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)

Putting it all together

This along with several historical fiction books like I, Eliza Hamilton and America’s first daughter have really brought the 1750-1850s alive. Shocking how much responsibility he had at 15. In many ways, politics doesn’t seem to have changed much.

The Sage from Quincy

A great book.
It's always nice to hear more about actors in history and JQA was filled with history.
Great performance.

John quincy Adams

What a pleasure to have a splendid biography presented so well. I had no idea what a contribution this Adams made to our country. I was touched and moved by especially the drama of his unswerving attempt to abolish slavery and the fact that he uttered his last word in congress. A resounding no. But I am gratified to know he was duly honored as his coffin was transported.
I do wish that some words regarding Louisa during that time were given. Surely she wrote some words we would be glad to read.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful book.

Worthy biography

I loved it, it was easily digested and interesting throughout. As the time setting was quite a long time ago and the use of the English language was far richer and deep the book handled quotes and speeches very well.

An amazing president!

Quincy’s life is inspiring. He was way ahead of his time especially in regard to slavery.

An insightful glimpse into the first Americans...

John Quincy Adams is not so much the when story, rather part of the great story of the birth of America from a diplomatic and very patriotic viewpoint.

Really enjoyed this

John Quincy Adams, even though he was unknown, his book really highlights the great work he did

Interesting

I found the book well worth the read... on top of giving great insight into JQA, it more clearly explained the states rights, slavery and even the electoral college than any other book I’ve read, many of them intentionally trying to explain. Great job to the author and narrator.

Excellent biography of a great American

A very rich portrait of America's sixth President, giving us both his great qualities and his foibles, his triumphs and his failures. A very solid, well crafted biography.

Wonderful and enlightening book

I didn't have clue of the role this former President, and son of the second president played during the formative years of young United States.

Masterfully presented making it difficult to put down. I'll likely listen to it again.