For anyone that wants a one volume bio on John Adams, they would be hard pressed to find better than David McCullough's John Adams. But, if you are intrigued by the life of this founding father, first vice-president and second president of the United States, find this two volume set by Page Smith. Sadly, it is out of print but if you have patience and look hard enough you can find a copy. It is well worth your time. This first volume takes you to the end of the Revolutionary war and the peace treaty. ( )

Page Smith's 2 volume bio of John Adams is one of the best works on John Adams other than McCullough's 1 volume bio of John Adams. Mr. Smith presents a solid sympathetic look of one of the most least understood Founding Father. From his childhood years to his law practice, Adams life seemed to go nowhere until he was called to defend the British soldiers in court charged with murder after the so called Boston Massacre in March 1773. His abled defense brought acquittal for the soldiers & ultimate respect among Bostonians. From that time on, J. Adams is caught up in the swirl of events that eventually led to America's break with Britain, his involvement on the Committee that created the Declaration of Independence, his ministerial duties with Franklin leading to the Peace Treaty ending the war, his post as the 1st Minister to Britain, his difficult negotiations with Holland for loans after the war, his 8 years as Vice-President under Washington, his election to the Presidency, his troubles as President, his tenacity to keep peace against heavy opposition, & finally his retirement years at Peacefield. Each of these are covered with several chapters.
It is his writings, however, that the author regards as Adams' greatest legacy reflecting J Adams' far sightedness & understanding of the human 'condition', historical perspective of society & law, & political astuteness. His Thoughts on Government & Davila are treated with respect & opened Adams to severe & oftentimes without warrant, criticism. His letters to Abigail & his children present a picture of a man whose love & tenderness though at times a bit acerbic, giving us a different look at Adams. His relationship with Abigail especially was a long & deeply loving & respectful back & forth of a marriage that grew stronger over time from the time of their wedding until her death in 1818.
Other than Smith's strange interpolation of current events to Adams' time which is irrelevant & improper. An overall excellent bio of John Adams but if time limited, McCullough's John Adams may suit better. ( )

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