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)

Great book well-written, well-read, very inspiring

Where does John Adams rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

My first audiobook, so naturally the best.

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

I've read another book by McCullough. Both great books.

What does Nelson Runger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He reads as if just telling me the story. Very easy to understand.

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

Yes, but that's impossible. It's very, very long.

words fail me... it was wonderful

needed to hear this detailed history, important work. will listen again and again, the narrator is well versed in tone.

fantastic

story & naratoryy were great, can't wait to hear again!!!
it is so exciting that I cant go to sleep listening to it.

Inestimable Contribution to Early American History

Cannot overstate what a breathtaking scope and literary masterpiece this was to gather original source material from correspondence, journals, diaries, public documents, newspapers, books in multiple languages to craft a rich biographical rendering of a public man (Adams) and his dear wife Abigail that popular historical perception has largely unrecognized. What was especially valuable was Adams's and his family's extreme industry, charity of spirit, confidence in divine providence, and happy disposition despite countless disappointments and difficulties. The narrator, Nelson Ruger's ability to approximate without distraction voices in accents, gender, and original tone was a pleasure to listen to. Thank you, David McCullough, for your many labors, a gift for generations to come!

No one does it better than McCullough

loved it. now on to Thomas Jefferson. Hope to make it through all of them.

Great in every way

The narration was very good and the story engrossing. A very comprehensive portrait of the man.

OUTSTANDING!

What a great read! One of the best books I've listened to all year. I highly recommend to anyone interested in American history and our early founders!

lessons from history

great insights into what they used to be like and how the world was changed when us became a country

We free citizens should all know our history.

Great person in US history. A president that could read and communicate. I read this after reading books on Hamilton and Jefferson Jefferson. Next up George Washington. All these books make much more sense age age 54 than the history I was taught in high school and college.

Great book about a greater man.

An incredibly inspiring story about a man driven to do what was best for his country. I was sorry when the book was over.