John Adams

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

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)

Wonder!

This was a great biography. I've studied a lot about the Revolutionary War, and I still learned a great deal from this book. I think it is far betther than 1776. I highly reccomend it.

Great book. Swallowing sounds distracting

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Less swallowing between pauses.

Any additional comments?

John Adams by David McCullough is a great and thorough accounting of Adam's life and contribution to the formation of the U.S. The audiobook version is well performed, but you'd think the narrator's swallowing noises would have been edited out. They weren't great in number, but annoying nonetheless.

Adams character comes through despite narrator

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator's voice was too Midwestern, and highly pitched overall, and ESPECIALLY when supposedly quoting Adams's own words -- one notch below chipmunk voice IMHO. The narrator certainly made no mistakes -- just the wrong tone and pitch for John Adams.

The writing was interestingly organized,despite a lot of detail to track for a listeners. I loved the development of JA's character and the inclusion of Abigail (of course) and others less well known from history such as Benjamin Rush.

A Real Person

I enjoyed getting to know John Adams as a man, failings and all. It brought home that our nation was started by people, not icons. Anyone who has spent any time working in politics or in a large corporation can relate to the power struggles, manoeuvers and alliances the founding fathers faced as personalities and agendas struggled for dominance. It made our nation's often glamorized beginnings seem more real and increased my admiration for what was achieved.

Entertaining--Keeps Your Attention

This was a very good audio book that kept my attention for the entire 30+ hours. I thought the narrator was good and did not notice any of the complaints that were addressed in the other reviews. I read 1776 by McCullough and this was just as good or better. This is definately worth the two credits.

Mind Changing!

I have to admit that I had a jaundiced view of John Adams based on some of the other biographies, notably Hamilton's and Jefferson's, I had listened to. I was pleasantly surprised that Adams was not the blockhead he was made out to be by some of his contemporaries. Few men could stand in his shadow and not be found lacking in those qualities, which can hardly be found in politics today, and were rare even amongst so many great minds of that extraordinary time. McCullough does his usual master work in bringing to life this amazing man and the astonishing life he lead. The narration stays out of the way and allows the listener to enjoy the book in its fullest. I highly recommend it anybody who loves history.

Fascinating History!

Quite simply, this was the most fascinating history I have ever read. I am grateful to David McCullough for his meticulous research and masterful writing. He has allowed me to personally know two of the nation's finest and most noble citizens, John and Abigail Adams.

I am also grateful to the narrator, Nelson Runger, whose voice fit the subject matter perfectly. It is clear he knew the book, the times and the characters inside and out.

"John Adams" is now on my ipod, my iphone and on my Kindle; it goes where I go and I intend to listen to it again and again.

A+ Would Listen to Again

History told in the right way is never boring. David McCullough writes in such a way as to make you feel like you're listening to an elder reccount live experiences in front of a fireplace. I especially liked all the many quotes from letters to and from Adams, as they give an intimate insight into how peopke thought, talked, and related to obe another in our not-too-distant past. Thia book should be required reading for high school and college.

eye Opening

HISTORY IS EDUCATION
WE ARE GOING TO LOSE OUR HERITAGE
NOT KNOWING OUR HERITAGE AND ROOTS

Incredible story put together from letters/diaries

Would you listen to John Adams again? Why?

Yes, the historical nuisances, subtle undertones, and interactions of our founding fathers were incredibly presented from a collection of diaries, letters, news articles, and of course the documents of the Constitutional Congress. Note: little to no minutes of early meetings were kept by congress.

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

As a historical book I am sure there are many that would compare (Trex - T. Roosevelt comes to mind) but when you realize how the information for this book was assembled and presented I no of none that compare.

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

First listen of this narrator. Key word: Narrator. Did not attmept a performance with multiple voices but rather an excellent reading with tone and inflection. Once or twice he varied the voice for a specific character but it was not necessary.

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

Adam's writing back to his wife after they voted on the Declaration of Independence exclaiming how this day will be celebrated forever with great pageantry and celebration. Yes July 2nd will be forever remembered. Turns out he was off by two days and the day John Hancock signed (July 4th) was the one remembered. (Spoiler: All the rest signed in August).

Also the death of Adams and Jefferson on July 4th's 50th anniversary

Any additional comments?

Some interesting backroom election "fixing" as well. One good point by Adams. Do no pay congress and President, they should be able to save a bit for a few years of service and than return to their occupation. I guess he saw the danger of the career politican.