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!