Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage

by Edith B. Gelles

“Fascinating...Gelles has provided a balanced portrait, and her mastery of the period’s issues and history is evident on every page. Her treatment of the family... [is] written with understanding and sensitivity... But it is her strength as a feminist historian that makes her treatment of Abigail the most gripping... masterful and captivating.”
— Washington Times

“A landmark... Well-organized and expertly composed, the book is an impressive addition to the nation’s written history.”
— Oklahoma City Oklahoman

Readers who enjoyed Doris Kearns Goodwin’s No Ordinary Time, Cokie Roberts’s Founding Mothers, and David McCullough’s John Adams will love “this eminently readable… charming and sensitive, yet candid and unflinching joint biography” (Daniel Walker Howe, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848) of America’s original “power couple”: Abigail and John Adams.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, American History, American Revolution, Biography Memoir, Historical

339 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2009

Reviews

[David Eppenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks ago I read "Louisa" a biography of the wife of John Quincy Adams. I knew nothing of this obscure woman in our history but was quite taken by her life after reading her story. However, I was appalled at the rather imperious treatment she frequently received from her husband, JQ. This man was the offspring of the most iconic and romantic marriage in American history, John and Abigail Adams. How could a son from such a union behave so indifferently and callously to his wife and life's partner? This biography caused me to recall that some time ago I had purchased a biography of the marriage of John and Abigail and placed on a shelf and forgot about it. Well now I had to search for it and place it on my TR shelf in order to understand how JQ became such a jerk. Reading "John and Abigail" has shed light on the behavior of JQ and if you are interested in that understanding then I suggest to read this book and maybe "Louisa" as well but JQ's behavior is not what this review should be about. This review is and should be about two people in our history that should be better known and revered than they are, John and Abigail Adams of Braintree, Mass.

I have read a couple of biographies of John Adams and no biography of John is complete without significant treatment of his wife and life partner Abigail. I have also read several other biographies of our Founders and in virtually all of them John and Abigail are featured characters. So I started this biography of their marriage with what I thought was a rather thorough knowledge of this couple. I was wrong. This book details the real lives of these two people, how they felt about each other and others, what they witnessed as our early history unfolded before them, what they endured together and apart. It also lays before the reader the inner being of these two souls. Yes, they were possessed of great virtues and strengths but they also had serious faults, flaws, and weaknesses. I have long sympathized with Abigail's plight of being abandoned by John in Congress while she was left to manage the family and the family farm. Well this was certainly the case and she endured this hardship silently but she did it willingly as well and it became a tempering experience for her. She not only succeeded in managing the family and the farm but she also took over the management of John's financial investments at a time when a woman was not permitted to own land in her own name let alone manage investments and she succeeded. But Abigail was a real woman and she missed her husband and she made this known to John frequently. I am not suggesting she sent letters of sentimental longing. Not Abigail, she wanted him home and she wanted him ASAP. She understood his sense of duty and obligation to his country but she also believed there were limits to how much the country should expect from John and she felt that that limit had been exceeded. She wanted him home. He didn't return and she accepted this decision, silently. She also understood her duty and obligation to her husband and her country. This is an incredibly insightful book about two incredible people we are fortunate to have had as part of our national history. I have long wondered why there is no statue or memorial to Adams in Washington D.C. Understandably there is one for Washington and not so understandably one for Jefferson. I always thought it would be appropriate to have a statue of John Adams sitting at a desk looking toward the Washington Monument. After reading this book I have a greater appreciation of Abigail's role in our Founding and what an inspiration she should be to the women of America. So that statue of John that I imagine should have Abigail standing behind John with her hand on his shoulder while she looks over her shoulder at the Jefferson Memorial. No book I have read thus far has given me a better understanding of John and Abigail Adams and their place in our history.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women rarely feature in American revolutionary history but Abigail Adams is a wonderful exception. It is thanks to the immense letter and journal writing habits of the Adamses that we know so much of the events of revolutionary America and the early setting of the government.

Unlike many marriages of the time, theirs was a love match. And it is thanks to Abigail's parents who encouraged the education of their daughters and her husband John's progressive attitudes, that Abigail was allowed to be more than a mother to his children and a housekeeper.

The author, using the invaluable sources of letters and journals, makes this history come alive.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated by Abigail Adams I thought she was a women ahead of her time. This book is a bit different in that the main topic is the marriage of the Adams which lasted 53 years. The book is well researched, well written and Gelles tries to be neutral in her writing. Gelles used the letters between John and Abigail to carry her story of the two. I had always secretly wondered if either of them had affairs during their long separations. Gelles never reveals any such affairs but the picture she portrays of Abigail, I would have to say, she did not, because of her strict Puritan beliefs, still not sure about John. Enjoyed the section of the book where Abigail joins John in France then England. Found Abigail's reaction to the French & British culture interesting. The book is mainly about the two of them with just a brief passing of a few other such a Franklin and Jefferson when they intersected the Adams in France. If you enjoy history you will enjoy this book.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this over quite some time but I really enjoyed it. The subtitle reads, "A Portrait of a Marriage" and Gelles gives the reader a wonderful picture of a marriage to admire, one based on deep and abiding mutual respect and adoration and duty to a common purpose -- raising a good family and serving (even building) the nation. Abigail and John were so devoted and in love with one another throughout their marriage. That they were able to support and nurture each other, their family and the country in the face of unimaginable challenges as two of the nation's founding parents (very long separations, poor systems of communication, war, ugly politics), and on top of the every day challenges (economic hardships, family challenges, loss, poor health), is absolutely incredible. The first hand sources really capture the deep sentiments that John and Abigail had for one another and made me very teary when John wrote about Abigail when she died. The other great thing about this book that in illuminating a marriage, Gelles wrote a great book about American history. It's a two-for-one deal!

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Abigail Adams is a new hero of mine. She was a faithful wife, a faithful citizen, and a determined woman. With struggle after struggle, she faced many hardships without her husband, and received little credit.

Honestly, I didn't finish this book on time for my book club, because the end was boring.

[Amanda Cain · Rating 1 out of 5]

My least favorite bio of the Adams family. The author came at their family with a warped, staunchly feministic worldview, and pretty much twisted their life and letters into pretzels trying to fit them into her revisionist mold. Would not recommend!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I've read biographies of both John & Abigail Adams, but this book shed new light on not only their relationship with each other but also their relationships with their children and what they were going through. There was a lot of new information from letters that they wrote to each other and their friends that I hadn't read before. It puts a different perspective on things. They definitely had an amazing relationship and marriage.

The only thing that I didn't like was that the last part of the lives (after John Adams wasn't President anymore) was kind of glossed over, and they still had many years left after they left Washington and public life.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abigail is one of my favorite women from history! I'm reading this to learn more about the real Abigail, as my most vivid knowledge of her is actually the image of her fictinal counterpart in the musical "1776".

This biography of their marriage shows that the bond between John and Abigail was one of love, passion, and mutual support. Gelles is not that graceful a writer; the book is somewhat academic in tone. However, it is very readable and worth the time to get to know how Abigail and John made a success of a marriage during which they spent literally decades apart from each other.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good history and biography, replete with primary sources--mostly letters from and to the principles.

Two factors mar the text: first, Gelles practice of explaining that which need no explaining, often the archaic vocabulary. And second, paradoxically, Gelles own archaic vocabulary. For example, we might expect the Adamses to use "palliate" as a verb, but hardly expect to find it in twenty-first century prose.

Cover art: particularly liked the juxtaposing of parts of the two Gilbert portraits.

[Megowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. Abigail and John have been of interest to me since 1976 and the PBS series "The Adams Chronicles." This book was what I like to call "easy" history. The facts are there, but not in a heavily academic way. There was, for me, a lot of new information on Abigail's life without John while he was serving in both Philadelphia and Europe. Their separation was long. Her endeavors, and how she maintained the family, were fascinating. Yet, despite all her hard work for the economic well-being of the family, everything was in John's name. Very interesting.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was based on the letters Abigail and John Adams wrote to each other. Most of their married life was spent apart, due to John's political activities, so there were many letters to base the book on. I found it very interesting in depicting life in the US at the beginning of our country, and the sacrifices our founders made to make the union work.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about John and Abigail Adams. What a long and fascinating life they lived together. They were a part of and lived through the most important years of the founding and development of the United States. But more than that, they lived incredible personal lives they we are lucky to know about due to the thousands of letters they each wrote that have been preserved for the ages. There was nothing really new here from what I have read before, but the focus on their relationship throughout all the years - especially the many years apart when John was in Europe - was a nice perspective to read. Recommended for anyone who enjoys the time period or reading about inspiring historical people.

[Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

While still not the biggest fan of John Adams, this biography was enlightening. It is obvious the author was really invested in the relationship between Abigail and John. It was great reading about Abigail not as the wife of a founding father, but as her own person with desires and goals.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years, I've heard people talk about the letters exchanged between John and Abigail and their level of intimacy. I finally took time to investigate and read. This book is quite and lengthy experience. We learn of the early days and their family background. We follow them through courtship and marriage. Over the years, we see the personal details of their lives laid before us, in spite of their often referenced desire to have their letters destroyed, neither one did it.

We can see their joys and frustrations in personal life. I never thought our founding fathers struggled with money, but they did.

Because we're following their letters, some pieces of history I would have liked to learn weren't included except as side notes. In particular, I had wanted to learn of their experiences as the first couple in the white house, but that only occupied the space of a paragraph.

I appreciated seeing how they willingly put up with each others failings and stuck it out and in the end appreciated the journey. Good to know. Abigail certainly lived a stronger life than most people assume women of her time could. She had strong opinions and creatively used them to make a difference.

To those who enjoy history and harbor any curiousity about this couple, I recommend it whole heartedly.

[☯Emily Ginder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail and John Adams are a well-known eighteenth century couple. Many books have been written about each of them. This book looks at the marriage of the couple and how it survived long separations, hardships, problems with their children and their spouses, political treachery and betrayal of close friends and associates. Both Abigail and John were prolific letter writers and their thoughts about their marriage and love for each other, problems with their friends and family, and the politics surrounding the Revolution and John's presidency are revealed. The letters reveal their respect for some famous people, such as George and Martha Washington, and their distrust and disdain for others, such as Alexander Hamilton. I enjoyed reading the different perspectives of Abigail and John concerning the same event.

The book is easy to read and does not go into excessive depth about any portion of their lives. The focus is on their marriage, their dedication (duty) and sacrifice to the founding of a new political system, and the family tragedies they endured.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED it. For the quality of research and depth of discussion, this book is very easy to read and quite enjoyable. I'm amazed at the information I learned about this couple and the events they took part in in such a short time span. The author did a fantastic job explaining and connecting events and the Adam's thoughts, feelings, and opinions together in a way that not only paints them as human, but as the amazing, loving, passionate individuals they were. I now know more about the Revolution and the roots of our nation than I could have from many history classes, and I can't thank the author enough for it.

Now if only I could find more books like this... if there are any out there, I'm up for suggestions, please!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling and interesting glimpse into the lives of John and Abigail Adams. Edith B. Gelles has written a book that is anything but dry history, offering everyday details of their lives and times, and educated commentary on their communication. They were apart for the better part of 10 years during the early part of their marriage and yet continued to support and love, even adore one another in spite of the difficult circumstances. They wrote so many letters to each other during this time and Ms. Gelles interprets the puritan language of their letters into modern sentiments, transforming the "idea" of John and Abigail into the REAL John and Abigail, people not at all unlike you or me, but extraordinary at the same time.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail Adams has long interested me. She was far ahead of her times in her interest in abolishing slavery and rights for women. The relationship of John and Abigail has also interested me because they seemed to genuinly love eachother and were able to strengthen the other in difficult times. So I was very excited when I saw this book. I love that it is a dual biography so you are able to better understand both of their stories. It is truly inspiring to read everything they sacrificed for their belief in America and what it could be as a country.

[Blaise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because I find this time period and the Adamses so fascinating. It was well researched, but I didn't think the book was particularly well written, especially for someone who is so proud of her degrees from Cornell and Yale.

I also wouldn't say that the book was all that focused on the marriage of Abigail and John. I understand that the book needed to include some context of what is going on in John and Abigail's friends' and children's lives, but I found these contextual ramblings distracting, and not altogether critical to, or even supportive of, the thesis.

[Georgiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail and John had a marvelous relationship in spite of long separations due to their mutual respect. Although this book was written to highlight their marriage, you will find the relevance to today's politics astounding...such as the terrorist threat and the government's reaction (Alien and Sedition Act), the country's financial instability, the differing political factions,the protesters etc. Our country is rather like an adolescent who refuses to learn from wiser parents. The truth is we do not learn enough from the past. I also recommend the John Adams DVD series.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this double biography of Abigail and John Adams. I was impressed by their relationship (54 years), their service to the country, their love of family, and their feelings about education.

Sometimes I think we should get back to that seemingly old-fashioned "service to country" as a duty business. It would be an asset for our country's future.

I especially enjoyed reading this book in the month of July.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this joint biography of the second president, John Adams, and his wife, Abigail. The author used letters written by each of the Adamses and constructed her biography through the letters. It was almost like reading an autobiography. The story flowed easily and was quite interesting. It was not encumbered by too much detail as far as dates, names, etc. Yet, it gave a good synopsis of American history as it occurred in their lifetimes.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent portrait of the marriage of Abigail and John Adams that endured for more than fifty years. The author focuses on their relationship which began prior to the Revolutionary War and lasted into the early 19th century and the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. I have read several biographies of John Adams but this book provides additional insights based upon the voluminous correspondence between Abigail and John during their frequent periods of physical separation.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked using the format of a dual biography to study John & Abigail's lives, as it seemed to bring out insights about their character and motivations, and showed how personal and political often influenced each other. They were fascinating people, and I'm grateful for the sacrifices they made in doing what they felt was right.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting and I learned a lot of new things. I truly came to like and admire Abigail and I will admit that I am grateful that I am a woman now and not then. It took me a little while to get into the style of the author but once I got going it wasn't bad. Overall I would say that I enjoyed it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author focused on the Adamses' marriage, particularly their correspondence. At one point, John had to be in Europe without Abigail for 4 years. It is refreshing to read about a couple so dedicated to each other that nothing can sever their relationship. I learned a LOT about the Adams family that I did not know before.

[Abby Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an easy read, especially if you are already familiar with John and Abigail Adams. I did not find it particularly well written, though. The author wrote very simplistically and sometimes had disjointed ideas.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written narrative interspersed with the couple's letters. I liked that the author followed each letter or exchange with a modern interpretation of the 18th century language. Abigail's experiences put my occasional bouts of bws (bitter wife syndrome) to shame!

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a slew of biographies out there that focus on John and Abigail Adams. This one focuses on their marriage and relationship throughout the various decades and how their public and private lives affected one another.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's taking me some time to read this book, but it is very interesting to read a love story play out in such a different and unique time period. It is a view of the revolutionary era that I did not previously have; superbly researched and written.