John Adams

Review By: Jeff Beck, Compare Book Techie
Review Score:

More than a statesman... more than a diplomat... more even than a founding father of the United States... John Adams was a man of near-flawless character. David McCullough, the author of the bestselling books 1776 and Truman, details the life and contributions of the 2nd President of the United States in his book John Adams. True to McCullough's incredible writing skills, John Adams is both comprehensive and at the same time easy-to-read and enjoyable. Read only a few chapters into the book, and you will start to think of John Adams as a close friend more than a dead president. McCullough does an excellent job of introducing you to the man, and not just the history. You will learn of Adams' strong characteristics, as well as his weaknesses.

The book John Adams is divided neatly into three separate parts. In Part I: Revolution, you are introduced to the rock-solid character of John Adams. Unlike many other of the founding fathers, John Adams "was not a man of the world. He enjoyed no social standing... There was no money in his background, no Adams fortune or elegant Adams homestead." Much like the dream America would later come to represent, Adams was entirely a self-made man. Rather than wealth or status, it was "in the courtrooms of Massachusetts and on the printed page... that Adams distinguished himself." And it was also in the court room where his ideals would be forged and tested. The book recounts the famous trial of the Boston Massacre, where several British soldiers would face the sentence of death for their involvement. Though Adams was already a noted revolutionist, and a firm opponent to English rule, he felt his duty was to learn the truth of the case. Determining the soldiers to be innocent, Adams risked his public standing and successfully represented the soldiers in court.

Part I continues with Adams' appointment in the first and second Continental Congress. The book makes it clear that John Adams was not merely a supporter of independence, but in fact its champion, and was "determined that this great step be taken." Adams admitted openly that he "loved to talk", so when Congresses spent a vast amount of time debating the concept of independence, it was John Adams who led the fray. On July 2nd, when the vote finally fell on liberty, it was Adams, along with the noted scholar from Virginia, Thomas Jefferson who were called upon to draft the declaration.

In Part II: Distant Shores, the book chronicles John Adams' diplomatic years away from America. With the revolutionary war well under way, Adams was commissioned as a diplomat to France, with the expressed goal of obtaining financial and military support. Along with his friend Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, the diplomatic effort was a success - which effort contributed greatly to the success of the war. Off and on, John Adams would spend nearly a decade in France, an experience that would serve him well during his future presidency. It would also serve as a chance to become extremely close to Thomas Jefferson, a friendship which endured (though sporadically) his entire life. Part II also discusses John Adams' assignment as the first diplomat to England. Though obviously a challenging task, Adams was not to shrink at a challenge. Ultimately, his efforts were not entirely successful, and Adams left the their shores more frustrated with the English than ever before.

The final section of the book, Part III: Independence Forever, recounts John Adams' time as both Vice President under George Washington, and then as the 2nd President of the United States. As Vice President, Adams felt his time wasted, complaining to his wife "My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived." After Washington declined a third term in office, a fierce competition for the next president ensued between Adams and Thomas Jefferson. While Adams' character was above that of mud-slinging, Jefferson's was not. Adams won by a thread, but not before his friendship with Jefferson was all but destroyed. Jefferson was consigned to the office of Vice President (a custom at the time), which only served to further their separation. However, party divisions and administration infighting were the least of President Adams' problems, as the new nation slid ever closer to war with France. Though Adams "declared himself the friend of France and of peace", he at the same time requested funds from congress to facilitate construction of a stronger navy. Adams was attempting to ride both sides, which a deeply divided nation did not willingly accept. Ultimately, his presidency was unpopular, not only with the American public, but with himself. "The task of the President is very arduous, very perplexing, and very hazardous," Adams wrote. Perhaps he was glad not to be elected for a second term.

Part III of the book concludes with John Adams retiring to country life at his farm in Massachusetts. "The only question remaining with me is what shall I do with myself?" Adams would write. Fulfillment he would happily find, however, in unlikely places. Despite the significant public humiliation he had suffered at the hands of Thomas Jefferson, Adams was able to overlook this dark chapter in their lives in his old age. The two would begin a long and stimulating letter correspondence that would quickly reestablished their historic friendship. John Adams also had a strong and fruitful relationship with his wife, Abigail. Their relationship serves as a major thread throughout John Adams. Even though Adams spent much of his life away from home, as a congressman, foreign diplomat, and finally as President, he spent countless hours writing letters to his beloved wife, which is where much of the information presented in this book originated from.

John Adams is a masterfully written book. Even though it is steeped in history and fact, David McCullough successfully transforms the story of John Adams into one so full of life, you find yourself at times forgetting that you cannot walk out your door and shake the man's hand. While I heartily recommend this book, you must be warned. As you approach the end of this book, and the inevitable death of John Adams lingers near, you will likely have to choke back the tears.