Learned a lot from this massive, well researched, well written, and easy to follow biography on one of our best founding fathers.
Applause to McCullough for once again writing so well.

It goes without saying that "John Adams" is a well written and nicely paced book. David McCullough is a proven great writer and historian, and this biography does not get bogged down in the minutia that plagues some biographies. This is the third text of McCullough's that I have read, and none have disappointed. McCullough is wonderful at giving details that vividly set the scene or locale, and the interesting tidbits and facts that he weaves within the greater narrative of John Adams' life flesh out and humanize these larger than life people and times.
John Adams was a well traveled man, which I did not know, and 18th century France, Philadelphia, and Holland are evocatively created in this text. This is just one of the many strengths of this book, there are many others, some of which I will share now. The accounts of Adams' years as vice president are as concise, and yet richly detailed, political account as I have ever read. This is a part of Adams' life that is usually dismissed in his biography but it radiates with historical importance in this text. Another strong section of this biography is chapter 11 which deals with Adams' post political life. It focuses on his voluminous correspondence and cements the reader's appreciation for this remarkable American. Adams wrote and said a lot of profound and prophetic things in this period of his life, and McCullough shares many of those thoughts with us.
Another strong facet of this biography is in how well McCullough shows us the humanity of these iconic people. Washington, Adams, Jefferson were good and ill mixed together and I have a clearer and more accurate picture of these three men then I ever got in my schooling. An interesting side note is that if there is a "villain" in this piece it is Alexander Hamilton. He really was not that great a human being, and it is a shame that history has been kinder to him than to Adams, who was far more deserving.
After reading "John Adams" I also realize that anyone who bemoans the state of modern politics does not know their political history. This text vividly brings to life the rancor and malice that permeated these early American presidential elections. One marvels at the strength of our republic that it is able to withstand the onslaught every four years of these elections.
There really is not a weak section in this book, and it ends on a very strong note. When Adams dies you feel the pang of his loss, and of the loss of the type of people who comprised his American generation. "John Adams" is a well written and immersive experience. You will be the richer for having read it!

WOW!

It's easy to forget all the hardships people went through during the era of John Adams. While Adams was traveling by horse from small town Braintree, MA, for weeks to Philadelphia to meet with the revolutionary braintrust, wife Abigail was back home scrambling to care for the sick, including her mother who died. There were many plagues, including dysentery and small pox.

The Adams clan was of Puritan stock, but they were not fundamentalists. They valued learning.

Adams worked hard and did well at Harvard, and was attracted particularly to mathematics and science, as taught by his favorite professor, John Winthrop, the most distinguished member of the faculty and the leading American astronomer of the time. Among Adams’s cherished Harvard memories was of a crystal night when, from the roof of Old Harvard Hall, he gazed through Professor Winthrop’s telescope at the satellites of Jupiter.

To his surprise, Adams also discovered a love of study and books such as he had never imagined. “I read forever,” he would remember happily, and as years passed, in an age when educated men took particular pride in the breadth of their reading, he became one of the most voracious readers of any. Having discovered books at Harvard, he was seldom ever to be without one for the rest of his days.

Adams always seemed like a dumpy old president, but the man was incredibly physically and intellectually rigorous, and without his undaunted labors that were often overlooked, we might not have had the necessary support to win the war against the British.

McMullough is a master. He takes musty old documents and makes them read like fast-paced fiction.

McCullough has us believe, for 466 pages, that Adams is generally disliked among the political set of his time and that there is no way he could be elected President: he is anti-slavery, deeply spiritual, a fine family man who loved first his wife, then his children, then farming, and he was always dedicated to doing the right thing (he even defended the British at one point and won the trial: it was the right thing, but not the popular thing to do). But suddenly, on page 467, in what feels like a plot twist, John Adams is inaugurated as America's 2nd President! Then, within a few pages, he is being trashed and slandered again. What does he do? He shuts down the slanderous publication and jails the publisher and a few writers in what feels like a violation of the 1st Amendment. (This would be like Obama shutting down Fox News after having enough of those ridiculous "birther" stories.) This book feels, and is, massive but stupendously readable. And McCullough doesn't err in the way of some historical writers and include all of his research notes: he sticks to the good stuff and delivers a page-turner. What I don't know about my own country's Founding Fathers is shameful: it's time to read more about these remarkable people. As the author says on the back cover, "With change accelerating all around, more and more we need understanding an appreciation of those principles upon which the republic was founded...What was the source of their courage...Who were those people...I don't think we can ever know enough about them." No, but we can make an effort to better understand them!

5 stars for the life, and 5 stars for the telling.

First, for the life. Could there be a more interesting subject? Raised in modesty, read for the bar, practiced law, got into politics, signed the Declaration, became a diplomat for the new country, became the first vice-president of the US, and its second president, and then died years later while his son was president. What a significant man. And while his accomplishments were intriguing, his character and personality exceeded them. Although crotchety and pugnacious, this rotund man was, for the most part, amiable, funny, and talkative. And he had a great life partner. Abigail was a woman to be reckoned with. And together they forged their way through many of life's trials.

John Adams' relationship with fellow compatriot Thomas Jefferson is down right amazing. These guys were like black and white, night and day, oil and water, yet their lives ran on separate, yet parallel tracks, forging a trajectory that set the tempo for American political life. Their personal correspondence was full of spirit, pathos, and ultimately a mutual respect and deep friendship. The end of life for these two (and the connection they share) is nothing short of stupendous. Every American should be acquainted with this story.

And, for the writing. I like McCullough. Actually, I like good biographers. It takes a certain humility to devote oneself to showcasing the life of another. A biographer is another man's servant. And I would say McCullough served Adams well. If these two men were to meet one day, I'm sure John would take David by the hand and give him a hearty thanks; and there wouldn't be a dry eye.

McCullough's style is magisterial without being high-flown. He writes for the everyday person, but in such a way as to elevate his reader. I so enjoyed McCullough's work, that I looked up his background. What's interesting is, he wasn't even a history major. His training was in English literature. So I think that goes to show why his history has such literary quality to it.

After reading this biography, I feel as though I actually know John Adams, the man. Not just his feats, not just his legacy, but his personage, his humanity, even his companionship. Good biographies do that. They are doors into the human past.

I couldn't ask for a better book to begin the year with.

This is a superb portrait of a man whose multifaceted life and vital deeds have been largely forgotten. Readers get to know not only Adams the statesman, but also the husband, father, friend, revolutionary, and lawyer. McCullough also includes enough background information to put Adams' actions and views into context.

I thought about writing a review but there's really nothing I can say that hasn't already been covered by other reviewers. Excellent and highly recommended.

Well written and thoroughly researched biography, The life of John Adams 2nd President of the United States is well worth the read. As with other exceptional biographers McCullough incorporates into the work, Adams relationship with other important people of the day especially the founding fathers. The author takes the reader on a journey back in time, and the book is filled with historical information. I found that Abigail Adams played a extremely important role in the life of this man and many of their letters have survived and added greatly to understanding the mindset of the people living in this time period. Highly recommend this biography.

David McCullough is a meticulous historian and a skillful writer. Here, he recounts John Adams' life from his crucial support of the Declaration if Independence to his diplomacy in avoiding war with France. Even without an interest in the second president, this book would be a fascinating read for the view of the early days of the United States and the life of the late 18th century.

One of the best books I’ve ever read—flat out. I literally wept at the end. These people died hundreds of years ago, but it doesn’t matter—I was still crushed.
This is a book written 20 years ago, about people who lived centuries before the current political landscape, and it is still fresh and ever so relevant.
Living through the Covid, and have no idea how people can survive, thrive, and make lasting political change for the better? Try yellow fever, typhoid, small pox, amidst several wars and a few revolutions.

I LEARNED SO MUCH........
I'm moved - deeply moved......
at this 'book' and 'partly' at myself. SOMETHING HAS SHIFTED INSIDE ME THROUGH THIS READING EXPERIENCE. A handful of books have done this for me --but not usually 'two' in a very short period of time! But..... I can't deny what's so.

SNAP CRACKLE POP....... BOOKS THAT CHANGE OUR THINKING - OUR ACTIONS - MUST BE REMEMBERED..... this is another one of those books!!!!!!

A light switch is turned 'on' in my brain for the first time in almost 65 years. I haven't been reading biographies about past Presidents. I have some natural interest in Kennedy - Lincoln - and - Obama -- but I've never been the girl to run to the history or political sections in book stores... seeking out past Presidents to read about. WHY THE HECK HAVEN'T I? Fear of boring dry reading?? It's amazing how shallow and small my thinking is sometimes.

Has anyone else ever cried when coming 'nose-to-nose' with your own stupidity- laziness- and/or shame for allowing yourself to be ignorant? Really angry at yourself? I've been reading this book for 4 to 6 weeks ( other books too), but a couple of weeks ago I broke down: cried like a baby ..... facing the reality of HOW MUCH I DON'T KNOW.
At the same time ....,
I WAS FASCINATED WITH THIS BOOK - THIS STORY -
I'm left wanting to explore more!!!! Hallelujah! :)

John Adams worked his ass off LONG HOURS A DAY - RISKING HIS HEALTH - making constant sacrifices and contributions with the most humble heart!! A GREAT MAN!!!

I've read my share of the "The dreaded multiple POV novels". I'm discovering it's possible that reading historical books about past Presidents might 'not' be drudgery or work any more than it's been to read about Jack or Libby taking turns narrating every other chapter. If more books about past Presidents are 'this good'.... ( good storytelling), I have nothing to fear!

I FEEL LESS RESISTANCE TO READ ABOUT MORE PAST PRESIDENTS!!! ....That's what's shifted!!! I'm ready to read another, and another! Ha ha .... we certainly have plenty of past presidents to choose from!!! :)

JOHN ADAMS - inspired me!!!! His character was outstanding!!
Were all Presidents this honest, 'loving' toward his wife and children, down to earth, decent, .....really decent? He was bright - worked hard. Model integrity.
I didn't think of him as a politician. I can't imagine Trump ever saying these word....
"I only wish I were better qualified" .....John Adams

Ohhhhhh, and Abigail.... did you not love this woman???? Up at 5am to begin her day... taking care of the needs of their family and home. - running a farm during war - loss of children while her husband was away -sadness - loneliness- missing her partner -
She was a courageous independent woman ahead of her days.

I knew nothing about John Adams relationship with Thomas Jefferson. Friends, ......then enemies, then friends again.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson 'both' died on July 4, 1826, ---same day!!!! Blows my mind!!!
John Adams lived longer than any other American President. I wonder if it was all that Apple cider he drank every day. :)

Question to those who are history buffs? Suggestions of 'which' President I might read about next? A few suggestions? And by whom?

Wonderful book.... great opening for me

Much thanks goes to David McCullough!!!!