John Adams

David McCullough

Often left out of the mental picture of the founding fathers (Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton), McCullogh gives a thorough biography of a founder, John Adams, who was as instrumental to our nation, foundation and freedom as any of the others.  Adams gave up a lucrative career as a Boston lawyer to serve America at a time when the nation needed a selfless leader.  Adams served bravely as a congressman in the early days of the Revolution (he would have been hanged for treason had the British won the war), and as a diplomat in Europe in the years following the war struggling to maintain America in good standing with arrogant European nations.

In addition to John Adams, McCullogh also touches on the lives of Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Rush, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, John Quincy Adams and Benjamin Franklin.  Perhaps no wife was ever more devoted to her husband the way Abigail was to John.  Jefferson will have a different taste in your mouth following John Adams, as will Hamilton and Franklin.  Washington, again, comes off looking like the man appointed by God to lead America at his appointed time and place.

A fine follow-up to 1776 in terms of truly understanding the foundation of America, John Adams illustrates just what it took to build an independent country that values freedom as its primary objective.  You will come to appreciate all the Adams gave to America and what being a founding father really meant.