John Adams

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann, Jan Maxwell

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 Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Non-Fiction (abridged), 2002
• Pulitzer Prize Winner, Biography or Autobiography, 2002

"The portrait that emerges is altogether fascinating." (Amazon.com)
"Brilliant...a winner." (Publishers Weekly)
"McCullough writes to be heard as well as read." (AudioFile)

Changed My Life

I had heard this was a good book and had hesitated to spend 2 book credits for it. I listened to it and felt as if I had found a new soul mate in John Adams... My husband listened to this book and was so inspired by a man like John Adams going for his dream that he started to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer and is now in law school. What does this have to do with the book? Everything, this book inspires you to reach the height of humanity and to stretch yourself... I can't give a book a higher compliment, further this was an interesting read not merely an intellectual investment. The reader does so well you forget about him and become absorbed by the content.

The True Father of our Country

I have never been so moved or so humbled by a man and his words. Let us not forget behind every strong man of character is a truely strong woman of conviction. This country owes a debt of which we will never pay back to John Adams and Abigail. This book is outstanding and a pleasure. If only John Adams had written many books himself. I am forever your servant sir.

John Adams

Absolutely fasinating. David McCullough creates the environment of this man's life is such a way as to make me believe I was there.

Educational!

I really enjoyed this book! it was so Educational! I highly recommend listening if you enjoy history.

Made my commute fly

What did you like best about this story?

McCullough's writing is so natural, without being dumbed down, that I found myself completely immersed in John Adams life. I also found myself wishing that I could be friends with Abigail--so much so, that I have bought her biography. The letters the two exchanged with each other and with Thomas Jefferson were especially poignant. I found myself driving slower, so I could hear more on my morning and evening commutes, which nevertheless passed quickly.

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

Edward Hermann's narration is exemplary. I cannot say enough good things about his work. It's especially obvious when, a few times throughout the book, another narrator interrupts to summarize parts of the text that were left out. The first time this happened I was terrified she would finish out the book in her wooden, mannered, news anchor style, but thankfully that did not happen, and Hermann returned. He is a true actor, and makes the characters come alive.

an amazing and enlightening read.

It was amazing to see history unfold before my eyes! Information not from 2nd hand accounts, but actual accounts taken from letters exchanged in their own words. It was like seeing the founding of this country in such a marvelous way. Amazing I highly recommend this book and author.

Adams wets the appetite for the unabridged version

David McCullough has no equal as a writer of History
He puts front row to the Life of one of the Greatest Americans GOD has given this Nation

man of character

John Adams' life presented in an interesting and engaging way, as only a master like McCullough can do.

Lots to learn

Excellent historical narrative with great education for those who think there is nothing new under the sun.

an amazing American

McCullough brings to life the story of a most amazing American. While we are taught much about Washington and Jefferson, I wonder how this true patriot has never received his share of credit for the creation of the country - until now. One of the best biographies I have ever read. McCullough makes you understand the mind, the efforts of a remarkable man. He gave his whole life to create a nation. Thanks to McCullough for a well written historical novel we can now know more about John Adams and his influence on the birth of this country.