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Liked It3 of 3 members found this review helpful “Before I read this dazzling biography, John Adams was little more to me than a name stuck between George Washington and Thomas Jefferson when naming the Presidents of the United States. McCullough, one of America’s most beloved historians, does a magnificent piece of historical resuscitation to...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Of all the presidential biographies I have read, this is my favorite. Perhaps because Adams was a less familiar figure than Jefferson, Washington or Lincoln, I felt that I really learned a lot about him from this book. McCullough does a great job in making an historical figure ALIVE -- after reading, I felt like I knew who Adams was, rather than just what his historical achievements were. It's also nice that this history doesn't whitewash the man's shortcoming in an attempt to apotheosize him. If Adams is to be accepted into the Founding Fathers pantheon, McCullough is going to make sure the inclusion takes place warts and all. I found the chronicle of his friendship -- and competition -- with Jefferson fascinating as well. Everything comes together here: a great figure, a great writer, and a great book. ”
Jenny B wrote this review 2 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Fascinating account of Adams and that period of history. Perhaps a little long in details at some points but a great read.”
Dale W wrote this review 4 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“As usual, the author brings the distant past into the here and now. While Legends are brought to life, we can still sample what true Legends were made of.”
David K wrote this review 9 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Revolutionary war period bio of founding father. Puts in good light and
Jerry W wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
amplifies Adams stodginess and also his hard work for his country”
“Franklin was my favorite Founding Father until I read this. I'm more of a literary hound like Adams than a science mind like Franklin. So Adams is now my fav with Franklin still in a close second.”
Michael M wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Extremely informative and entertaining biography of a "forgotten Founding Father". It is strange just how forgotten John Adams is today considering what an interesting personality he had- high and full of joy one day, low and completely depressed the next. Adams was debatably manic-depressant, but he was also a man of extreme virtue and tenacity, without whom are country would not exist today. Strongly recommend for any fellow lover of history.”
Joseph S wrote this review 4 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book was not what I expected. I expected a dry, and very boring history book but David McCullough words it so that it felt like I was reading a fiction book. He is very descriptive and it felt to me like he actually went back in time and was reporting what he saw. ”
Rachel wrote this review 4 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“What a terrific book! John Adams has to be one of the most under-rated characters of the American Revolution. Reading this reminded me of how much I DON'T know about American History. The book is fairly even-handed in presenting both the good and the bad about some of the very important persons that played major roles in the development of our democracy. I was a bit surprised at the extent of the disagreements and political in-fighting and dirty tricks that went on. I never realized how difficult it must have been to invent a whole new way of thinking about government. All of the "politricks" going on then reminded me of what goes on in today's American politics. I guess Ecclesiastes was right: there is nothing new under the sun!”
bookkaddict wrote this review Saturday, October 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Yes, it's long and hard to read sometimes, but well worth it. One thing I learned and never really thought about was the time it took to communicate back then. Letters took months to receive and were out dated by the time they reached the recipient. The amount of time John & Abigail were apart, yet their marriage was strong. She was such a strong woman. Lots of interesting things I never knew... John Adams & Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day (July 4th), Thomas Jefferson was broke and in debt at the end of his life. Take the time to read this one, you'll be proud you did. ”
Robin L wrote this review Friday, October 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I was completely unaware of the many battles and confrontations that established the path of this nation. It constantly reminded me of our issues today.”
DashForCover wrote this review Thursday, October 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
