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Biographies of US Presidents - Hourly History #2
John Adams: A Life from Beginning to End
John Adams * * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * * Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet. The drama of the life of the second president of the United States has been stirringly chronicled both in print and on television. Yet the life of John Adams is so rich in history, emotion, power, and tragedy that no medium can entirely contain its essence. Reading the story of his life is to be introduced to a nation, new and untried, that would rise to prominence in no small part due to his legacy of leadership. Inside you will read about... ✓ John Adams, the Farmer’s Son ✓ John Adams Begins His Career ✓ The Man from Massachusetts ✓ Adams in Philadelphia ✓ Destination Europe ✓ An Experiment in Nationhood ✓ President ✓ A Friendship Restored John Adams was no bland hero; he had his personal blemishes, and he made his share of mistakes. He was born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and died a citizen of the United States. Along with his wife, the impressive Abigail Smith Adams, the minister’s daughter whose lack of formal education did not hinder her intellectual advances, John Adams sired a political dynasty that served the United States well.
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2016
220 people are currently reading
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 25, 2017
This was an excellent introduction to the life of the 2nd President, and I learned a fair amount from it. Particularly important was the information about his wife Abigail, who sounds like a fascinating person.
November 22, 2017
“Behind every great man is a woman”
The concept that a good teacher can work wonders is aptly demonstrated with John Adams, the second President of the United States. He was born on a Massachusetts farm on October 30, 1735. To his parent’s chagrin, as a child, he was more interested in hunting and outdoor life. His parents tried various methods and schools to get him interested in learning but only when they employ a private tutor, Joseph Marsh did their efforts bear fruit.
After graduating from Harvard College in 1755, he was in a quandary as what to do with his life. Like many people (then and now), he decided to study law. He met and eventually married Abigail Smith on October 25, 1764. The two were made for each other, sharing many common interests. At the time of their births, the colonists were tightly bound to their English ancestry. This slowly changed with the passing of time; speeding up with the passing of the Townsend Act in 1767.
Adams’ legal talent and love for justice were demonstrated when he successfully represented seven British soldiers, charged with murder during the infamous Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. This is just one of the many quirks in the life, principles, and accomplishment of this truly extraordinary man. Many of his life’s accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible if his wife, Abigail didn’t keep the home-fires burning.
“I read my eyes out and can’t read half enough ….. the more one reads, the more one sees we have to read.” John Adams
This was a man after my own heart!
The concept that a good teacher can work wonders is aptly demonstrated with John Adams, the second President of the United States. He was born on a Massachusetts farm on October 30, 1735. To his parent’s chagrin, as a child, he was more interested in hunting and outdoor life. His parents tried various methods and schools to get him interested in learning but only when they employ a private tutor, Joseph Marsh did their efforts bear fruit.
After graduating from Harvard College in 1755, he was in a quandary as what to do with his life. Like many people (then and now), he decided to study law. He met and eventually married Abigail Smith on October 25, 1764. The two were made for each other, sharing many common interests. At the time of their births, the colonists were tightly bound to their English ancestry. This slowly changed with the passing of time; speeding up with the passing of the Townsend Act in 1767.
Adams’ legal talent and love for justice were demonstrated when he successfully represented seven British soldiers, charged with murder during the infamous Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. This is just one of the many quirks in the life, principles, and accomplishment of this truly extraordinary man. Many of his life’s accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible if his wife, Abigail didn’t keep the home-fires burning.
“I read my eyes out and can’t read half enough ….. the more one reads, the more one sees we have to read.” John Adams
This was a man after my own heart!
April 13, 2019
I had read the One Hour History of both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and so of course I needed to read this biography of John Adams to fill in the gaps. I learned a lot, and I wish to read a book on his wife, Abigail Adams, for it sounds as though she was just as much a remarkable genius as was her husband. She wrote to her husband to "remember the ladies" when the rights of men were protected by law. Abigail's reminder to John has a certain poignancy when we think of all the Patriot wives who were keeping homes and families together while their husbands were off doing manly statesmanship. She warned him, "Do not put such unlimited power in the hands of the husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could." She predicted that one day the time would come when the ladies would have a rebellion of their own and not be bound by "any laws in which we have no voice or representation."
April 7, 2021
Another great founding father of the nation
Here are somethings that I learn from this book. Our second president lived longest among his peers, 1735---1826, much longer than the first president, longer than Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps because of this--- he didn't like school when he was little and spent tons of time outside, doing farm work, riding horses, all this physical activities helped build a strong constitution. I wish I had read this book when I was younger so I would have had more outdoor activities! Too late now. Another thing that surprises me is the relationship between president and vice president. I can't imagine they work against each other today.
Here are somethings that I learn from this book. Our second president lived longest among his peers, 1735---1826, much longer than the first president, longer than Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Perhaps because of this--- he didn't like school when he was little and spent tons of time outside, doing farm work, riding horses, all this physical activities helped build a strong constitution. I wish I had read this book when I was younger so I would have had more outdoor activities! Too late now. Another thing that surprises me is the relationship between president and vice president. I can't imagine they work against each other today.
December 27, 2017
Enjoyed very much. Good, concise history. I never realized how great were the separations from his family in the service of his country. One separation between John and Abigail was five years!!! I especially enjoyed the chapter about how the reconciliation between Jefferson and Adams came about through the intervention of a third party. And I’ve always been fascinated that both men died on the same date in 1826—July 4.
June 30, 2019
John and Abigail Adams midwives to the birth of a nation.
His decision to defend the soldiers charged in the Boston Massacre was a professional choice that revealed a man whose devotion to the law was stronger than his own political views.
She was his greatest confident and the two forged international diplomacy. Abigail was also the economic force that kept family and homestead.
His decision to defend the soldiers charged in the Boston Massacre was a professional choice that revealed a man whose devotion to the law was stronger than his own political views.
She was his greatest confident and the two forged international diplomacy. Abigail was also the economic force that kept family and homestead.
May 21, 2023
John Adams and his Devotion
I loved this book. However.... My enjoyment was derived more from what I read about his Wife Abigail. I have a bit of hero worship for her and feel inspired to read about her life. I am inspired by John Adams when he chose to take the case and represent the men according to the laws and at great peril to himself. Courage!!!
I loved this book. However.... My enjoyment was derived more from what I read about his Wife Abigail. I have a bit of hero worship for her and feel inspired to read about her life. I am inspired by John Adams when he chose to take the case and represent the men according to the laws and at great peril to himself. Courage!!!
July 30, 2020
Good historical presidential book. I love this series.
This was a great historical prospectus of our second president and the series is excellent. I highly recommend this and all the books in this series for a short and concise looks at all our presidents of the U.S.
This was a great historical prospectus of our second president and the series is excellent. I highly recommend this and all the books in this series for a short and concise looks at all our presidents of the U.S.
May 4, 2021
Provided plenty of detail
This was the 4th president history read so far. I found the desk in this short book to be rich enough that I felt I learned more than just a high level overview of this important figure
This was the 4th president history read so far. I found the desk in this short book to be rich enough that I felt I learned more than just a high level overview of this important figure
April 4, 2022
Misunderstood President
Learned a lot about our 2nd president, plus how elections were handled, the friendship between Adams and Jefferson, the behind the scene backstabbing of Hamilton, and Adams wife Abigail
Learned a lot about our 2nd president, plus how elections were handled, the friendship between Adams and Jefferson, the behind the scene backstabbing of Hamilton, and Adams wife Abigail
April 28, 2022
Patriots Heart
I have always admired John and Abigail Adams as stalwart founders of this nation. They loved and worked as a team even though often apart. I enjoyed this quick read. Thank you.
I have always admired John and Abigail Adams as stalwart founders of this nation. They loved and worked as a team even though often apart. I enjoyed this quick read. Thank you.
March 25, 2025
John Adams
Good book for learning John Adams accomplishments, disappointments, and leadership for a young country. His leadership is often overlooked yet the precedents flow through to this day.
Good book for learning John Adams accomplishments, disappointments, and leadership for a young country. His leadership is often overlooked yet the precedents flow through to this day.
August 14, 2025
It was good
I didn't know much about President Adam's so this was helpful. I wish there was a little more to it, but if you have a school project that is do this book will help put a lot.
I didn't know much about President Adam's so this was helpful. I wish there was a little more to it, but if you have a school project that is do this book will help put a lot.
September 6, 2025
John Adams: a life from beginning to end
Very useful introduction to this often overlooked figure in the history of the United States of America. How ironic that the present incumbent of the White House extols
none of the virtues of this giant.
Very useful introduction to this often overlooked figure in the history of the United States of America. How ironic that the present incumbent of the White House extols
none of the virtues of this giant.
March 30, 2018
More than I ever knew about John Adams. I'm glad I read it! t sounded to me like the Hourly History people really need to write biography on Abigail Adams.
May 29, 2019
Well spent hour
It was a delightful hour reading the biography of John Adams. I imagined being a part of that time period and I am grateful for the founding Fathers.
It was a delightful hour reading the biography of John Adams. I imagined being a part of that time period and I am grateful for the founding Fathers.
August 18, 2019
A good read about a character who I didn't think I was that interested in. I preferred other Hourly History books, but the style and engagement was still the same for me.
December 14, 2019
Great book
July 7, 2021
Great book! Learning a lot about our forefathers.
July 1, 2024
John Adam’s Light
A very enjoyable read. I appreciate learning about Adams without having to read a 500 plus page book. Well done.
A very enjoyable read. I appreciate learning about Adams without having to read a 500 plus page book. Well done.
March 23, 2023
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
June 25, 2020
Kindle read --Hourly history
May 17, 2018
Interesting short biography of the USAs 2nd president. Informative as I didn't know a lot about this particular character.
January 22, 2019
Another good read
A nice synopsis of a very complicated man during a very complicated time. Would recommend this as a good evening read by the fire
A nice synopsis of a very complicated man during a very complicated time. Would recommend this as a good evening read by the fire
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews