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King Hancock: The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father
A rollicking portrait of the paradoxical patriot, whose measured pragmatism helped make American independence a reality.
Americans are surprisingly more familiar with his famous signature than with the man himself. In this spirited account of John Hancock’s life, Brooke Barbier depicts a patriot of fascinating contradictions―a child of enormous privilege who would nevertheless become a voice of the common folk; a pillar of society uncomfortable with radicalism who yet was crucial to independence. About two-fifths of the American population held neutral or ambivalent views about the Revolution, and Hancock spoke for them and to them, bringing them along.
Orphaned young, Hancock was raised by his merchant uncle, whose business and vast wealth he inherited―including household slaves, whom Hancock later freed. By his early thirties, he was one of New England’s most prominent politicians, earning a place on Britain’s most-wanted list and the derisive nickname King Hancock. While he eventually joined the revolution against England, his ever moderate―and moderating―disposition would prove an asset after 1776. Barbier shows Hancock appealing to southerners and northerners, Federalists and Anti-Federalists. He was a famously steadying force as president of the fractious Second Continental Congress. He parlayed with French military officials, strengthening a key alliance with his hospitable diplomacy. As governor of Massachusetts, Hancock convinced its delegates to vote for the federal Constitution and calmed the fallout from the shocking Shays’s Rebellion.
An insightful study of leadership in the revolutionary era, King Hancock traces a moment when passion was on the side of compromise and accommodation proved the basis of profound social and political change.
Americans are surprisingly more familiar with his famous signature than with the man himself. In this spirited account of John Hancock’s life, Brooke Barbier depicts a patriot of fascinating contradictions―a child of enormous privilege who would nevertheless become a voice of the common folk; a pillar of society uncomfortable with radicalism who yet was crucial to independence. About two-fifths of the American population held neutral or ambivalent views about the Revolution, and Hancock spoke for them and to them, bringing them along.
Orphaned young, Hancock was raised by his merchant uncle, whose business and vast wealth he inherited―including household slaves, whom Hancock later freed. By his early thirties, he was one of New England’s most prominent politicians, earning a place on Britain’s most-wanted list and the derisive nickname King Hancock. While he eventually joined the revolution against England, his ever moderate―and moderating―disposition would prove an asset after 1776. Barbier shows Hancock appealing to southerners and northerners, Federalists and Anti-Federalists. He was a famously steadying force as president of the fractious Second Continental Congress. He parlayed with French military officials, strengthening a key alliance with his hospitable diplomacy. As governor of Massachusetts, Hancock convinced its delegates to vote for the federal Constitution and calmed the fallout from the shocking Shays’s Rebellion.
An insightful study of leadership in the revolutionary era, King Hancock traces a moment when passion was on the side of compromise and accommodation proved the basis of profound social and political change.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
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389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 15, 2025
Fascinating - I never thought about Hancock other than for his signature! But learning about his life and how he moderated many of the revolutionary struggles was really interesting! My only critique was that I lost the timeline a bit towards the end. Worth reading! 4 stars
Nonfiction/History
2023
Library hardcover
Midnight vibe flowing from Hang a Thousand Ribbons
52 week 41 - cover font primary color
Nonfiction/History
2023
Library hardcover
Midnight vibe flowing from Hang a Thousand Ribbons
52 week 41 - cover font primary color
December 27, 2023
John Hancock, it seems, was a rather complicated man -- so much more than his fancy signature on the Declaration of Independence! -- and this gracefully-written biography captures Hancock in his many facets. His father (one in a line of clergymen; in fact, John's father baptized John Adams) died when Hancock was but seven years of age. He was sent to live with his uncle Thomas in Boston, but he forever afterward had a deep hankering for connection with others: his mother remarried, but didn't stay in touch. Though modestly born, his joining his uncle (and Aunt Lydia) in the city made him prosperous and elevated him in social standing. (At one point, it was estimated John Hancock was the wealthiest man in the Colonies.) But Hancock was also convivial -- he had a common touch, and he exploited his vast financial resources to host lavish dinners and parties. He was vain, but also interested in serving the public good (provided his bottom line was not -too- adversely affected); at the height of his personal trajectory -- his Presidency of the Second Continental Congress -- Hancock was considered the second most popular person in America (after George Washington, of course). His obsession with salmon on the night he was fleeing the British troops heading for Lexington and Concord is both endearing and a signal of his privilege. (He also liked pickles a great deal.) But his marriage to Dorothy Quincy did not provide him with the sense of connection that he so vitally needed; the loss of both of their young children seemed to move them farther apart rather than moving them towards each other. He was ambitious, hoping to leverage his (admittedly slight) military experience into the commander-in-chiefship of the Continental Army and, later, he longed for the Presidency (or even the Vice Presidency) of the new nation he helped conceive and bring into being. (He seemed to believe that the Federalists had promised him national office in return for his support of the new Constitution.) He mixed easily with tradesmen, but had thorny relationships with the Adams cousins (Samuel and John), neither of whom held him in high regard. (In fact, John took great satisfaction that his presence on the national ticket in the first federal election blocked Hancock's longing for it.) He guarded his wealth carefully, yet showed a surprising sense of humor on at least once occasion, when one of the servants dropped a costly crystal epergne: "James, break as much as you please, but don't make such a confounded noise about it!" Hancock's lavish lifestyle led to health issues (an almost paralyzing gout), which caused many in New England to doubt his reliability for public office. -- I enjoyed reading this biography very much and found much to admire in this particular Founding Father. I highly recommend it to any and all who have an interest in the early history of the United States.
November 14, 2023
I really liked this book. I didn't know much about John Hancock, so it was interesting to learn more about him and his place among the Founding Fathers. What I enjoyed even more was reading about daily life in Boston at the time. For me this was not dry, academic reporting but an engaging way to see how people used to live with lots of fun facts thrown in. I knew that Brooke was a good storyteller from her Tavern tours and this book confirmed it.
June 30, 2025
A solid history of John Hancock and his influence on the American Revolution. Wanted to read something in honor of the upcoming Fourth of July, and in hopes that our experiment in democracy continues - not a sure bet these days. It’s interesting to note that, despite his wealth, Hancock did much to support those less well off than himself, including throwing a ball for African Americans in Boston in 1792.
December 19, 2023
Sorry , this book is no more than a two. It is superficial, and the section on the ratification of the Constitution is simplistic and in some ways just incorrect. Without much more context , learning about Hancock by reading this book leaves one with very little in depth understanding of the man and the times. Someone not particularly versed in the revolutionary period would not get more than an overview. If that was the author’s intent, she succeeded.
May 25, 2025
“King Hancock” is a brief, 301 pages, extensive footnotes and index included, biography of the Founding Father best known for his signature. It relates his life facts, born to a minister after whose death he was adopted by his uncle Thomas Hancock, the wealthiest man in Massachusetts. This gave John a unique upbringing as heir apparent to a merchant empire. Groomed to take over the business by education and travel to meet business partners in England, John inherited the business at age 27 and proceeded to grow it.
Though perhaps in the league of Astor, Rockefeller and Ford, business success is not why the signature is remembered. Hancock’s involvement in the American Revolution gained him a place in history. This is the aspect of his legacy is at the core of “King Hancock”. Having benefited so handsomely within the British Empire, Hancock was an unlikely radical and revolutionary.
Hancock’s place among the founding generation was unique. His wealth was inherited, but not until he had grounded himself among the common people with whom he would always be comfortable and who would, in turn, be the base of his political support. The “King Hancock” moniker that began as a British soldier’s mockery of a colonial movement lacking a ruling class was turned on the soldiery by the Minute Men who harassed them all the way from Concord to Boston.
Allied with Samuel and John Adams, before breaking with both, Hancock guided Massachusetts through its extended road to Revolution and the dozen other colonies to join them. In this stage of the Revolution, Hancock’s role was perhaps more crucial than other, better known Founding Fathers.
With Independence won, Hancock largely confined himself to Massachusetts, which he considered one of the thirteen republics in a loose association, rather than a portion of a larger nation. When the proposed Constitution presented a challenge to Hancock’s vision, it was his support with a recommendation for amendments to ensure individual rights that enabled Massachusetts’ narrow ratification. The Commonwealth presented as a hinge. No states recommended amendments before it, but all later ratifiers did.
Though suggested as a potential president if Virginia did not ratify, and vice-president if it did, Hancock’s would not step on to the national stage again with Massachusetts’ place taken by John Adams. He continued to reign as “King” of Massachusetts, with voter approval each time he ran. Deftly not seeking reelection when dissent in western Massachusetts was brewing over taxation, Hancock easily returned to the governorship by defeating his sole rival within the Commonwealth, Governor James Bowdoin. Restoring peace through pardons and reconciliation, Hancock retained his standing among the common folk, while losing support among the Boston moneyed class. His willingness to accept inflated paper money rather than specie demanded by other creditors further enhanced Hancock’s reputation among the people.
Author Brooke Barbier has crafted an easily readable and highly insightful biography. She skillfully places her subject in the milieu in which he lived and focuses attention on the traits that make John Hancock an exemplary man of his time and indispensable Founding Father. Readers are indebted to Barbier for introducing us to the man who wrote the signature.
Though perhaps in the league of Astor, Rockefeller and Ford, business success is not why the signature is remembered. Hancock’s involvement in the American Revolution gained him a place in history. This is the aspect of his legacy is at the core of “King Hancock”. Having benefited so handsomely within the British Empire, Hancock was an unlikely radical and revolutionary.
Hancock’s place among the founding generation was unique. His wealth was inherited, but not until he had grounded himself among the common people with whom he would always be comfortable and who would, in turn, be the base of his political support. The “King Hancock” moniker that began as a British soldier’s mockery of a colonial movement lacking a ruling class was turned on the soldiery by the Minute Men who harassed them all the way from Concord to Boston.
Allied with Samuel and John Adams, before breaking with both, Hancock guided Massachusetts through its extended road to Revolution and the dozen other colonies to join them. In this stage of the Revolution, Hancock’s role was perhaps more crucial than other, better known Founding Fathers.
With Independence won, Hancock largely confined himself to Massachusetts, which he considered one of the thirteen republics in a loose association, rather than a portion of a larger nation. When the proposed Constitution presented a challenge to Hancock’s vision, it was his support with a recommendation for amendments to ensure individual rights that enabled Massachusetts’ narrow ratification. The Commonwealth presented as a hinge. No states recommended amendments before it, but all later ratifiers did.
Though suggested as a potential president if Virginia did not ratify, and vice-president if it did, Hancock’s would not step on to the national stage again with Massachusetts’ place taken by John Adams. He continued to reign as “King” of Massachusetts, with voter approval each time he ran. Deftly not seeking reelection when dissent in western Massachusetts was brewing over taxation, Hancock easily returned to the governorship by defeating his sole rival within the Commonwealth, Governor James Bowdoin. Restoring peace through pardons and reconciliation, Hancock retained his standing among the common folk, while losing support among the Boston moneyed class. His willingness to accept inflated paper money rather than specie demanded by other creditors further enhanced Hancock’s reputation among the people.
Author Brooke Barbier has crafted an easily readable and highly insightful biography. She skillfully places her subject in the milieu in which he lived and focuses attention on the traits that make John Hancock an exemplary man of his time and indispensable Founding Father. Readers are indebted to Barbier for introducing us to the man who wrote the signature.
January 14, 2025
I have read much about John Hancock from biographies of Samuel Adams and John Adams as well as general histories of the Revolutionary War era. Those perspectives have often been somewhat critical of Hancock as being too moderate, being too concerned about his personal wealth amidst the Revolutionary fervor of the time. This is the first John Hancock biography I have read and I was intrigued by its thesis that Hancock was indeed a moderate voice during that time and that his moderation was a virtue, a vital part of standing up to England, in deciding to declare Independence and winning the Revolutionary War.
The biography starts with the telling of what Hancock is most famous for, being the first to sign the Declaration of Independence with his large signature and excellent penmanship making it very clear as to who was signing the document first. It then tells of his life chronologically including how he inherited his wealthy Uncle's business that he expanded. It continues with describing Hancock's business interests and growing estrangement with England and how they at times both complemented and contradicted each other. Hancock had a somewhat unhappy personal life, his wife did not fully return Hancock's love and both of their children died young.
The book focuses on Hancock's life and not does go into depth about the historical events that he participated. For example his continental congress experience has more pages on his letters bemoaning his wife not writing back enough than descriptions of the debates and policy decisions. The author, Brooke Barbier assumes that her readers have a good background of the history of the time. This allows focus on Hancock's involvement including controversies of whether he completely followed the Pre War boycotts and his often tense relationship with George Washington.
A well written biography with an interesting perspective of the times and the man
The biography starts with the telling of what Hancock is most famous for, being the first to sign the Declaration of Independence with his large signature and excellent penmanship making it very clear as to who was signing the document first. It then tells of his life chronologically including how he inherited his wealthy Uncle's business that he expanded. It continues with describing Hancock's business interests and growing estrangement with England and how they at times both complemented and contradicted each other. Hancock had a somewhat unhappy personal life, his wife did not fully return Hancock's love and both of their children died young.
The book focuses on Hancock's life and not does go into depth about the historical events that he participated. For example his continental congress experience has more pages on his letters bemoaning his wife not writing back enough than descriptions of the debates and policy decisions. The author, Brooke Barbier assumes that her readers have a good background of the history of the time. This allows focus on Hancock's involvement including controversies of whether he completely followed the Pre War boycotts and his often tense relationship with George Washington.
A well written biography with an interesting perspective of the times and the man
October 18, 2024
This book takes a look at John Hancock who, if my schooling is anything to go by, generally takes a backseat in history to some other founding fathers and leaves us with basically only his flourish of a signature for posterity.
I feel like I learned a decent amount about him. He was good at wooing the common man but more importantly being genuine in his dealings with them, which was far from common at the time. He also had a finger on the pulse of what was popular and what wasn’t, shifting his politics accordingly. That doesn’t generally earn respect from me, but I can see he was very skilled at doing so. I also liked the little touches that humanise him that the book illuminates, like his love of pickles, his use of clothing to project prestige (as well as just overall enjoying indulging in the finer things), and how his rough start in life made him desperate to be well-regarded. His father died, his mother subsequently allowed him to be reared by his (childless) aunt and uncle, and he was constantly seeking letters from her to no avail, a pattern that would continue all through his life, even into his marriage, where his entreaties to his wife when separated by his work were also met with silence.
Still—I felt myself wanting MORE. More depth, more insight into him, more on his connections. I guess maybe I would have enjoyed more excerpts from his own pen? I imagine a man who craved letters as much as he did would have left behind many of his own that could be plumbed.
I feel like I learned a decent amount about him. He was good at wooing the common man but more importantly being genuine in his dealings with them, which was far from common at the time. He also had a finger on the pulse of what was popular and what wasn’t, shifting his politics accordingly. That doesn’t generally earn respect from me, but I can see he was very skilled at doing so. I also liked the little touches that humanise him that the book illuminates, like his love of pickles, his use of clothing to project prestige (as well as just overall enjoying indulging in the finer things), and how his rough start in life made him desperate to be well-regarded. His father died, his mother subsequently allowed him to be reared by his (childless) aunt and uncle, and he was constantly seeking letters from her to no avail, a pattern that would continue all through his life, even into his marriage, where his entreaties to his wife when separated by his work were also met with silence.
Still—I felt myself wanting MORE. More depth, more insight into him, more on his connections. I guess maybe I would have enjoyed more excerpts from his own pen? I imagine a man who craved letters as much as he did would have left behind many of his own that could be plumbed.
June 23, 2025
This is an excellent biography and history book. Barbier is a superb writer, her text is engaging, clear and she supples exactly the right amount of detail.
We first encounter Hancock as a young boy. He goes on to inherit a fortune and become a wealthy Bostonian businessman. He became is major player in anti – British activities in Boston during the lead up to the American Revolution. Once the war started, as president of the 2nd Continental Congress, he became a key player in the drive towards American independence. Of course, he penned his famously large signature on the Declaration of Independence. Later, he served as Massachusetts’ first and very influential governor. During his multiple terms he played key roles in various historic milestones such as helping to formulate and advocate for the Bill of Rights in the American Constitution, the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts, as well as other important accomplishments.
One of the main points of the book was that Hancock was a true moderate who not only avoided radicalism but strove to find compromise in most of his endeavors and tried to bring competing sides together. He was also enormously popular in Massachusetts as well as throughout the United States.
This book will be a great read for anyone interested in either Hancock or the American Revolutionary period in general.
We first encounter Hancock as a young boy. He goes on to inherit a fortune and become a wealthy Bostonian businessman. He became is major player in anti – British activities in Boston during the lead up to the American Revolution. Once the war started, as president of the 2nd Continental Congress, he became a key player in the drive towards American independence. Of course, he penned his famously large signature on the Declaration of Independence. Later, he served as Massachusetts’ first and very influential governor. During his multiple terms he played key roles in various historic milestones such as helping to formulate and advocate for the Bill of Rights in the American Constitution, the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts, as well as other important accomplishments.
One of the main points of the book was that Hancock was a true moderate who not only avoided radicalism but strove to find compromise in most of his endeavors and tried to bring competing sides together. He was also enormously popular in Massachusetts as well as throughout the United States.
This book will be a great read for anyone interested in either Hancock or the American Revolutionary period in general.
August 23, 2024
What a great read!
Reads more like a historical thriller than a bland biography.
A compelling story of a true patriot. I enjoyed the behind the scenes description of Hancock's thinking process and how it varied at different points in the process. It was interesting that despite being one of the wealthiest men in America, he had an uncommon way of relating to " the common man", more so than some of the firebrands like Samuel Adams. I found this book also dispelled some of the mythology around Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence, yet in a way that did not diminish the risk to his personal safety that it entailed and that provided an in depth analysis of what it meant culturally as well as politically.
If you enjoy American History, especially that related to the Revolutionary War this book is a must read.
Reads more like a historical thriller than a bland biography.
A compelling story of a true patriot. I enjoyed the behind the scenes description of Hancock's thinking process and how it varied at different points in the process. It was interesting that despite being one of the wealthiest men in America, he had an uncommon way of relating to " the common man", more so than some of the firebrands like Samuel Adams. I found this book also dispelled some of the mythology around Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence, yet in a way that did not diminish the risk to his personal safety that it entailed and that provided an in depth analysis of what it meant culturally as well as politically.
If you enjoy American History, especially that related to the Revolutionary War this book is a must read.
November 16, 2023
Well done. Far superior to a biography of Samuel Adams written recently, one similar in length and attempted style but not nearly as well written. Barbier presents a fair portrait of Hancock, despite her excessive sensitivity to modern shibboleths. Hancock was in many ways a "right person in the right place" type of guy, but his steadiness in that spot should not be overlooked (I prefer "steady" to her "moderate").
Granted, Hancock would be a lot less famous if it weren't for the Declaration. But there's a good reason he was presiding and thus signing first that important statement of enduring values. We could use some Hancockian figures today.
Granted, Hancock would be a lot less famous if it weren't for the Declaration. But there's a good reason he was presiding and thus signing first that important statement of enduring values. We could use some Hancockian figures today.
January 11, 2024
An entertaining and informative biography of an important Revolutionary era political leader. Hancok’s talents as described were the ability to bridge competing factions and different segments of the population with geniality , hospitality and moderate views. He was less ideologically driven and more influenced by actual circumstances than many of the other leading Boston revolutionaries . The author captures a man whose talents why real and necessary may have been under estimated as compared to those who wrote and analyzed . The book is marred by its embrace of a reductionist view of the constitution as being a device of wealthy men to preserve their ascendancy and property.
April 21, 2024
This is one of the best non-fiction books I have read in awhile (and I read a great deal of non-fiction). This is the story (and its told like a STORY) of one of the founders whose name we all know but few know anything about him. Brooke Barbier does an outstanding job of not just telling Hancock's story but explaining his importance in American history. After reading the book I did a whirlwind tour of Boston, finding many of the spot Barbier describes in her book. Hancock's legacy is all around us and so few know why.
August 16, 2024
Hancock is a commonly overlooked founding father. Media and books often don’t tell of his importance regarding the creation of a newly freed nation. His popularity and insight cannot be overstated. This founding father led by example and created his own legacy through leadership, and throwing parties. From the large and dynamic signature on the declaration, to his speeches regarding the Constitution. Hancock will remain an important and impactful founding father that changed the tide of the revolution, and helped create a country of freedom and prosperity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
I loved this book! It reads quickly and had lots of rich details about 18th century life that I appreciated. The immersive storytelling made Hancock feel three-dimensional and enriched my understanding of the American Revolution, a time period I don't often read about. Learning about how Hancock gained popularity with a wide range of people--earning the nickname "King Hancock"--helped me understand more about the politics at the time.
December 26, 2023
An enlightening account of the larger than life character of John Hancock! His role in the acceptance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution has been missed in our education so we enjoyed learning about his compelling role. Barbier makes it an enjoyable read, with the descriptions of the place, people and time period, too.
February 19, 2024
I was expecting to read something new in this just out biography on John Hancock. Instead, I found he was often absent from the narrative and did not really learn anything new about him, frankly. This pop history book would be fine for a first time reader trying to learn more of an overview about this subject.
February 27, 2024
I just happened to pick this book up off the "new non-fiction" shelf at my local library. I appreciate a good history book now and then and this one did not disappoint. I was fascinated by Hancock's ability to welcome and hear both sides of discussions. Also his open heart to all comers. A well written and easy read for those who find history interesting.
July 24, 2024
The Consummate Politician
I did not know much about John Hancock expect his status as a Founding Father of the United States. He was not unlike many modern politicians in the United States today. His vanity and ego were outsized, but his character, while not above reproach, was generally decent.
I did not know much about John Hancock expect his status as a Founding Father of the United States. He was not unlike many modern politicians in the United States today. His vanity and ego were outsized, but his character, while not above reproach, was generally decent.
April 4, 2024
The importance of a moderate voice in the success of the Revolution is Barbier’s thesis. While convincing, her style of writing is a bit simplistic and makes some big leaps of interpretation. This is a book also about Boston itself, and for me that part was the best of the book.
August 18, 2024
From History Happy Hour: “Today most people remember little more about John Hancock than his signature, but 250 years ago this Boston businessman was a powerful and popular patriot leader who, on multiple occasions, played a vital role in the fight for Independence.”
August 28, 2024
I particularly enjoyed the behind the scenes information about how he was treated by John Adams et. al.
After the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, Hancock deftly handled the rebellions that developed out of the tension between states rights and federal power.
After the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, Hancock deftly handled the rebellions that developed out of the tension between states rights and federal power.
June 29, 2025
Fascinating read of John Hancock. More moderate of the Founding Fathers, and worked to bring all sides together. First governor of Massachusetts. Well worth the time to read.. especially with the 250th birthday of the nation next year.
September 22, 2024
Solid biography of one of the most influential founding fathers.
November 4, 2025
Loved it!
I can see this as a TV series!
I can see this as a TV series!
October 28, 2024
Finally a good book about John Hancock, written by an actual historian. Well- researched and thoughtful, Barbier cast him in his usual light but with much more context, and perspective from the time. He was a complicated man, who shouldn’t be reduced to his vanity and pursuit of his own interests.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews