John Quincy Adams

By: Harlow Giles Unger

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

He fought for Washington, served with Lincoln, witnessed Bunker Hill, and sounded the clarion against slavery on the eve of the Civil War. He negotiated an end to the War of 1812, engineered the annexation of Florida, and won the Supreme Court decision that freed the African captives of La Amistad. He served his nation as minister to six countries, secretary of state, senator, congressman, and president.

John Quincy Adams was all of these things and more. In this masterful biography, award-winning author Harlow Giles Unger reveals Adams as a towering figure in the nation’s formative years and one of the most courageous figures in American history - which is why he ranked first in John F. Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Profiles in Courage.

A magisterial biography and a sweeping panorama of American history from the Washington to Lincoln eras, Unger’s John Quincy Adams follows one of America’s most important yet least known figures.

Harlow Giles Unger, a former distinguished visiting fellow in American history at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, is a veteran journalist, broadcaster, educator, and historian. He is the author of 20 books, including several biographies of America’s Founding Fathers. He has also authored histories of the early Republic as well as numerous books on American education. He lives in New York.

©2012 Harlow Giles Unger (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Unger] eloquently details the diplomatic headaches caused by both the infamous XYZ Affair and ever-changing Gallic governments. Spare prose clarifies the overview of political complications and intricate family dynamics, revealing Adams as a historically overlooked yet key transitional figure who witnessed the birth of the nation and endured its nearly irreparable geographic squabbles of the 1840s." ( Publishers Weekly)

"A neglected president receives his due as a statesman and practical politician.… A fine examination of a life, well deserving a place alongside David McCullough’s study of Adams père." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Love JQA’s life story so much had to listen to two books

John Quincy Adams’ life stories, adventures, and experiences are incredible and truly inspiring. Put that together with Harlow Giles Unger’s writing ability and unique way of painting visuals with words, and well you have a masterpiece! I loved every second of it.
Thank you JQA for the role you played in making this a great country and for keeping a written daily diary during your entire life so people like me, centuries in the future can still share in your experiences. You are truly a remarkable man and should always be remembered as such!

Informative and well written.

Would you listen to John Quincy Adams again? Why?

Yes, to further absorb the facts of Adams' life.

What did you like best about this story?

I found it fascinating that JQA's main public contributions came after his presidency, during his long years in Congress. It was also interesting to learn how much he contributed to foreign diplomacy during his youth. JQA was an under-appreciated guiding light during the early decades of our country.

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't choose. Too many stellar moments in that man's life.

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

No. There's a lot of info in this book, an abundance that requires time to absorb.

Any additional comments?

One of my favorite biographies of all time is David McCullough's "John Adams." It is a perfect work on the life of one of our most important founding fathers. I am proud to say that I own that book in print and as an audio book. Both versions are keepers. Unger's bio of JQA is nearly as good. Beyond the excellent writing, the best part is that Adams the younger is just as fascinating as his father, though entirely unique as a person--definitely no clone of his famous dad. I will listen to this audio book again, and with pleasure. The narration by Johnny Heller is very well done.

Refreshing break from today’s ugly headlines

Someone (it’s not clear who) said “Politics attracts the glib, the fast talker and the con artist. It's a natural place for those who think fast on their feet.” I believe it’s fair to say after a certain point in everyone’s life they can see the truth of this quote.

So the idea of a successful politician with integrity may seem like an urban myth. But there have been some. Everyone once in awhile a brave person with a good soul finds his/her way into politics and, even more rarely, makes a lasting impression. John Q Adams was such a person.

This book tells the JQA’s story and does so very well, in my opinion. If you need a break from today’s ugly political headlines, I recommend this great book.

good historical biography.

this is a good biography of John Quincy Adams by a sympathetic biographer. it covers the facts well but glosses over a bit the problems with his wife and children.

Great read

Very interesting and engaging. Learned facts I never knew about J. Q. Adams. A good read for history buff.

What an amazing person!

What did you love best about John Quincy Adams?

This book made me realize what an unsung hero John Quincy Adams was. Wow! What an amazing person. A U.S. President who served 16 years in the House AFTER he was president??? That speaks to the character of this man.

What was one of the most memorable moments of John Quincy Adams?

His defense of the Amistead slaves before the Supreme Court followed by the description of his funeral. I was sobbing like a baby.

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

This narrator was perfect.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The death and funeral of John Quincy.

Any additional comments?

Do yourself a big favor and get this book!

Amazing life, incredible read!

What an amazing man and a very well written book. I want to know so much more about John Quincy and his descendants.

Well written

President Adams was a failed president, but he was one of the most qualified. There is more to governing than a resume, and this book will show how his certitude of his positions did not give him any room to compromise.

A good biography

Great biography of a great man!

Unger kept the flow going and I was captured by the amazing things Joh Quincy Adams accomplished, as well as, the things he didn't accomplish because he stuck to his beliefs no matter the consequences. Heller did a great job with the narration as well. I really enjoyed listening to this history. Unlike most it did not come across like a text book or just a list of accomplishments, instead a very interesting biography.

Surprisingly Entertaining!

Suffice to say, Mr. Unger wrote an enthralling historical biography of an amazing American Patriot, known as John Quincy Adams.
There are many twists and turns, as in a good novel, only these are the trials and happinesses of a real man and his family, and our country.
If you enjoy history, and realize there is a “story” worth being told, but even more so, worth being heard and listened to, than you will enjoy this true American saga. Well done, Mr. Heller, whose enthusiasm for his subject is infectious!