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)

Interesting read

Would you consider the audio edition of John Adams to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed the audio edition. Don't know that the printed would have held my attention.

Have you listened to any of Nelson Runger’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never listened to another book by Mr. Runger. He has a clear and easily understood voice. It was a good voice for this book.

Any additional comments?

The book revealed the human side of John Adams. An honorable man, misunderstood by many, who led a remarkable life.

My favorite book about my favorite Founding Father

I could go on and on, but why not let the book speak for itself? It is the best bio I have ever read, and it's about one of the greatest (yet rather under-appreciated) early patriots of our country. Without John Adams, there might never have been a United States of America, and our country would certainly not have the balanced form of government we enjoy. The fact that ours is one of the few democracies to stand the test of time is due in large part to the ethics and efforts of John Adams. The narration by Nelson Runger is excellent. All in all, this is a stellar biography.

Thorough, Enjoyable, but Diminished by Narration

Would you listen to John Adams again? Why?

No
Its a 29 hour commitment

What three words best describe Nelson Runger’s voice?

clear
pedantic
constricted

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

The narrator reads at you, not to you. When he quotes Adams as is often required, the narrator increases the pitch of his voice as if he is acting the part. I would like to imagine the voice of this great man to be, well, great. So the reading punctures that fantasy. The author's own reading of 1776 was more effective.

Great history!

The book is exceptionally well written, especially its dealing with the relationships with Abigail & John Adams & Jefferson...but the narrator paused a lot & seemed to be taking drinks of water!

Amazing Book

This was one of the best and more enlightening historical books on the life of John Adams and the formation of America ever written. A must read!

A great story about a great man

Would you listen to John Adams again? Why?

I wouldn't listen to it again because in the spirit of John Adams you should always look ahead and not behind.

What other book might you compare John Adams to and why?

I also listened to David McCullough's book on Harry S. Truman which was also narrated by Nelson Runger. I had difficulty at first with the John Adams narration because Mr. Runger's voicing of John Adams was for me, very similar to the voicing of Harry S. Truman. Every time I heard John Adams speak I saw Harry Truman's face. But that was a small and humorous point. Mr. Runger did a superb job.

Which character – as performed by Nelson Runger – was your favorite?

No favorites, I enjoyed it all

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Due to the length it wouldn't be possible to listen in one sitting but it was an absolutely compelling book and I find John Adams to be a heroic person. I would love to time travel back to that time to just be able to spend one hour in the company of such a great person.

Any additional comments?

The description of the death of John Adams on the 4th of July, the 50th anniversary of the founding of our country moved me to tears. I felt like I had lost a close friend. I would recommend this book very highly and not just to those who enjoy history. It should be mandatory reading for every young student.

Fantastic

A fantastic work. Provides insight and penetrating perspective on two of our country’s most important figures along. A great study on human nature. You will grow to know and love John and Abigail Adams by the end.

fantastic historical biography

I loved getting to know our second president. The narrator was excellent, the writing was inviting.

Actor on the cover?!?!?!

The content of this book was outstanding and I learned a lot. There’s nothing I can say differently than other reviews for this book. However, I’m baffled why an ACTOR is on the cover of a highly prized book about a founding father. It’s disrespectful and simply atrocious, but I suppose it’s about sales & making money instead of correct representation. The narrator also made him sound so goofy when quoting him.

LOVED it

Fantastic in every way. Politicians today should be ashamed of themselves when compared to the founding fathers of our great country.