It is said of McCullough's John Adams
"175 years after his death, we can at last give Adams the esteem he deserves" .... "with no disrespect for the monumental tasks with which they were faced, his finely honed perspective of our founding fathers steps away from their larger-than-life images and makes them very human and accessible. Lavish and abundant in documentation, readers will be delighted with the fascinating, colorful narrative in JOHN ADAMS" (Ann Bruin as qtd in Book Report & Pauline Maier in the New York Times)
Please feel free to share your reflections, comments, curriculum ideas and respectful responses to McCullough's "John Adams" below
Wow what a way to start a book. The quote at the start of part I by Adams made me really think. When does a revolution start? Is it on the battlefield? Is it when the first shots are fired? Is it the when the first words of discontent are uttered? Or does it begin in the hearts and minds of those who conceive the need for change? What great question to start out the unit on the Revolutionary War......
ReplyDeleteAnd I like the quote by King George III... I am sure his lack of knowledge was changed in a few short years. Posted by Rikko
When Adams dies at the end of the book (hope I'm not giving anything away!!), I felt that I had lost a close personal friend. McCullough has a way a of writing that just draws me in and makes me feel like I'm there in Quincy, Phildelphia, or in any of the locations we find Adams. This book is my all-time favorite--or maybe it's Adams that's my all time fave!
ReplyDeleteWHAT!!! John Adams dies?
ReplyDeleteI guess in a sense he lives forever..thanks to this book and several other accounts...at least what he did lives on in this country of ours...least we never forget...
ReplyDeleteI was impressed by sevaral events that I have reached so far in my reading....first that he spoke once for five hours in a court room to allow his client to get something that was left behind..the people sat and listened the entire time, and with interest. Either ADHD was not around or Adams had a way with words to hold them for that long. And then while with Franklin meeting with Howe about the Americans denouncing the Declaration of Independence...and Adams learned that all Howe had to offer were some pardons and Adams was not among the names listed to be pardoned but rather to be hanged. Wow, that would have been a powerful emotion to know you were on the hit list and really were giving your all for the cause.
ReplyDeleteI don't want anyone to think that I am not enjoying John Adam's, but I do wish I would have read it before I read 1776.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, I love the descriptions and primary sources the author uses. I am realizing more than ever, or at least thinking about it more, the fact that people wrote so much in the past. Have any of you written with a quil and ink well? I have, and it is not easy, and it is time consuming. As a matter of fact, I have an ink well and quil that anyone can try to get the experienc.
I am just starting to blog but have finished the book and really found it informative. I was really blow away by Adam's insight and understanding of human nature, especially his own. He had an uncanny ability to read people and I was surprised that eventhough he was good at reading people he still struggled politically in some ways, especially in France, the Netherlands, and his relationship with Jefferson.
ReplyDeleteThough I'm a history teacher, I fear I suffer from historical ADD when it comes to reading history books. But I can't get my nose out of this one. I'm inspired by the character John Adams possesses and his dedication to the cause of independence.
ReplyDeleteWhat a true patriot Adams was. He is the definition of civic virtue. I am also amazed by his understanding of history. Early in the book, he writes to his classmates and his cousin about how the world changes and how power is fluid and shifts from country to country. He basically forsees America as the dominating world power. Very interesting stuff
ReplyDeleteMy experience was very like that of Shauna. I just finished reading John Adams. LOVED IT. In fact I spent the last ten days in Hawaii, my husband had to keep pulling me away from the book to go to the beach. Go figgure!?!?! I hope there is an afterlife simply so that I can someday meet him and shake his hand. Odd, but Adams has always been an afternote in my class. No longer I feel my students can learn a great deal about dedication and integrity from a study of his life. I should add as well, I enjoyed equally reading about his wife and children. I feel like I would know them if they walked into my home.
ReplyDeleteI found myself asking while I read where are the Adams of our time? So many of our public servants seem to be in it for themselves. I wonder if that is reality or simply my perception?
I hope you all enjoyed this book as much as I did. Cindy
Friday, April 17, 2009
ReplyDeleteI have finished the book. I was a fan of Adams before, but I am amazed at the man's integrity and devotion to his country. What an example to our students... He believed that the purpose of life was service, and did not regard wealth or property as the definition of success. He was human, obviously, but carried his burdens well and prided himself on his love of country. I will confess to tearing up a bit at his death. I also thought that the his relationship with Jefferson was complex, exasperating, and often tender. What a great read!
Posted by Sharon Wasden at 9:40 AM 0 comments
Thursday, April 16, 2009
ReplyDeleteWell, first of all, a big bear hug to Jen for helping me get to this point. I am a tech nightmare. I have almost finished reading John Adams, and apart from the finger cramps from learning logs every 20 pages, I am really enjoying it. The one BIG insight for me has been that Adams kept his character and sense of public service to the bitter end, even while others were falling into apathy or extremism. "The happiness of the people was the purpose of government..." "Nature throws us all into the world, equal and alike..." I do believe, however, that Adams would argue that even though we come into this world as equals, we certainly do not all take equal opportunity to make something of our lives. I agree with his assessment of the "...natural aristocracy among mankind," or people of virtue and ability. I also LOVE his view that education was to be the future of the nation.
Posted by Sharon Wasden at 12:24 PM 0 comments
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you had the same feelings following the reading of John Adams about Jefferson as did I? As a Historian I have struggled with my feelings about Jefferson. He is such an iconic figure that in many respects he has become untouchable; however in my opinion he was an arrogant erudite whose academic knowledge was not reflected in his practices. He was an anti-Federalist who did more than any President before or in the decade following his presidency to build the power of the Federal government. He was a "republican" who owned slaves and fed his expensive tastes with the fruits of their labors,(don't even get me started on Sally Hemmings). He was all for revolution, when he in fact had never really fought a war. His behind the scenes manipulation of the development of political parties seems the height of hypocracy. etc...
In many respects it seems like John Adams was everything Jefferson pretended to be. It is ironic that Jefferson had become the poster boy of what Presidents should be. Maybe in fact, he is exactly what we want in a President, polish and showmanship rather than wisdom and integrity. Scary?!
ON APRIL 24TH BECKY REESE WROTE:
ReplyDeleteI am in the middle of John Adams, and I have to say what an incredibly amazing man John Adams is- to give up his family and practice for his country! I think just as amazing is his wife Abilgail. The loss that she has to go through of her kids and especailly having the stillborn girl while John was away in Philadelphia. Just reading her letter to him about it and then being upbeat about the whole thing was just crazy!!! I don't think that John Adams would have been able to do what he did if he didn't have such an amazing wife.
Now that I am finished with the book I reflect back to the section when Adams was writing the Massachusetts’ constitution and the section he wrote about education. As a teacher I thought, “what a friend the educators had in Adams”. It is too bad that we do not have that kind of backing in the legislature these days.
ReplyDeleteRegrading Adams view on education, perhaps we should copy his comments and forward them to our legislature.
ReplyDeletePam I thought he was still alive. I went to high school with him. I don't think I have ever read a book of 650 pages. The people in the book were alive to watch the relationship of Adams and Jefferson was amasing maybe I will be friends with some of my old enemies. Please forgive my spelling it is worse then my typing. The book givesw a whole new look at the relationship of Englad and France with our dignataries. The what follows with "Miracle at Philadelphia is amazing. Jorg
ReplyDeleteWell, I have been reading John Adams and admit that I didn't know much about him before. I am finding this book very educational and am enjoying it. I admit like Shauna that I too have a hard time sometimes reading historical texts, but find myself enjoying this one. I am amazed at how much of his time and life Adams dedicated to the good of our country. One of the things I love about this book is his relationship with Abigail. I really admire her and all that she went through in her life. I don't think I could have done what she did, raising the kids, taking care of the farm, sewing, etc. all by myself. After what I have read so far, I want to learn more about her. She is facinating to me. I also really like that Adams is not afraid to speak his mind, and how boldly he demanded independence. His realationship with Jefferson is interesting. I look at Jefferson with a different light now that I have learned more about him. I also never knew that Adams was an commissioner to France. To leave your family for your country is so hard, and I admire all that do so.
ReplyDeleteYou mean Adams was more than just the president in between those other two famous men - Washington and Jefferson? I had no idea of the role John Adams played in so much of America's beginning history. And his wife...WOMAN OF THE CENTURY! I was very impressed with how McCullough put the story of John Adams together and am inspired by Adams' love of and faith in such a young country. I would like to read a biography now of Jefferson to see how that author treats Adams. My view of Jefferson was enlarged through this book and I'd like more information about him as well.
ReplyDeleteTry reading, American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson, by Joseph Ellis.
ReplyDeleteHis portrayal of Jefferson is a nice counterpoint to that of McCullough's portrayal of Jefferson (thourgh Adams)He is much more likable in Joseph Ellis' work
First off, I loved the book. Maybe it is just me, but you feel like you know Adams on a personal level by the end. I keep having conflicting ideas about one aspect though. It keeps referencing how he was so vain and a lot of politicans did not like him- but I didn't see a lot to back up those claims until his presidency. Am I missing something? I know before hand he felt unappreciated, but does that make him vain and ignorant?
ReplyDeleteI have similar thoughts, Gina. I don't understand how the actions of John Adams, seeming to me to be of dedication to his nation, be deemed vain. The amount of work he did for our country and the amount of recognition he did not receive would make one feel he was anything but vain in a sense.
ReplyDeleteAs I read John Adams, enjoying a look into history that I am not overly familiar with, one thing came to mind. The amazing story told through the availablity of John and Abigail's letters/journals. How will our history play out in 200 years? Will the primary sources (computers, e-mails)be available for people to review? The power of the written word is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe pains to which the people of the times went through in order to succeed and carry out their duties is unbelievable. Nathan Sellers, a scrivener, signed 4800 bills of Continental money in one day. How many of us would even consider such a task?
Okay, so I'm totally feeling inadequate to even discuss American history with you all. As a fifth grade teacher, we suffer from SKIM disease. For those who don't know, we have to cover everything from exploration to the end of World War II and squeeze it into nine months. However, our days are packed as the district requires an hour a day of math, three of literacy, half hour for lunch, and then fit in science, social studies, and the arts with it. I just wish we had more time we could dedicate to really getting into the deep stuff. Reading John Adams has made me wish I had three months to spend just on his time period. Instead, we skim over the deep stuff and just teach the main ideas and most important events.
ReplyDeleteI was excited the last month, though, as out students prepared their reports and costumes for our annual wax museum. I had so much fun adding insight and blips of information to my student who got to be Abigail Adams. I was able to share so much with her and it was exciting to see her portray this amazing woman in history.
Well, I am almost finished reading John Adams, I must say I have enjoyed the book. It has given me a different outlook on a couple of men in history than I previously had. One is Jefferson and the other Alexander Hamilton. I didn't know a lot about Hamilton before, but after reading John Adams, he seems so devious, underminding, and self-absorbed. Did anyone else feel this way or is this just my misconception? I have to admire John Adams though. I could never in million years do all that he had done. All of the ridicule that he went through. I find it interesting that he goes from Hero to the enemy to hero and then back to the enemy. He did so much for the country and the American people. How could they not see that? I have to agree with Gina. I didn't feel like he was vain at all unless I too missed something. I completely understand why he would have felt so under appreciated. I really have enjoyed this book so far and have learned so much from it. I have decided I now need to watch the HBO series. Has anyone seen it?
ReplyDeleteI loved reading John Adams for the second time and got so much more out of it! I still consider him "Mr. Integrity". I think that he has been misjudged by many historians, because of his people skills. He was brilliant! We owe so much to him. He truly sacrificed all that he had for America. I think that his motivation was pure. Abigail's contribution was finally recognized in this book. I'm glad that she is on the cover of my history books at school.
ReplyDeleteHeather I agree about the conceptions we have of our founding fathers. I think so much of time time history books are not objective. I have those feelings about Jefferson, Franklin and Hamilton just to name a few. One thing I have really struggled with teaching my students is do I keep feeding the idea that they were great men and we owe so much- or do I tell them the negative as well so they get the full picture. I see benefits and drawbacks to both. I think the other thing that goes along with that is that the textbooks only focus on the postive things they did. In general the textbooks glorify every aspect, while downplaying the negative and horrible parts of our history. I feel like this was sort of a ramble, I hope someone can make sense of it :)
ReplyDeleteI read through John Adams when it first came out kind of hit and miss. I am glad to sit down with it and really study the man John Adams. I am not yet done with it, but there are some parts I find completely amazing. Not do diss on Ben Franklin, but I had no idea to the extent he threw Adams under the bus in Paris. To Adams credit though, he has barely a bad thing to say about Franklin. This refers back to elaine above when she called him Mr. Integrity. I completely agree. I also do not think he gets enough credit for the US Constitution even though he was not at the convention. The simularities between it and the Mass. Const. are amazing. I think as teachers we do not give John Adams enough credit as one of our greatest founding fathers.
ReplyDeleteGreat comments all, I am so pleased to see so many of you have connected with the texts, visiting Quincy (Braintree) will be a real treat after collectively completing the texts!
ReplyDeleteBy the way how many of your hearts went out to Abigail and John as they struggled through the heartbreak of their children.
Reading about John and Abigails trials with their children only endeared me to them more. Being such an important part of the beginning of our nation did not protect them from the trials of life. Their life's events only made them more real and easier to relate to.
ReplyDeleteI am beginning Adams and once again i am impressed with the authors ability to really understand and present Adams in complete context of the time. This is VERY Difficult to do. He has gone above and beyond Doing his homework. As he said in his address to us saturday to really understand a person you need to read what they have read. He is clearly done that and with John Adams who was one of the most well read people of his time, McCullough has clearly done this no easy feat
ReplyDeleteWell, I finished John Adams about a week ago. I completely agree with Gina on how do we teach these men? I think the students should know all sides, but will it turn them into less important men? I must admit that I was glad by the end to find that Jefferson and Adams renew their friendship. Theirs was a very rocky one. It amazed me how much John Quincy was like his father. I wondered if it was because he spend the most time with him while growing up. I really liked what Adams said to one of either his sons or gandchildren, "Arouse your courage, be determined to be something in the world." I believe that Adams made something of himself in the world. The hard times that he went through, the loss of children, friends, his dear wife, and the ridicule he faced from many. He was truely a great man and one that I admire and am so glad that I got to learn more about him. I am looking forward to seeing his home and what mattered to him. I truely believe that his and Jefferson's death on the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independnece was no coincidence. They died on the day of what they fought thier entire lives for. Independence.
ReplyDeleteI just finished John Adams and it was so amazing! I have to agree with Cindy that my thoughts on Jefferson are a little mixed now. From Adams' view he seemed like a piece of work. I am going to have to search out Jefferson more so that I can get an unbiased perspective on him. He just seemed like a snot to me! What an amazing life story though- all the hardships and diseases and trials the man and his family had to go through! I am glad that it wasn't me. And, I still find that it was divine intervention that Adams and Jefferson both died on Independence day. Very cool legacy....
ReplyDeleteNot often enough in life do couples find their soulmates. John and Abigail were one of the lucky ones. Their letters to each other were so personal that I often felt like an intruder into their deepest thoughts and emotions. Their expressions of love, concern, desires, aspirations, hopes, disappointments, fears, and much more told me so much about their characters--my heroes!
ReplyDeleteSharon N.
I agree with all of the comments on the idea that John and Abigail were soulmates. It is amazing that through all of their trials they remained so dedicated to each other. I believe my favorite part of the book is the comparisons between "Thoughts on Government" and the "Massachusetts Constitution" and the Constitution of the United States. I had always believed the Madison was the father of the Constitution, but reading through the Adams book I think one might want to attribute it to Adams. I also think it interesting that Adams was a little upset that the Constitution did not give any individual rights (Bill of Rights) in the begining. He had included it in his Mass. Const. and he was a big Federalist. I also wonder if his time in France and England pushed him into advocating a stronger executive branch.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to post again while reading (I don't use the internet much in free time). Currently I'm in the midst of "Miracle..." which honestly I'm liking better than "John Adams." Maybe it's just the nature of biography writing versus historical narrative but I feel like McCullough just BECOMES John Adams. When Adams hates Jefferson, McC. hates Jefferson in his writing; when A. forgives J., McC. jumps on the bandwagon too. Indeed I've rarely read a bio that doesn't make a man into either a saint or a demon. (One exception is Judith Brown's book on Gandhi--which shows Gandhi to be both a high-minded idealist and a deal cutting business-man.) So I prefer a good historical narrative because by focusing on an event (instead of just on 1 person) a writer can depict so many differing perspectives that what you get, I believe, is a more realistic--almost 3-dimensional--view of the past. I believe that a historian's retelling of the past tells us more about the historian than it does about the past. The only way a bio gives a 3-D picture of a person is to rely HEAVILY on other's views of the main character. And honestly, McC. could do more of that. I think our conversation should focus more on the author, less on the actors in the play.
ReplyDeleteMy last comment notwithstanding, I can't resist saying something about the actors in McC.'s play. I was so happy that Jefferson and Adams rediscovered their friendship! Those are the bonds that have been holding this country together by a string for 233 years and I am so grateful that a few people can actually exercise forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I find the debate of "who to like"--Adams or Jefferson--to be a bit phony. I like (and dislike) certain things about both of them. I think that authors, by painting a largely positive or negative picture of these men, deny the basic humanity of these very real people. A few years ago, I would have thought the debate of Adams vs. Jefferson to be worthwhile. But I'm going now to steal a line from my old man (also a history teacher) when he said: "One of the keys to the founder's success is that not one man dominated the others. They balanced each other and kept each other in check." The sum of the parts is greater than the whole! Think of it: Adams was honest, but sometimes extremely arrogant and far too blunt. Jefferson was quite hypocritical, yet men rallied around his high-minded ideas as expressed in his eloquent pen. Hamilton was a Machiavellian political genius who could use his talents to organize a vital fund-raising strategy or to try to usurp power. Washington probably most dominated these men, but I think even he was limited by his hesitancy towards grabbing power in the political sphere. So why dislike any one when you can learn something from them all?
I come late to this blogging thing, being a technology refugee, (as opposed to many of the younger teachers who are natives), but here I am. Thank you, Ruth. I have not yet finished this book, but am learning so much. I have to comment. I really enjoyed reading about Adams' and Franklin's relationships with the French, and particularly about their opinions of each other. I have always thought Franklin was quite a character. Reading FOUNDING MOTHERS several years ago I had my eyes opened to the despicable way Franklin treated his wife. It is such a contrast to the relationship between John and Abigail. Personally, I think it is illustrative of the difference in character of the two men.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with you Mr. Shake. I think McCullough brings some humanity to the history rather than the other way around. Too often history brushes over people and events and their subsequent causes and effects without really stopping to see the people in their time and place. That McCullough is sympathizing with John Adams because he relies heavily on John Adams’s own writing, which includes both favorable and unfavorable views of him. We as readers know going into the book the author will be writing from the historical point-of-view of John Adams, not Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, or Hamilton.
ReplyDeleteYes, McCullough puts in much of his own views of the man. Like towards the end of the biography when the author remarks on the end of the Adam’s presidency, “In much the way he [Adams] had rushed out in the night to help fight fires in Philadelphia and Washington, he had done his all to put out the fire of war—to the immeasurable benefit of the American people, and with no loss of honor or prestige to the nation. It was a brave, heroic performance.” The author’s opinion is obvious, but can’t we agree that we learn something unique about Adams’s character from the fact that despite being the President of the United States, he was quick to respond to a fire by joining the men who threw buckets of water on it to put it out?
However, I do agree with you in admiration of the extraordinary friendship of Adams and Jefferson in the end. Their correspondence despite being ideologically opposed to each other is truly inspiring.
HAYDN CALL SAID:
ReplyDelete1. John Adams was an outstanding man. I love how the book portrays him as a loving husband, father, and friend. It never ceases to amaze me at how much people wrote in the 18th and 19th centuries. John and Abigail wrote around 1,000 letters back and forth.
2. I loved the in depth coverage of John Adams first voyage across the Atlantic. It is amazing, but not unbelievable, how Adams himself took part in the military action against the British on that voyage. What a miserable few months don’t you think?
3. One sometimes looks at historical figures, movie stars, the rich, etc. and think their lives were just wonderful. Adams life was very difficult. Being away from home for so many years in Europe, dealing with the death of Charles, the cancer of Nabby, etc. would have been unbearable. The Adamses were truly a strong and remarkable family.
One aspect of this book and 1776 I admired was how many of these patriots learned from reading! I know this doesn't sound novel but I tell my students everyday about the lost art of reading. If these patriots wanted to learn about war strategy (Washington,Knox....) they read a book. If they wanted to learn about law, writing, science, (Adams, Jefferson....) they read a book.
ReplyDeleteIn reading John Adams I loved to listen to the fascination with book collecting, like how many books Jefferson brings home from France and how Adams loved to tour the library of King George III. Today you don't see that zeal with reading books or collecting book or even from students thinking they can actually learn "HOW" to do something by reading a book.
I am definetly not one to rag on others about reading, for the most part mine goes as far as baseball books, history books, and Sports Illustrated. I wonder if the zeal of book buyin or reading has diminished just because information is projected in so many different mediums or there is just a lack of interest with other technologies available (TV?) my addiction!
I, for one, can relate in a big way to Jefferson and Adams's collecting of books. I am a book lover and collector as well. I am afraid that with all of the electronic media we are losing our
ReplyDeleteability to love the printed page. There is something about opening a new book, or turning a page that can't be duplicated.
I agree on the book reading. My students are always complaining about having to read. Wouldn't it be nice if they all had the same love of learning that Adams and Jefferson did.
ReplyDeleteOops, I forgot to ask a question of klongmore--Who is the author of Founding Mothers? I have never heard of it before, but it sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteFinished awhile ago. Love the change of pace from the more poplular revisionist history. I really appreicaite a slightly biased but somewhat objectional view. i had no idea mastectomy were performed back them and no plastic surgury. Never made the connection JA and TJ dieing on the same day. After reading that all my political ambitions are waylaid man there were brutal back then just imagine the corruption today yikes
ReplyDeleteAfter reading all the other books or most of all the other books, this is the best one we have read by far. So my vote for the best book we've read goes to John Adams.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with the many comments that have been made about John and Abigail Adams. Their many letters to one another are inspiring. It really highlights the sacrifices and challenges of his and their public service. How challenging it must have been to have to be away for so long, especially when issues such as small pox arose. Sometimes I think we forget that these men had real lives back home with challenges, sicknesses, etc. We sometimes immortalize them and just suspect that founding this nation was all that their lives were about, and in the process forget that these people had to sacrifice much, such as time, a lot of time, away from their families for what was created.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school, I read a book of the letters of Abigail and John Adams to each other. I don’t remember the title, but I loved that book. I felt like I was eyewitness to their daily lives, their struggles and their triumphs. I finished that book having become a huge fan of the Adams family. It made such an impression on me that I’ve often wondered why John Adams was not more in the forefront of U.S. History throughout my continued high school and college studies.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. It brought back a lot of what I had read previously, but also taught me so much more about this great family, and especially about Abigail and John.
ReplyDeleteI just saw a book in the Scholastic book order this spring about the letters of John and Abigail Adams, but they were sold out when I tried to order it. I thought that would be a nice addition to my reading of John Adams.
Well so much to comment on because of the length of the book but here are some of my summations of the book I enjoyed
ReplyDeleteThe character development from start to finish of Mr. Adams was fun to read. The firey revolutionist to the caring a loving grandfather by books end. I somewhat agree with Mr. Shake and reading a Biography sometimes glorifies the person but it was well done with he use of letters written by Adams.
I loved the relationship and bond between him and his wife! Abby was truly his "dearest friend". She was such a rock during the trials of his life! She surely was a great deal of help to him. I thought it very sad when she passed away and he wished he could lay down beside her and go with her (touching!).
His dedication and concern for the nation throughout his whole life was amazing. He gave up so much for the cause, sometimes family which he regretted later with his two wayward sons! He loved being American and work relentlessly for independence!
Lastly, I loved to see the trials of his friendship with Jefferson over the years! The closeness between the Adams and Jefferson in Europe, the hard years between President Adams and Vice President Jefferson, and the two retired revolutionaries after the war rekindling thier old friendship! I know it is a story we have all been told but it still brings a tingling sensation that the two revolutionaries that were SO IMPORTANT to the coming of Independence died on July 4! How amazing is that! I admired the writing style of McCullough and his use of the letters written by the leading figures of the time. Very interesting read!
I am afraid to admit that I just finished Chapter 3 of John Adams. I did see the movie though. I am really enjoying the read. #1 I do love a good historical love story. I think I would have gone for Jefferson at the time, but Adams was very devoted emotionally even if he was absent from home all the time. #2 How great is Abigail? Women and Black rights and farming? Come on!!!! #3 I would love to have been there when Adams gave the speech on the Declaration. Two hours and the delegates were forced out of their seats by his words. Then a couple of delegates showed up late and he did it again. (I call that block scheduling). #4 I am with some of you on the Jefferson/Adams thing. McCullough maybe being from New England understand Adams point of view, but he tends to create this reclusive character for Jefferson. I didn't like that in the movie either. (Jefferson was also a romantic and burnt all his letters between he and his wife, but kept duplicates of all other letters he wrote). I went to a Gilder Lehrmann seminar in Monticello and don't remember them even mentioning Adams. They taught us every detail of Jefferson though. I don't remember boxers or briefs but I am sure there was a lecture on it. Quick story....I was the only participant there from west of the Mississippi and was feeling kinda out of place when a professor from the University of Wyoming (I am from Star Valley) shows up in his jeans, cowboy boots, and hat to talk on Lewis and Clark. Then I felt at home. #5 I have to wonder if our leaders today are as well read and as deep of thinkers as Adams and other founding fathers. I hope they are. I am so grateful to these men for what they did and how they stood up for what they felt was right and true! I was also impressed with Dickinson and Morris that even though they voted not to declare independence when it was voted to do so followed the majority and continued to serve their country.
ReplyDeleteI am a little ashamed to say that when talking about our founding fathers I never really thought about John Adams. It was Washington, Franklin, Hancock and Jefferson but after reading John Adams it really seems he was at the center. He made so many magnificent contributions. If seems if he hadn’t push so hard the revolution might never of taken place.
ReplyDeleteAs I look back at my notes, I'm amazed at how many times I wrote a response wanting to reach through the pages and smack one of the characters. Seriously-Vergennes-did anyone not cheer when we were done reading about him? Plus, Hamilton and even Jefferson at times. Oh, and not to mention how hilarious the thought of one of the Adams's sons streaking across Harvard campus! I laughed so hard! I was happy to find McCullough including some of the small, humorous details of Adams's life.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I also had to laugh at the connections my brain was making to other texts. I really had quite a few scenes, characters, and quotes from Jane Austin novels pop into my head. I guess the time period and all of the propriety fused them together.
ReplyDeleteI loved the letters between John and Abigail. The gave me a view into the man that he was. I did not know about John Adams and I think he was a wonderful leader.
ReplyDeleteWhat a supportive wife. He stuck it out and he was an excellent leader. I wondered why he has not been put on money. He has streets, a couple of schools and other things named after him. But he was a great man and many do not know of his greatness.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it’s just me, but I sometimes feel like John Adams gets thrown on the backburner when we celebrate the 4th of July. We always remember Thomas Jefferson for writing the document and George Washington for leading the troops and being the first president of the new nation. At least in my own mind and education, it feels like John Adams was just a footnote. However, in reality he was the true champion of independence. And as David McCullough so eloquently demonstrated, there was no one else in congress who pushed and fought in congress for independence than John Adams. We truly do owe him for these efforts.
ReplyDeleteThis is in response to all those who have commented about Abigail Adams. The saying that behind every good man lies an even better woman is so true with John Adams and even with me. I love to read the correspondence between the two of them. It reminds me of my own Abigail my wife Tiffany. As I have been reading some of their correspondence it reminds me of her. I too feel like I spend a lot of time away from home fighting for my own personal independence (two jobs and in the middle of my Masters) working hard so that my posterity can have some freedoms and liberties. But at home she is my rock and support always there with words of encouragement and support. Our letters are written through the modern way of texting but are as rich as ones John and Abigail wrote. So I say may all people be so fortunate to have an Abigail by their side that without them both John Adams and I would not have been able to do the things we have done.
ReplyDeletePOSTED BY BOB HOOPES
ReplyDeleteWow! David McCullough is such a name dropper. There are so many names in John Adams that all tie together. He has researched his books almost to the point of overwhelming us with information. I guess this is a good thing. I have taken a little sabbatical because the original Hoopes that came to America was named Joshua and he settled in Pennsylvania. They were Quakers and the Hoopes family grew to be the largest if not one of the largest Quaker families. So I started comparing names in my family history to the names in 1776. Guess what I found? Genealogy can be a huge distraction from our class focus!None of the names so far match however I did find a journal entry of a 7th great-grandfather who recorded watching Washington's Continental retreat down a road to Philadelphia after a defeat at the Battle of Brandywine. This grandfather built a stone home, (Hoopes Brooznoll Historic Home), which is still there. This is by Google calculations 21 miles from Valley Forge and just a couple of miles from Brandywine. I think all my ancestors stuck to their Quaker beliefs and didn't fight in the war, and I don't know how I feel about that? Maybe like some of Washington's soldiers who didn't extend their enlistments and got hissed and booed on the way out? But I think that's in another book. I find it fascinating to learn about the individual beliefs that shaped our country's beginnings. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a few more people with that kind of belief today? Oh, I get to travel with about 35 folks who are rekindling and reshaping those beliefs. It's going to be great guys, see you soon.
P.S. My stay at home Brooznoll Quaker ancestors did become a safe house on the underground railroad, beliefs. This might be a key?
Posted by Mr. Hoopes' 5th at 7:19
I have not had time to read this book yet. I know, shame on me but real life has intervened. Reading your posts has made me excited to get to it and I can't wait to see how it fits in with the other two books and fills out their information.
ReplyDeleteI have come to think that our founding fathers basically gave us the ideas of education being our liberator. They all pushed for this and I think it has been a huge legacy to us all. And I love that Adams always acknowledged his God and his work in all things during these tumultuous times. I love this quote at the end of the book:
ReplyDelete"He who loves the Workman and His work,and does what he can to preserve and improve it, shall be accepted of Him."
I started this book first out of them all... I finished it last. I laughed at Tamara's comment with "skimming". I often wish I could get into more detail with the revolutionary war, but we have to focus on reconstruction to the present-- Needless to say, I learned so much about John Adams from this book. I am always amazed with his thirst for reading. He had so many ideas and cultures in his mind-- No wonder he was such a great statesman. I took the first quote of chapter one and lead a philosophical chair with one of my classes. We spent 25 minutes discussing the quote and examples that they had seen over the course of their lives. We also analyzed the times that we saw this in history and how this quote could affect them. I was amazed that 4 lines could be discussed so heavily.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the poise of John Adams. He has to deal with so many frustrations-- From defending the British soldiers in Boston, to dealing with dislike of the French, to the struggles of his family-- He constantly served his country. As McCullough stated, "He had done so much, taken such risks, given so much of himself heart and soul in the cause of his country". (p.476) I have learned a tremendous amount from this book and probably need to read it a 2nd time just to make sense out of half of it.
ReplyDeleteI have come to appreciate the gentle patience pf John, Abigail and family as he served this great nation. During the time he was in France I am sure it was frustrating to be in a culture that did not move as quickly as he would like. To be that patient and wait, and at a high personal cost. It is truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to comment on their children. To be in the public eye is difficult, but they went years without their father and then a time without their mother. With cell phones today that is one thing, but to have to wait months for letters or word from their loved ones. With all the history that is in the book, it is the personal lives of these people that fascinate me. So great a price they paid at a time they were not even sure it would all work. They deserve our honor and respect for all that they accomplished in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed the book. I read them in the order of 1776, then Miracle, then John Adams on purpose and I'm glad I did.
ReplyDeleteThe McCullough readings were much faster paced and interesting, while Miracle was more indepth and took much of my limited attention span. I enjoyed each of the books. I found it interesting that many of the tour guides seemed to have read John Adams as well, often referring and inadvertently quoting the text.
I most of all found the development of John Adams' character interesting. As the school year was ending, I was reading the book. We did a unit discussing heroes, I think Mike talked about doing the same thing, and used him as an example. It was interesting to juxtapose, is that a word?, Ben Franklin's character to that of Adams. Believe it or not the kids were interested.
Additionally, I loved watching the miniseries, John Adams, on the bus. It made the book come more alive. I, as well as my students, find historical people more interesting if we can see the common personality traits between those who lived over 200 years ago and today. What a great experience to read about Adams' library and actually be able to see it. The visit to his home and birthplace brought a connection to Adams I had never made.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, thanks for that opportunity.
When teaching John Adams up to now, my focus has been on the Alien & Sedition Acts and XYZ Affair. I realize now how unfair I have been to Mr. Adams. He had a lot more influence on the Revolutionary War and its results, plus the Constitution of the United States. I always gave credit to Jefferson and Madison for all that transpired. Visiting his home and reading Mr. McCullough's book has taught me that one needs to delve deeper to really get to know these people. I realize even more now that John Sr. and John Quincy are good examples of men of principle; it was more important to do what you think is right, rather than what is popular. Two other presidents I admire are Woodrow Wilson and Jimmy Carter. All these men are considered poor politicians, but were men of character and principle. Except for Wilson, the others served only one term in office. What does that say about our choices for president? It is for sure that my discussions on the Adamses will include what they believed, especially the idea of education, and what they hoped for.
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