John Adams

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 29 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Biography/Autobiography, 2002

In this powerful, epic biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian 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. Adams thought, wrote, and spoke out for the "Great Cause" come what might; he traveled far and wide in all seasons and often at extreme risk; he rose to become the second president of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; he was rightly celebrated for his integrity, and regarded by some as "out of his senses"; and his marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the most moving love stories in American history.

Much about Adams' life will come as a surprise to many. His rocky relationship with friend and eventual archrival Thomas Jefferson, his courageous voyage on the frigate Boston in the winter of 1778, and his later trek over the Pyrenees are exploits few would have dared and that few listeners will ever forget.

McCullough's John Adams has the sweep and vitality of a great novel. This is history on a grand scale, an audiobook about politics, 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, it is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived.

©2001 David McCullough (P)2001 Recorded Books, All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

"Brilliant...a winner." (Publishers Weekly)
"McCullough writes to be heard as well as read." (AudioFile)

A must listen

It may be long to lost but this is an excellent book. Definitely a must listen!

The real human behind our high school civics courses.

Breathtaking, honest, inspiring and convicting. After this comprehensive study, it's impossible to elevate John Adams and his "Founding Father" colleagues to more than mere humans. This should be required reading / listening.

The only downside to the recording was a lack of any editing. Every breath taken and click of the mouth is front and center. It's disturbing when listening on headphones, especially. The performance is fantastic, though.

Phenominal

the production is as good as the writing. the story reminds us of why we are a great nation

Every step a fascinating and stimulating experience!

This author never disappoints! We are devoted fans of his work, and find him to be a trusted source for so many historical details. Upon finishing his books we often want to go back and begin all over again. This one in particular will give you hours of enjoyment and you'll find yourself pausing to digest certain parts and rewinding to hear others a second and third time.

Compelling history

Fantastic historical account. As to the narrator, others have a point regarding breathing sounds, etc but I like this narrator's voice and I only noticed the extra noises in an otherwise completely silent listening experience, which is rare for me. The lame attempts at voices/accents were a bit laughable; this narrator is served best when he's approaching the text in a documentary style.

Inspired a love of biography in me!

This is my first taste of David McCullough and will certainly not be my last. Excellent, comprehensive, engaging, honest and riveting are just a few of the words I would give this book. The narration was done excellently. The accent, pace and intonation was a perfect fit. The story at times became tedious with political detail, but perseverance paid great dividends and I enjoyed many a long walk with my companion John Adams.

An excellent read/listen

So many things I did not know about John Adams! This production never sounds like a lecture, nor is it stuffy. It relates Adams the person as well as it relates Adam the Statesman. Fascinating.

I loved it, very well written!

Loved this book so much that I can't wait to begin another authored by David McCullough. Narrator has a great voice but definitely left long pauses between paragraphs, etc.

Excellent Story of an Execellent American!

Absolutely love how David McCullough creates a fascinating story out of John Adam's great life!

Excellent book

I absolutely love history and learning about America’s founding fathers. This was so great to listen to while working.