John Adams by David McCullough tells the remarkable story of the founding father and second president of the United States. The book shines a light on the lesser-known virtues and flaws of a man that history has largely forgotten; an individual who proved pivotal in shaping the very idea of America as a nation.
The book kicks off by introducing John Adams as an ambitious, determined, and clever individual, who was anything but a saint. McCullough paints an image of Adams the dreamer and idealist, describing in detail his desire to “make something of himself” and distinguish himself beyond simple manor life. He gives readers a glimpse into Adams’ intellectual curiosity and love of debate, often pointing out the sharpness of his tongue and the explosive nature of his short temper in agreement or conflict.
McCullough then moves on to tell the story of Adams’ pivotal role as one of the main figures in the American Revolutionary War. Through a vivid and detailed account, he chronicles the personal and political battles Adams faced in drafting the Declaration of Independence and negotiating an alliance between the fledgling United States and France. He also brings to life the intense debates and passionate discussions emanating from the newly formed country's Constitutional Convention, led by Adams, in which he sought to create a governmental system distinct from the monarchy it sought to replace.
Next, McCullough takes readers through the tumultuous years of Adams' tenure as President, highlighting the difficult and often rancorous political debates that occupied much of his time. These included touchy issues such as the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Genet Affair, and the Jay Treaty. Despite difficult odds, McCullough demonstrates Adams' propensity to stick to his word—or risk everything he had achieved—while striving to fulfill his vision of a strong United States, unencumbered by European meddling.
Finally, McCullough reveals the less-remembered chapter of John Adams’ life; the decade following his exit from the White House. He paints a fragile health and waning financial standing of a man eager to ensure that his work had not been in vain. Included in this portion of the book is an intimate look at Adams' charmingly co-dependent marriage to Abigail, whose intellect and ambition provided almost-essential companionship to a husband with his sights focused elsewhere.
Throughout the book, McCullough bolsters his narrative with copious notes and references to previously published material and letters exchanged between much of the era's most influential and inspired figures. Given how much has been written about America's founding fathers, it is remarkable how well McCullough weaves together the details of the inhabitants of this time into a narrative that is remarkably filled with life.
John Adams by David McCullough is a remarkable book that captures the essence of a forgotten individual, whose virtues and flaws were essential in birthing a nation and leading it towards its destiny as a world power. By bringing to bear an adroitly honed narrative skill and an oftentimes sharp eye, McCullough has given us an incredibly vivid look into the life of a man; a man who deserves to be remembered and credited for everything he has contributed to this nation and the world.
