor Ferling comes extremely close to Cicero's admonition to historians to (1) never dare utter an untruth (2) suppress nothing that is true and (3) record history with no suspician of partiality or malice in the writing. The professor brings to life the election of 1800 in terms of today's world.I think a reader would enjoy the book. I highly recommend reading his other books which go into greater detail on the Revolutionary period and the wonderful men that played vitally important roles in our nation's history.

I read most of Professor Ferling's books through the local library system and was impressed enough with his writings to purchase all of them for my own reference.

Price watch
Excellent book!! My only concern is a "list price" on Amazon of $19.99, which is a paper sticker overlying the book's listed price of $14.95 - so that the discount is in fact $1.

I would expect somewhat less devious pricing from Amazon!

Excellent history
This is excellent history in that the book does not overwhelm the reader with detail but gives one enough to understand the relationship between Jefferson and Adams.

Exciting excursion into American history
Packed with history, this reads like an adventure story. A must read for fans of the founders and especially valuable for its enduring lessons about the roots of our party system.

The United States gets back on the republican track in 1800 (4.5*s)
While the particulars and the intrigues surrounding the election of 1800 made it the most raucous election held to that point in US history, it was, more importantly, according to Thomas Jefferson, the culmination of the American Revolution begun twenty-five years prior. It was, in his mind, no less than the repudiation of the elitist Federalist era that had lasted the long decade dating from the Constitutional Convention in 1787. More so than the election, the author focuses on the events and decisions of that decade that gave rise to a political party, the Republicans, who opposed the entrenched party of government, the Federalists, all of which did lead to the first Presidential election with identifiable political parties. Some of the most capable political figures in American history were players in the 1790s. While John Adams held the offices of both Vice President and President in the 90s, it was Alexander Hamilton who was the driving force behind the Federalists and their policies of nationalism and commercialism. Both Jefferson and James Madison were greatly disturbed by the power and size of the federal government, the militarism of the Federalists, and their rejection of republicanism, or average citizen empowerment.

Most of the leading figures in colonial society in the decade after the Revolutionary War came to understand that the Articles of Confederation left the United States in a helpless state, almost on the edge of collapse. When those elites met in Philadelphia in 1787, they had no intention of constructing a true democratic republic; in fact, they feared the democratic initiatives of recent years in various states. The design of the US Constitution, with its roadblocks at every turn, virtually guaranteed that popular initiatives could not be realized. However, it was not fully appreciated at the time just how much power some, namely Hamilton, wanted to exert through the central government.

Early on in the Washington administration, both Madison and Jefferson knew that Treasury secretary Hamilton's initiatives to fully fund US war debts (a boon to speculators in War bonds), to assume the wartime debts of the states, and to establish a central US bank were designed to enhance the interests of commercial elites. However, it was the US involvement in European affairs that engendered the strongest opposition throughout the decade. The official neutrality position of the US towards British-French hostilities in 1793 merely confirmed to many that US elites had far too much respect for aristocratic British society. Democratic-Republican societies (the forerunner to the Republican Party) emerged at this time to denounce the failure of the US to support the French in their efforts to establish a republican order.

When the French began preying upon US shipping in 1796, largely as a result of the US pro-British stance, the Federalist reaction was militaristic. The French refusal to accept US envoys in 1798 caused the Quasi-War with France to reach a fever pitch. Both Hamilton and Adams had to exert a moderating influence to keep ultra-Federalists from forcing a war with France. However, they did ram the Alien and Sedition Acts through Congress which were designed to curtail critical commentary of the policies of the US and its officials. Numerous newspaper writers and editors were jailed under the Sedition Act. It is the black spot on Adams' presidency that will not go away.

As the author points out, the republican political societies and the partisan opposition press did profoundly impact the perceptions among average Americans who now saw Federalists as social elites and who were increasingly alarmed at their militarism, policies favoring elite commercial interests, including tight-money monetary policies, pro-British and anti-French stances, and their ignoring of First Amendment rights to a free press. The first significant evidence of a shift among voters was the takeover of the New York assembly by the Republicans in 1800, virtually guaranteeing Jefferson all of New York's electoral votes, since that body selected the electors.

The author describes well the peculiar electoral system of that era whereby the two Congressional caucuses actually nominated two candidates for President, reflecting the fact that electors actually cast two votes for President, one vote of which could not be for a candidate from his state. The top two vote getters became President and Vice President regardless of party. If no candidate received a majority of votes in the Electoral College or the top two tied, then the House of Representatives decided the election with each state getting one vote. In 1800, the vote of nine states out of sixteen was required to win the election. Another variable in the election process was the manner in which electors were selected. In some states the legislature chose, in others popular voting by district or statewide selected electors, with states frequently changing the system between elections.

Into this novel electoral system stepped the candidates for President in 1800: John Adams and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney of South Carolina were nominated by the Federalists and Jefferson and Aaron Burr of New York by the Republicans. As the author points out, there was far more politicking in the election of 1800 than ever before. In the first place, the Republican press had greatly expanded. If anything, the Republicans were more organized with pamphlets, parades, dinners, picnics, etc. The Federalists, sensing their cause as being lost, mounted scurrilous on Jefferson concerning his alleged atheism and radicalism. And there are the intrigues of Hamilton before the election and of Burr once the election moved to the House of Representatives because of the tie between Burr and Jefferson. Wiser heads did finally prevail in the Congressional contest, averting a potentially dire political crisis. As it was, the election represented the first peaceful transfer of power from one faction to another in US history.

The author captures well the fact that the 1790s and the election of 1800 were very pivotal times in US history. The promise of the American Revolution was slowing ebbing away. Perhaps there are those believe that the direction of US history was firmly cast by the Revolution. This book makes clear that is not the case. The thinking and efforts of Jefferson, Madison, republican societies and newspapers were instrumental in changing the course that the Federalists had set for the US and the greater society. Jefferson was overjoyed that the US had finally been able to cast off the Toryism of the Federalists and hopefully begin anew on the path promised by the Revolution.
... Read more

Product Description
In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution; who rose to become the second president of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; who was learned beyond all but a few and regarded by some as "out of his senses"; and whose marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the most moving love stories in American history.

This is history on a grand scale -- a book about politics and war and social issues, but also about human nature, love, religious faith, virtue, ambition, friendship, and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of noble ideas. Above all, John Adams is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

John Adams a True Patriot
This wonderfully written biography gave me an indepth understanding of the life of this great patriot.

Great Book Terrible Recording
Don't get me wrong, this is a terrific book.David McCullough has written another winner.And Edward Herrmann is still my favorite narrator of audio books.But the engineers must have been on strike because all throughout this audio book you can hear Mr. Herrmann breathing through his nose, smacking his lips and exhaling.
Still, I'm glad I purchased this audio book in spite of the strange recording.It's wonderful. ... Read more

Product Description
John Adams comes to vivid life for young readers in this addition to Harness's acclaimed presidential picture-biographies. Dynamic artwork and lively narrative create a warm, personable portrait of the stubborn man from Braintree, Massachusetts, whose passion for liberty spurred him on to extraordinary roles as a Founding Father, first Vice President, and second President of the United States. Through Adams's eyes, kids witness the tension-enflamed streets of Boston, the bickering Continental Congress, the complexities of waging the War for Independence, and the challenges of governing a new nation. Vivid quotes from both John and Abigail Adams provide great primary source material for school reports, and three illustrated maps show readers where key events took place.


"How wonderful now to see his story told for children in such an appealing fashion. Cheryl Harness's illustrations and text are first rate, appropriately full of life and understanding." —David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of John Adams ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good information badly written
I checked out this book from our library and read it to my 6-year-old. We made it about 2/3 through and had to stop. It is full of good, accurate information, quotes from letters to and from John and Abigail, but the writing is very difficult to read aloud. Children's books are best written with simple, declarative sentences (Bill went to the store to buy bread) rather than indirect, compound sentences (Because his pantry was low on bread, Bill made a trip to the store). Children do not grasp the point of the sentence if the subject/verb is reversed. The writing style makes the book hard to read aloud to young children, and difficult for older children to read alone. One star off for writing.

Also, I understand that context is important when telling someone's story, but parts of this book have more to do with the Revolution than the life of John Adams. I would like to have seen more about the man named John Adams and less about what was going on in the world at the time. There were a few teasers about specific things that he did toward America's freedom--like defending the British soldiers from the Boston Massacre--but there was not very much detail about these monumentous events.One star off for content.

The information it contains is correct, it just seems lacking somehow. ... Read more

Product Description
Did Alaska create the music of John Luther Adams, or did the music create his Alaska? For the past thirty years, the vastness of Alaska has swept through the distant reaches of the composer's imagination and every corner of his compositions. In this new book Adams proposes an ideal of musical ecology, the philosophical foundation on which his largest, most complex musical work is based. This installation, also called The Place Where You Go to Listen, is a sound and light environment that gives voice to the cycles of sunlight and darkness, the phases of the moon, the seismic rhythms of the earth, and the dance of the aurora borealis. Adams describes this work as "a place for hearing the unheard music of the world around us." The book includes two seminal essays, the composer's journal telling the story of the day-to-day emergence of The Place, as well as musical notations, graphs and illustrations of geophysical phenomena. ... Read more