John Adams by David Willis McCullough (2001, Hardcover, Illustrated)

What a superb read; the shaping of our nation through the words of John and Abigail Adams. This book chronicles the life of John Adams, providing so much insight into not only the man and his contributions but to the formation of our country. By following the letters of John and Abigail to each other through their many separations,we are brought so intimately into their families' lives, including Abigail's struggle to raise their children and provide funds for their needs while Adams is off to Philadelphia, on to France as ambassador, and finally to the White House.

There is great material here as well on Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson; see if some of your prior conceptions of these two men are not altered or changed. The political intrigue as well, is fascinating, involving both the fledgling United States as well as in Britain and France. It was quite interesting to see how much havoc that just the delay in receiving mail could cause for diplomatic negotiations.

McCullough's research is thorough and his writing is elegantly readable; no dry history here!

David McCullough's biography of John Adams should be read by every serious student of American history.

A personal look at the character of one of the most influential of our Founding Fathers, McCullough's work is fascinating, thorough, and most relevant to debates over the formation of the country.

Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed the biography book of John Adams. It was very informative and gave a good insight into some of his contemporaries (i.e. Jefferson, etc.)

If you have any interest in our founding fathers, you will enjoy this book. It is in an easy to read format with letters from and to John Adams interspersed throughout the book. You will learn what a vital role his wife played in his life. The book also goes into some detail of how our Adams and the other key players of that important time got along. It seems like a unbiased account of the life of John Adams and emphasizes his importance to the American Revolution.

Excellent book that actually brings the revolution and the founding fathers alive...honestly, one of the best and most informative works I've read in my entire life. Highly recommend

David McCullough's John Adams is a seminal work on the former President. The author conveys the usual known information on the outspoken, honest leader, however he allows the reader the time to understand who Adams was, what he thought, how much he loved his family (especially his wife,) and how much he cared about America.

This book is such easy reading in that it gives us so much insight to what our Forefathers went through to establish this great nation of ours.

I would recommend it for everyone.

Ken Cooper

If I had the means, I would give every person in the USA the opportunity to read this book. What a debt we owe John Adams. The story of his life is the history of the American revolution and the founding of this country. This book brings that history alive.

magnificent, sweeping and knowledgable read here - Historians and students will find the essence of the man's persistence and selective conscious, which aimed toward securing this nation's early freedom

The book was in excellent condition as advertised. The seller shipped very quickly. I would buy from this seller again.

I really enjoyed the book. It starts a bit slow, but is really engaging once you get into all the stories of the historical figures. Highly recommended.

Very well written and researched book. I love this book - reads like a novel ...just can't wait to turn to the next page. Full of life, wonderful book.

I bought it to learn more about an important man in the United States' history whom is often overlooked and not covered in most high school and college history courses. He is often over looked in favor of Washington, Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, etc. This book reads like fiction, so well written.

If you like american history this is a book to own. John Adams was a very humble man and became one of the most intense speakers in our countries history.

I bought this book as a gift. McCullough is an excellent writer. He has written many non-fiction histories. His writing style keeps you interested in the subject matter without fictionalizing anything.

I just started this book. I've read 100 pages or so.........great book..Interesting from the start..Buy this book...You will not be sorry! I will read all books written by this author..

speedy shipping A+++++ i also like the fact that it supports a church : ) it sucks to have to write a 100 character review when it is not necessary.

I found this book to be very interesting. I feel like the author did a good job in presenting his material in an organized manner. It got a little long at the end, but overall I would recommend this book.

A wonderful to read for pleasure or research. Mr. McCullogh writes a great book that will hold your attention, amuse you with tales of the founding fathers & you know if he writes it he did the research & it is fact.

A sweeping and insightful account of the birth of our nation and our flawed but zealous founding fathers.

Rich, enthralling, beautifully written masterpiece of a book.

Author breathes life into a subject most of us only thought we knew the details of from stilted portraits and clipped textbook accounts.

John Adams was paid a $5,000 salary as the first vice president. The giant contrasts between the Adamses as father-and-son presidents, and the Bushes. These are just two among hundreds of factoids and lessons this book has taught me.

In great shape and got here quickly. It came just as I expected it. The price and product were excellent. And it was a Christmas present for my husband, so not only was I pleased with everything, so was my husband!

This book was recommended by a friend. I'm not a history buff at all. In fact, I'm not sure that I have ever read a book like this at all. On his suggestion, I decided to give it a try. Wow, what an interesting book. Reading this book, which is filled with Adam's own writings, gives a real insider's view of this phase of our history. It is written quite well, and I found it very easy to read. It gave me a much better appreciation for what our founding fathers went through.

This was a very pleasant read, great information about Adams and the time period. McCullough weaves events (the Revolution, Constitutional debates, Adams' presidency, the Quasi war with France) ... all the historical events are there with John Adams' responses, concerns, etc. This book reads like a novel. Probably one of the most entertaining and yet informational history books I've read ... and I've read a few.