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by: David McCullough  List Price: $20.00 Amazon.com's Price: $13.60 You Save: $6.40 (32%)Prices subject to change. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Binding: PaperbackDewey Decimal Number: 973.44092 EAN: 9781416575887 ISBN: 141657588X Label: Simon & Schuster Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 768 Publication Date: January 29, 2008 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Studio: Simon & Schuster Accessories:
Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display Editorial Review: Amazon.com Review: Left to his own devices, John Adams might have lived out his days as a Massachusetts country lawyer, devoted to his family and friends. As it was, events swiftly overtook him, and Adams--who, David McCullough writes, was "not a man of the world" and not fond of politics--came to greatness as the second president of the United States, and one of the most distinguished of a generation of revolutionary leaders. He found reason to dislike sectarian wrangling even more in the aftermath of war, when Federalist and anti-Federalist factions vied bitterly for power, introducing scandal into an administration beset by other difficulties--including pirates on the high seas, conflict with France and England, and all the public controversy attendant in building a nation. Overshadowed by the lustrous presidents Washington and Jefferson, who bracketed his tenure in office, Adams emerges from McCullough's brilliant biography as a truly heroic figure--not only for his significant role in the American Revolution but also for maintaining his personal integrity in its strife-filled aftermath. McCullough spends much of his narrative examining the troubled friendship between Adams and Jefferson, who had in common a love for books and ideas but differed on almost every other imaginable point. Reading his pages, it is easy to imagine the two as alter egos. (Strangely, both died on the same day, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.) But McCullough also considers Adams in his own light, and the portrait that emerges is altogether fascinating. --Gregory McNamee Product Description: In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution; who rose to become the second president of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; who was learned beyond all but a few and regarded by some as "out of his senses"; and whose marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the most moving love stories in American history. This is history on a grand scale -- a book about politics and war and social issues, but also about human nature, love, religious faith, virtue, ambition, friendship, and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of noble ideas. Above all, John Adams is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Outstanding!I can't tell if this is about the guy who screwed George Washington out of a job or that guy who doesn't like to drink Merlot. Rating: - IlluminatingI'll be honest: prior to reading this book I knew precious little about John Adams. I assumed he was very much the "obnoxious and disliked" man portrayed in the musical 1776 who had the unfortunate task of following up George Washington as President. Yet having read David McCullough's book my viewpoint has changed thanks to this well written book. With John Adams author David McCullough has brought one of the most overlooked founding fathers back to life. McCullough's book reads not ... Read More Rating: - We were fortunate to have himA wonderful book. I feel I am there in Massachusetts with John & Abigail Adams, & know them both as friends. Historically thorough and complete, it should be required reading in American schools. I loved it! Rating: - Fascinating and in depth...Like another reviewer, my larger introduction to John Adams was through the 1970s musical "1776". I became aware of David McCullough after purchasing his (unrelated) book, also called "1776". When I saw "John Adams" on a bookstore shelf, I cracked it open and was immediately intrigued. McCullough keeps the story moving, without dismissing details that help fill in a sense of time, place and person. The generous inclusion of personal correspondence, and not just that of the Adamses, ... Read More Rating: - Magnificent biographyDavid McCullough paints a remarkable story of one of the greatest heroes in American history, John Adams. This underrated founding father and president finally gets his due as a devoted husband,father, and patriot, a man who did not seek great fame or honor, but had it thrust upon him. Adams emerges as a strong intellect, sharp debater, and clever diplomat,ready to engage in dangerous missions to save his country. A man does not need to be a soldier to fight for one's country. Read More 
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