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)

Moved are we by this man

If only our president could assimilate what this president had in his heart and mind. America would be great again.

Great book

Wonderfully accurate history. Great read. Tells the good bad and ugly accurately. As a direct descendant of John Adams I can say with confidence the history is accurate.

Wonderful read!

I am in love with this book. Adams life was fascinating from beginning to end. Wonderfully recaptured from letters long ago written.

great.

a lot of mouth noise from narrator at times. easily dismissed. wonderful book i will read again.

a little long but great detail

detailed history of john Adams and the founding of our country. everyone should read this as well as thomas Jefferson and thomas Hamilton's history to get a balanced perspective.

An honest and uplifting biography!

I detest biographies that gush over their subjects, or conversely, take on a such a cynical tone you wonder how that subject ever did anything noteworthy. In this book, David McCullough strikes the perfect balance. Supported with primary sources, the author weaves a story of virtues and vices, trials and triumphs, character and hypocrisy. In the end, I did cry a little at the beauty and loss of the life that was John Adams, along with his equally amazing "best friend" Abigail. This account also helped me to better understand the rivalry between Adams and Jefferson, the turbulent years of their presidencies, and the decidedly negative role that partisanship had on their relationships and on our country. If Adams wasn't so self deprecating, I think he would have enjoyed having this book in his library.

Loved it

Fantastic history provided with a novel like production. The man reading the book read the book so beautifully to the point it felt like a novel.

Inspired

A wonderful, rich and detailed account of the life and times of the second President of the United States. The excepts from letters between John Adams and Abigail Adams are extraordinary and the friendship, despite ideological differences, between Adams and Jefferson is inspiring. A long listen, to be sure, but rewarding.

God bless America

I have always had an appreciation for our founding fathers but this book has truly deepened my understanding of these great men and their being guided by God to create this country.

A very good balance of history and biography

If more biographies included as much overall history to make the era more understable as this book,I think more people would want to read biographiesm