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John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot
PRAISE FOR HARLOW GILES UNGER'S NOAH THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN AMERICAN PATRIOT"Noah Webster was a truly remarkable man; shrewd, passionate, learned and energetic, God-fearing and patriotic. Mr. Unger has done a fine job reintroducing him to a new generation of Americans."-Washington Times
"Superb biography. . . . Don't miss this stirring book." -Florence King, The American Spectator
"Superb biography. . . . Don't miss this stirring book." -Florence King, The American Spectator
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2000
20 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Harlow Giles Unger
37 books172 followersHarlow Giles Unger is an American author, historian, journalist, broadcaster, and educator known for his extensive work on American history and education. Educated at the Taft School, Yale College, and California State University, Unger began his career as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune Overseas News Service in Paris. He later wrote for newspapers and magazines across Britain, Canada, and other countries, while also working in radio broadcasting and teaching English and journalism at New York-area colleges.
Unger has written over twenty-seven books, including ten biographies of America's Founding Fathers and a notable biography of Henry Clay. His historical works include Noah Webster: The Life and Times of an American Patriot, The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation’s Call to Greatness, and First Founding Father: Richard Henry Lee and the Call to Independence. He is also the author of the Encyclopedia of American Education, a three-volume reference work.
A former Distinguished Visiting Fellow in American History at Mount Vernon, Unger has lived in Paris and currently resides in New York City. An avid skier and horseman, he has spent time in Chamonix, France, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He has one son, Richard C. Unger.
Unger has written over twenty-seven books, including ten biographies of America's Founding Fathers and a notable biography of Henry Clay. His historical works include Noah Webster: The Life and Times of an American Patriot, The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation’s Call to Greatness, and First Founding Father: Richard Henry Lee and the Call to Independence. He is also the author of the Encyclopedia of American Education, a three-volume reference work.
A former Distinguished Visiting Fellow in American History at Mount Vernon, Unger has lived in Paris and currently resides in New York City. An avid skier and horseman, he has spent time in Chamonix, France, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He has one son, Richard C. Unger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 31, 2023
I found Harlow Giles Unger’s biography of John Hancock most interesting. Unger did an excellent job of weaving facts acquired from various sources into a fairly fast-moving story. The research was meticulous and Unger’s storytelling was superb. My only complaint is Unger’s approach to Samuel Adams and John Quincy Adams. I think he overdid the disagreement between Sam Adams and John Hancock and went on to paint Sam Adams in a negative manner.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and seventeen minutes. David Stifel does a great job narrating the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and seventeen minutes. David Stifel does a great job narrating the book.
October 5, 2013
A very easy to read biography of one of the lesser known founding fathers. Having read extensively on the American Revolution and many biographies on several of the patriots, this book is revealing on how underappreciated and unrecognized were Hancock's contributions to the birth of the new nation. In many books he is barely mentioned at all, or portrayed as a nonessential character, such as that his role as president of the first Continental Congress was merely a figurehead, worthless position. This book presents a consistent argument for his importance in American politics, both national and as governor of Massachusetts.
Hancock was the owner of a flourishing and very savvy merchant business and was, by today's standards, a multi-millionaire. He almost singlehandedly funded the new continental army for weapons and supplies, and was very generous to the poor in Boston, using his own funds to help them out of hard times such as providing firewood in the dead of winter, rebuilding businesses burnt down in fires, donating a "fire engine" to the city, making improvements to the city and beautifying Boston Common, and was very much beloved by the citizens of Boston for his generosity. He would drive around the city in his carriage interacting with the people and if someone had a need he would help. They loved him, and after the war they continuously elected him governor. Hancock used his business acumen to run government in an efficient and just manner. He also used his money and stature for political maneuvering, lavishly wooing the French naval commanders after a disastrous battle in Rhode Island, when they were ready to do an about face and sail back to France. His skills as an American ambassador played a large role in cementing the French and American alliance. He recognized that some of the most important battles could be won in the dining room over a bottle of fine Madeira wine rather than on the battlefield.
Yes, Hancock loved fancy clothes and even fancier carriages, and loved to parade around Boston Common in fancy regalia with his own little troop, doing drills. I feel he can be excused for his foppishness in light of all his contributions to the American cause, his brilliance as a fair and skillful executive as president of the Continental Congress and as governor of Massachusetts, his generosity, and his political acumen as mediator extraordinaire. The author treats Samuel Adams harshly, almost depicting him as merely a jealous troublemaker, and treats John Adams only a little better. He does not judge Hancock at all for his shortcomings, and emphasizes the positive things he accomplished. I enjoyed this biography of this underappreciated patriot, and was shocked to learn at the end of the book that it took 100 years for Mr. Hancock to finally receive a headstone on his grave at the Old Granary Burying Ground in Boston!
Hancock was the owner of a flourishing and very savvy merchant business and was, by today's standards, a multi-millionaire. He almost singlehandedly funded the new continental army for weapons and supplies, and was very generous to the poor in Boston, using his own funds to help them out of hard times such as providing firewood in the dead of winter, rebuilding businesses burnt down in fires, donating a "fire engine" to the city, making improvements to the city and beautifying Boston Common, and was very much beloved by the citizens of Boston for his generosity. He would drive around the city in his carriage interacting with the people and if someone had a need he would help. They loved him, and after the war they continuously elected him governor. Hancock used his business acumen to run government in an efficient and just manner. He also used his money and stature for political maneuvering, lavishly wooing the French naval commanders after a disastrous battle in Rhode Island, when they were ready to do an about face and sail back to France. His skills as an American ambassador played a large role in cementing the French and American alliance. He recognized that some of the most important battles could be won in the dining room over a bottle of fine Madeira wine rather than on the battlefield.
Yes, Hancock loved fancy clothes and even fancier carriages, and loved to parade around Boston Common in fancy regalia with his own little troop, doing drills. I feel he can be excused for his foppishness in light of all his contributions to the American cause, his brilliance as a fair and skillful executive as president of the Continental Congress and as governor of Massachusetts, his generosity, and his political acumen as mediator extraordinaire. The author treats Samuel Adams harshly, almost depicting him as merely a jealous troublemaker, and treats John Adams only a little better. He does not judge Hancock at all for his shortcomings, and emphasizes the positive things he accomplished. I enjoyed this biography of this underappreciated patriot, and was shocked to learn at the end of the book that it took 100 years for Mr. Hancock to finally receive a headstone on his grave at the Old Granary Burying Ground in Boston!
December 5, 2022
Plenty of other readers have written full reviews, so I won't reduplicate their efforts. One thing that seems to be missing from the conversation is that, while this is generally well-written biography of an important figure before, during, and after the American War of Independence, the book is problematic. It was hard to ever feel at ease with the book because of the sometimes-slippery timeline and a number of outright errors of history.
A few examples: Unger states that Captain John Parker, the militia leader in command on the Lexington Green during the Battle of Lexington, was shot and then bayonetted during the action. Unger seems to have confused Captain Parker with his cousin, Jonas Parker. John Parker, in fact, survived the day only to die of tuberculosis that August. Later in the book, Unger tells how Benedict Arnold and his men, after suffering defeat at the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, fled northward. However, Arnold actually fled south toward Fort Ticonderoga.
Are these fatal flaws? Maybe, maybe not. But they did damage my trust in Unger's work and leave me wondering how much faith I could put in the details.
A few examples: Unger states that Captain John Parker, the militia leader in command on the Lexington Green during the Battle of Lexington, was shot and then bayonetted during the action. Unger seems to have confused Captain Parker with his cousin, Jonas Parker. John Parker, in fact, survived the day only to die of tuberculosis that August. Later in the book, Unger tells how Benedict Arnold and his men, after suffering defeat at the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, fled northward. However, Arnold actually fled south toward Fort Ticonderoga.
Are these fatal flaws? Maybe, maybe not. But they did damage my trust in Unger's work and leave me wondering how much faith I could put in the details.
December 16, 2021
I've read a lot of books about the American Revolution period, and John Hancock pops up in a lot of them as a colorful side character. I'm also told he's one of my ancestors, so I figured it was time I learned more about him.
And I did learn a lot from this book. It's crazy how much John Hancock did as a founder--and all we remember him for is his signature. Didn't really care for the writing, though. The author seems extremely reluctant to say anything bad about John Hancock, and the writing is a bit dry (and relies too much on letters and personal accounts from the time. I always find written accounts from this time period to be a bit painful to read). So, not the best biography I've read, but I don't regret reading it.
And I did learn a lot from this book. It's crazy how much John Hancock did as a founder--and all we remember him for is his signature. Didn't really care for the writing, though. The author seems extremely reluctant to say anything bad about John Hancock, and the writing is a bit dry (and relies too much on letters and personal accounts from the time. I always find written accounts from this time period to be a bit painful to read). So, not the best biography I've read, but I don't regret reading it.
February 4, 2012
John Hancock by Harlow Unger is an excellent addition to the literature on the Revolutionary War. It takes a very fresh approach to the often stale ideas of why the revolution started. It alleges that the early phase of the push towards war had little to do with liberty and everything to do with personal vendetta and economics. He clearly articulates the personal animosity of Otis and Sam Adams towards the royal governor and their constant push to rally the mob via the Sons of Liberty. Also shown is the merchant class led by Hancock who felt the squeeze of British taxes and policies and pushed back with their agents in London. As the situation became untenable in London it became necessary for the merchants via Hancock to take control of the mobs and direct their focus. One of the most important contributions to the Revolution that Hancock makes is the funding. At various points Hancock is almost single-handedly funding out of his own pocket and raising money via the merchant class to buy guns, pay troops, and cover the expenses of entertaining diplomats.
There are a few problems with this book that do need to be addressed. The author points out that Hancock was in the right place at the right time in many cases and often ended up in his positions via luck more than political maneuvering. The author credits Hancock with being ahead of the curve each time and in some cases this is simply not true when events were started by others. There is a clear distaste for John Adams and while post revolution it is easy to find fault with the Jacobin tendencies it seems he is treated very harsh by Unger.
Overall it is still refreshing to see a different take on why the revolution started and looking past the Sam Adams bias it is a four start book. Highly recommended for those who have read a lot of American Revolution and are looking for a fresh approach.
There are a few problems with this book that do need to be addressed. The author points out that Hancock was in the right place at the right time in many cases and often ended up in his positions via luck more than political maneuvering. The author credits Hancock with being ahead of the curve each time and in some cases this is simply not true when events were started by others. There is a clear distaste for John Adams and while post revolution it is easy to find fault with the Jacobin tendencies it seems he is treated very harsh by Unger.
Overall it is still refreshing to see a different take on why the revolution started and looking past the Sam Adams bias it is a four start book. Highly recommended for those who have read a lot of American Revolution and are looking for a fresh approach.
January 10, 2019
I like Unger's biographies for a few reasons. He picks interesting people that are not as covered as people like Lincoln, Washington and Kennedy. He has a real knack for telling an interesting story and he keeps it brief. I love a great 1000 page biography as much as the next history buff but I don't need 1000 pages on every single person I read about.
This Unger book is about an underappreciated founding father John Hancock. Like all of the signers he risk his life in signing the Declaration of Independence and he had as much to lose as anybody. A very successful merchant it would have been understandable if he was ok with how things were going under British rule.
This Unger book is about an underappreciated founding father John Hancock. Like all of the signers he risk his life in signing the Declaration of Independence and he had as much to lose as anybody. A very successful merchant it would have been understandable if he was ok with how things were going under British rule.
October 15, 2024
John Hancock is a fascinating historical figure. Heir to the House of Hancock established by his childless uncle, he turned his inheritance into an empire that supported his public life as a Founding Father of the country he helped create. Beginning as a most unlikely revolutionary, British taxation and other policies drove him into rebellion. During his lifetime from 1737 to 1793, his service as financier, member and President of the Continental Congress and Constitutional Convention and Governor of Massachusetts put Hancock in contact with many American leaders of the Revolution. George Washington, John and Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, make their appearances in this
I appreciate this book for several reasons. First is the introduction to this crucial personality in Boston’s development and road to Revolution. In addition are the accounts of the issues and events in which Hancock participated. Instrumental in the Colonial response to the Stamp and Townsend Acts and Tea tax, Hancock set the stage on which he and other colonial leaders would play their parts. Battles at Quebec, Trenton, Saratoga and Newport are chronicled. Readers of this volume will come to understand that, rather than proceeding in unison, the Revolutionary movement was cloven by disagreements over policy and means and personal rivalries.
Author Harlow Giles Unger has woven the tale of an extraordinary life into history of a unique era. I recommend “John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot” to readers seeking an interesting biography and a journey through the backstage of Eighteenth-century Boston.
I appreciate this book for several reasons. First is the introduction to this crucial personality in Boston’s development and road to Revolution. In addition are the accounts of the issues and events in which Hancock participated. Instrumental in the Colonial response to the Stamp and Townsend Acts and Tea tax, Hancock set the stage on which he and other colonial leaders would play their parts. Battles at Quebec, Trenton, Saratoga and Newport are chronicled. Readers of this volume will come to understand that, rather than proceeding in unison, the Revolutionary movement was cloven by disagreements over policy and means and personal rivalries.
Author Harlow Giles Unger has woven the tale of an extraordinary life into history of a unique era. I recommend “John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot” to readers seeking an interesting biography and a journey through the backstage of Eighteenth-century Boston.
November 17, 2025
Overall, the book provides solid information about John Hancock. It’s remarkable how little most people know about this Founding Father beyond his famous signature, and the author does a good job filling in that gap.
What I didn’t like was the framing of Hancock as the hero and Samuel Adams as the villain. I understand the desire to add tension, but the result is that Adams often seems less likable than Thomas Hutchinson, which feels unfair and historically misleading. While Hancock and Adams had their differences, they also worked well together for much of their careers.
I was also struck by how reluctant the author was to criticize Hancock. Even when criticism seemed warranted, the narrative tended to excuse or justify his actions. That imbalance weakened the book’s credibility for me.
What I didn’t like was the framing of Hancock as the hero and Samuel Adams as the villain. I understand the desire to add tension, but the result is that Adams often seems less likable than Thomas Hutchinson, which feels unfair and historically misleading. While Hancock and Adams had their differences, they also worked well together for much of their careers.
I was also struck by how reluctant the author was to criticize Hancock. Even when criticism seemed warranted, the narrative tended to excuse or justify his actions. That imbalance weakened the book’s credibility for me.
September 6, 2022
This is one of those books that you read and realize how your history teachers failed you. Harlow Giles Unger has written an incredibly entertaining and educational account of the life of John Hancock. In John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot, Unger lets us know undisputedly that there is more to John Hancock than a signature. There are so many things that I learned about this founding father from this book that to begin a list here would be unfair to all of us. Just suffice to say that we need more lessons on John Hancock! This book should be required reading for our American history teachers!
January 27, 2022
More interesting than the Patrick Henry biography because Hancock has a much more considerable historical record, yet more problematic because Unger shows complete contempt for a couple of characters in here, particularly Samuel Adams who he all but calls a terrorist in this. But this book still gave me a much greater appreciation for Hancock's role in America's story, so in that sense it is quite successful.
February 12, 2022
John Hancock, 37, was the only one to sign the Declaration of Independence for a month. He was really the first President of the States. His grave was unmarked for 100 years after his death, yet he matters greatly to the Revolution and its history. Just a few corrections of history I discovered in this book, which I recommend to those who like to read obscure history of historical figures who should matter more. 3.5 stars.
July 16, 2023
Most people know John Hancock by his signature only. The author gives a vivid description of Hancock's life from a young boy to his death. His intelligence, wealth and sacrifice all come out in this book. His ability as a great businessman helps in his quest for an independent country and leads to his political career. Many people loved him, some opposed him but why is he almost forgotten to history? Enjoy this book and learn about a true Patriot!
June 10, 2019
Another great work by Harlow Giles Unger. A clear and insightful narrative of the life of one of the greatest patriots, John Hancock. A must read for any history, leadership or American history buff. A very well written book and in many ways a page turner. I highly recommend reading this as Unger's Patrick Henry. Terrific narratives about often forgotten American Revolutionary heroes.
July 1, 2019
John Hancock was a greatly unstudied founding father. Author aHarlow Unger provided great research. Also this book gives a “behind the scenes” view of the entire period. Hancock was an American aristocrat who lived a flamboyant and yet extremely benevolent life. He was well loved by the people. A must read to understand the background of the revolution.
September 16, 2023
Biography of John Hancock
Very informative and fact based. Unger gives you a solid understanding of what Hancock did and his character. Also many quotes are included that reflect English use of the day and how the business of government was conducted. A great read full of important information about the beginnings of our country, America.
Very informative and fact based. Unger gives you a solid understanding of what Hancock did and his character. Also many quotes are included that reflect English use of the day and how the business of government was conducted. A great read full of important information about the beginnings of our country, America.
March 5, 2025
Before reading this all I knew about Hancock was his huge signature on the Declaration of Independence. Reading this made me appreciate the extraordinary sacrifices made by him and so many other founding fathers.
The title of this book should be changed to John Hancock: The First President of America. He was that important.
The title of this book should be changed to John Hancock: The First President of America. He was that important.
October 13, 2025
John Hancock is more complicated than I would have thought. It is a fascinating story about his beginnings and how he became one of America's richest men. The way he moved from love of England to President of the continental congress, signing the declaration of independence so broadly. It is hard to grasp all the many fascist of this man's character.
August 26, 2021
Well written. Interesting to learn about John Hancock. Many only remember his signature on the Declaration of Independence, but as one reads this book, you will learn there is more than just a signature. He made sacrifices for the country and his own state.
June 15, 2023
Super wealthy colonist and leader. Wealthy merchant, as were most of the founding fathers. American Revolution was large due to new crown ferrites imposed on wealthy landowners. Hamilton personally funded many of the soldiers pay and equipment
July 27, 2024
Excellent biography About a patriot often relegated to having the big signature on the Declaration of Independence. Without Hancock there might not be a United States! Strongly recommend this book. Well written and documented.
September 22, 2025
Not knowing much about Hancock this is a great story to give you an overview of his life and service to our country. I found the author strongly favored Hancock and next to never speaks well of the Adams’s.
January 10, 2024
Incredible what some did to found our nation.
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April 3, 2024Without his considerable financial contributions and leadership the United States of America most likely would never have been.
June 4, 2025
I need to read everything this author has ever written. Also addicted to John Hancocks frenemy relationship w local grifter Sam Adams
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June 9, 2025Solid overall analysis, probably won't suprise most people familiar with him; doesn't get into personal motivations a lot deals more with his business and public life.
March 15, 2017
3.5 Stars The story of the man behind the famous signature. After reading this book, I could envision Hancock as one of the great Caesar's of Rome. A man of immense wealth and expensive taste, yet worried about the "common people" and public works. Unger paints a good picture of the man and did his research, but he has some odd choices. For a 330 page book, he spends over 200 pages before he even gets to the Revolutionary War. His only 2 children die at a very young age, but he spends about one paragraph on them. Also, he has the tendency to make very demeaning comments about the looks of the historic women of the story, which seems out of place. He also has some biases which I think cloud him from some possible conclusions.
January 26, 2023
I would really like to know what horrible things Sam Adams did to the authors ancestors
February 10, 2016
Perhaps my reason for reading this biography was simplistic but I wanted to know more about the man behind the signature. Everyone knows Hancock's bold strokes on the Declaration of Independence. However, I knew very little about the man who signed the document, apparently alone at the time. After reading Mr. Unger's work, I've decided Hancock was a reluctant patriot at best. First and foremost he was a businessman and it wasn't until unrest in the colonies interfered with those ambitions did he become a patriot. Once the conversion took place, however, he was a very instrumental patriot. I was impressed with the detail Unger collected in describing this very colorful man and learned a great deal about the foundation of what would become the Bill of Rights. By the end of the biography, I was convinced that Hancock certainly should be included as one of the "founding fathers" of our country.
Yes Mr. Unger does lose some of his objectivity especially when describing the actions of Sam Adams but that can be forgiven because the overall weight of his research compensates for that loss of objectivity.
Yes Mr. Unger does lose some of his objectivity especially when describing the actions of Sam Adams but that can be forgiven because the overall weight of his research compensates for that loss of objectivity.
March 25, 2013
Leave it to Harlow Unger to take a subject/topic that we all think we know and make it a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening book. This is the first book that I read by the author, and his journalistic style of writing is fresh, offering facts that do not bog down in the historical pitfall, of overloaded information, that befall most professional historians. I found the story of Hancock's humble beginnings, being placed into a relative's family, and his native intelligence, abilities, coupled with hard work, that resulted in Hancock reaching the upper echelons of wealth and comfort to be fascinating and deserved. This is a tale for Americans today who expect everything to be given to them without working for it.
November 13, 2013
A must read for anyone who wishes to know more about John Hancock.
Still I have two gripes about this book. At times it is overly detailed and Unger is very biased. He continually puts "The Last of the Puritans", Samuel Adams, down. Adams is portrayed as a power hungry scoundrel. I bring this up because this is the case throughout through much of the book. In that respect Unger did almost a too good a job in writing Hancock's biography; it is as if he is viewing Adams through Hancock's eyes.
Still I have two gripes about this book. At times it is overly detailed and Unger is very biased. He continually puts "The Last of the Puritans", Samuel Adams, down. Adams is portrayed as a power hungry scoundrel. I bring this up because this is the case throughout through much of the book. In that respect Unger did almost a too good a job in writing Hancock's biography; it is as if he is viewing Adams through Hancock's eyes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews