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    John Adams: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biography
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    John Adams: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biography
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    John Adams: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biography
    Ebook1,140 pages19 hours

    John Adams: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biography

    By David McCullough

    4.5/5

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    About this ebook

    The Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of an American Founding Father.

    A huge bestseller in America, David McCullough's JOHN ADAMS tells the extraordinary story of the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot -- 'the colossus of independence', as Thomas Jefferson called him -- who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution and who rose to become the second President of the United States.

    Both a riveting portrait of an abundantly human man and a vivid evocation of his time, JOHN ADAMS has the sweep and vitality of a great novel, taking us from the Boston Massacre to Philadelphia in 1776 to the Versailles of Louis XVI, from Spain to Amsterdam to London, where Adams was the first American to stand before King George III as a representative of the new nation.

    This is history on a grand scale -- a book about politics and war, but also about human nature, love, faith, virtue, ambition, friendship and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of noble ideas. Above all, it is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSimon & Schuster UK
    Release dateDec 11, 2012
    ISBN9781471104527
    Unavailable
    John Adams: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biography
    Author

    David McCullough

    David McCullough (1933–2022) twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for Truman and John Adams, and twice received the National Book Award, for The Path Between the Seas and Mornings on Horseback. His other acclaimed books include The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, Brave Companions, 1776, The Greater Journey, The American Spirit, The Wright Brothers, and The Pioneers. He was the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. Visit DavidMcCullough.com.

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    Reviews for John Adams

    4.5/5

    2,248 ratings106 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Well deserves the Pulitzer prize it received.
    • 5/5
      This admiring, comprehensive biography is must reading for any student of the American Revolution, or anyone interested in American history at all. Also, it's the best biography I've ever read.We follow Adams's career from his defense of the British soldiers in the Boston Massacre, to the two Continental Congresses, the wartime diplomatic missions, to his administration as his country's first ever Vice President, and its second President. What the masterful David McCullough also gives us are the essential roles Adams played in bringing the country into being.John Adams was vital to the selection of Washington to command the revolutionary army, to securing badly needed foreign funding during the war, along with Ben Franklin choosing Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence, and most impressive on an impressive list, the design of the three houses of government, the Legislative, the Judicial, and the Executive through the drafting of the Constitution.We rightfully call Washington the Father of his Country. We need to find a distinguishing nickname for Adams, like the Godfather of his Country, or the cranky old Great-Uncle of his Country. Something.I came away from the book with a very deep appreciation of Adams, obviously. So will you. This is must reading.
    • 5/5
      An excellent portrayal of our President. The HBO mini-series was extremely well done also with Paul Giamatti doing his usual outstanding work.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed the book but it was a slow read for me, except for the last chapter, at which point I felt so comfortable with John Adams that I enjoyed his company.
    • 4/5
      Adams lived longer than any other President. And he ranges from the lawyer defending British soldiers in "the Boston Massacre",and participating in the Revolutionary politics of Philadelphia in 1776, to the Court of Louis XVI in Versailles, to Spain and Amstgerdam, and to London where Adams stood before George III as the first representative of the new nation. Drawn from more than one thousand never published personal letters and diaries, David McCullough tells the "story" of John Adams from the inside. While we find many "surprises", the essential Adams -- fiercely independent, often irascible, but always honest and loyal-- remains. He was better educated than all but few, yet fought for The People, as the "true owners" of the Government. He fought against rich and powerful titled Nobility, Northern monopolists ("rum-running contraband pirates") and Southern plantation owners (cotton and sot-weed factors). McCullough underlines the endlessly fertile, enduring and moving "love story" between John and the valiant Abigail. They became the First Couple, and lived to see John Quincy Adams become President. McCullough traces and fills in the ironic and close relationship, always made difficult by the invidious fractions of politics, between Adams and Jefferson. A northern laboring lawyer steeped in conflict, and the Southern aristocratic slave-holder famous for diplomacy. The Election of 1800 was, until 2012, the most vicious election in American history. Both men died on July 4, 1826. We've all heard this before but McCullough gives resonance to that extraordinary coincidence that it deserves.
    • 4/5
      Benjamin Franklin used to be my favorite Founder, but McCullough's John Adams is my new signer crush. Quintessential New Englander and devoted husband - my kind of guy. Of course, like most bios, this book could have been shorter (the Europe sections especially dragged down w/ details), so points off for that.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed this book. I was born and raised in Virginia and grew up being a Thomas Jefferson fan, but this book really shows a side of John Adams not taught in the history classes and makes you appreciate his contributions to the founding of our country.
    • 1/5
      Too many dear John and Dear Abigail letters and not enough of Mr. Adams contributions to the Revolution, Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Also Mr. McCullough completely glosses over the meeting Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson with the emissary of the Sultan of Barbary States. During the meeting Messrs. Adams and Jefferson were told a Christian had no rights a Muslim need respect. As a result of the meeting Mr. Jefferson translated the koran into English.
    • 5/5
      Very well written historical biography of a man whom all Americans owe a considerable debt for the formation of the nation that all of us as citizens should be proud of.
    • 5/5
      One of the best books I ever read.
    • 5/5
      I don't know that I can conjure up any more noteworthy praise for this biography of a great American than has already been done. All that I can do is encourage others to read it and make it part of their own library, so that it can be read multiple times over a life time. This is truly a fascinating read about a fascinating man as well as the fascinating men and women around him. (I believe this is the first time I have used fascinating three times in one sentence.) There is so much brought into play such as Adams love for learning and his love for reading throughout his entire life. His interactions with the other founding fathers were immensely enjoyable.McCullough also informs us much about Abigail and John Quincy Adams as well and the influence they had on Adams' life. There was much brought to light about John Adam's accomplishments that I was unaware of before. McCullough also writes in a highly enjoyable way and the book does not seem long at all. H also does touch some on Adams' religious beliefs and how this affected his world view, though I would have like to see him go even a little deeper. I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read and imagine I will read it again within the next few years, Lord willin and the crick don't rise.
    • 5/5
      Wonderful, long overdue and compulsively readable. Reads like good fiction. Appropriate use of primary source material placed throughout. Made me want to read the letters of Abigail and John Adams. Maybe McCullough overstates the case for Adams a bit, but it is also hard for this aged reader to let go of a life time of subtle bias too. Read it and judge for yourself. Good American history and excellent biography.
    • 5/5
      This book deserves it's award-status of the Pulitzer times two. McCullough is at his best. His narrative historical writing style never bores. I've read it three times and have listened to the audio version twice. Can't say enough good about it. The author is especially strong in writing in a way that helps the reader feel like s/he is experiencing the world of Adams as a contemporary.Too bad McCullough hasn't written a biography on all the Presidents although his Truman time also won the Pulitzer!
    • 5/5
      8 Nov 12:
      This book was fantastic. I feel like Adams' life and presidency are overshadowed with the likes of men like Washington, Madison, and Jefferson (ironically, all from Virginia). But Adams is truly one of the unsung heroes of the revolution. If Jefferson was the pen behind the 'Declaration of Independence' then Adams was the voice.

      23 Oct 12:
      I hate that it's an abridged edition - alas it's all the library had. So far I'm finding the contrast between Washington (who will always be my hero) and Adams very interesting. The fact that Adams seems to have expressed many of the basic rights that were put into the Constitution long before the Constitution was ever written is amazing.

      Also interesting is the contrast between Washington's youthful desire (and many attempts) to be commissioned fully by the British Army (instead of just a colony commission). Adams on the other hand turned down a lucrative royal appointment because he disagreed so vehemently with the British on taxation without representation.

      Extraordinarily good so far.
    • 5/5
      It is a true shame that John Adams did not get the credit for which he was due because he was squeezed between the presidencies of Washington and Jefferson. This book by David McCullough displays the fortitude and greatness of the man who helped build our nation.The narrative shows the life that started him on his road from his early life until his end. He is shown to be the true patriot, apparently hanging on to life to reach the 4th of July anniversary. It amazes me how the author is able to bring to life not only President Adams' abilities as a diplomat but his attributes as a person, husband, father, grandfather. I personally never really thought much about John Adams since he was so overshadowed by Washington and Jefferson. I now have had to rethink my appraisal and move him up on the greatness scale. His efforts throughout his life to always think more of what was better for the fledgling nation then for himself makes him indeed a great man.
    • 5/5
      What can one say, another great book by the best history writer going. He brought one of our founding fathers to life after years of only dust collecting on his portrait. I look forward to reading this one again.
    • 2/5
      I enjoy history, and so I enjoy reading biographies, especially biographies of Christians. But all in all, I didn't care too much for McCullough's style. It seems that he included everything he ever learned about Adams, and the details were mind-numbing. I guess I just don't want to know that much about Adams; I confess I didn't even finish half the book.
    • 5/5
      I finished this book during the beginning of labor with Max--it was that good. Such a quirky man, and what a great love story with Abigail (a fantastic woman). I read that Obama's reading it on his summer vacation at Martha's Vineyard--I give it 5 stars, Mr. President!
    • 4/5
      I'll admit - I was hesitant to read anything by David McCullough, but his being the most popular biography of John Adams and the most accessible to me, I chose to read it. I know he's popular, but I find it difficult for myself to read any book considered a history book when it has not been written by someone with an actual degree in history. McCullough instead has a degree in English. This obviously benefits him in that his book was written very well, but still, part of studying for a history degree is learning the proper way to go about research and how to represent history in a fair manner. I am not trying to insinuate that McCullough doesn't know what he's doing, that he doesn't know how to write history (he certainly does), but I cannot be sure how much of his book he took liberty with. How can he know for sure what some people were thinking? How many times a letter was drafted and thrown away before the final was produced? Though, I am sure overall that the historical accuracy of this book is spot on and general public need not be worried they're being mislead (not that any of them were concerned about that).McCullough portrays Adams as a successful man who was at times unappreciated by his colleagues for his efforts. At times I felt for Adams. I wanted to pat him on the back and say "Good job!" when no one else would. Though, by the end of his life he was recognized for what he did and appropriately lauded for it.I loved the section where McCullough details the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. Probably too many Americans believe it was written in a few days and then signed on the 4th of July in 1776. False. The Declaration was accepted on July 2nd but not signed until August 2nd and it was not signed all at once. The last signer of the Declaration of Independence did not do so until January 1777!Additionally, I enjoyed the quotes McCullough collected from letters between John Adams and his wife, Abigail. They were truly in love and were pained to be have to be apart so often and sometimes for very long durations. I find their relationships to be charming and certainly something you don't see too often these days.What struck me at the end of the book was rediscovering (because I'm sure I'd known this before at some point) that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day, the 4th of July. People at the time thought that was too much of a coincidence - surely it was God's way of acknowledging the United States as a great nation. Maybe they were right.It was a lengthy book to read and it took me a while to get through it. It was dry at times, but at other times it read well. Like I said, McCullough (despite me previous suspicions) knows what he's doing and does it well. I won't hesitate to read any more books by him.
    • 3/5
      McCullough worships Adams throughout the book. He will mention the faults of John Adams, but he seems to think that they were not important because of the other great things Adams accomplished. I found this book to be a tedious read, but an informative text. I would recommend reading it, but it does take some dedication.
    • 5/5
      This biography in an indepth and illuminating look into the life of a president whose accomplishments have been overshadowed by those of the presidents who served before and after. A man whose life directly affected the future of the country. John Adams struggle to establish his own presidential identity as he emerged from the shadow of his revered predecessor. The author's portrait of Adams, is one of a patriot, in the truest sense of the word. The descriptions and accounts of Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin, among others, as well as those of utmost importance in the Adams family: Abigail, John's love and trusted partner, and son John Quincy. This book traces Adams's life from childhood through his many critical, heroic, and selfless acts during the Revolution, his vice presidency under Washington, and his own term as president, a man widely regarded in his time as the equal of Jefferson, Hamilton, and all of the other Founding Fathers is revealed. This should be a must read.
    • 5/5
      SIX STARS--a damn good read.McCollough writes so well.I learned so much in this book, certainly a great deal about Adams as well as his wife, Abigail, but also about the age itself, the way of life, definitely the founding and background of the US, and the amazing thinking and high sacrifices and toil that Adams made for his ideals and convictions.This is a great read, and possibly--no--it is-- the best biography I've read in quite a long time.
    • 4/5
      The abridged version does not offer much in the way of political insight. Instead, it reads like a novel about the ups-and-downs of some really quite remarkable guy who gets involved in politics during the American Revolution. He has friends and family and opinions, just like the character in a bildungsroman. This one is a historical figure as well, which gives the tale some kind of special interest because it is, in some sense, really true. The details about the way people lived are quite interesting as well, and for much the same reason.
    • 5/5
      This is a typically outstanding effort by David McCollough, who, in my opinion, has yet to issue a turkey.
    • 5/5
      Excellent book and I don't normal read historical novels.
    • 4/5
      Like "Truman", "Adams" is a very thorough , readable account of Adams' life & times. I got a little restless at times especially w/ the chapters describing his assignments in Europe. I was surprised to discover what feet of clay Jefferson had. Kept well over 100 slaves dspite decrying the institution of slavery. Sold 130 slaves at Monticello after his death as a part of "liquidating" his estate
    • 5/5
      A remarkable book about a remarkable life.
    • 3/5
      Rated: CThe clock would be simple if you destroyed all the wheels . . . but it would not tell the time of day.He who loves the Workman and his work, and does what he can to preserve and improve it, shall be accepted of Him.
    • 5/5
      Not a fan of biography in general, I decided to give this one a try. I was pleasantly surpised. The writing was smooth, fluid. The book reads almost like a novel, bringing to life this learned, book-loving American patriot.
    • 4/5
      This is my favorite general biography of John Adams. It provides a good overview of his entire life and of his character in an engaging style.