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Selected Letters of Abigail and John Adams
"America's first power couple," John and Abigail Adams enjoyed a relationship of mutual respect and affection. Their exchange of more than 1,000 letters — from their 1762 courtship to the end of John's political career in 1801 — covers topics ranging from politics and military strategy to household matters and family health. "An extraordinarily personal view of our country's founding." — The New York Times.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1840
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About the author
John Adams
946 books129 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Adams was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Before his presidency, he was a leader of the American Revolution that achieved independence from Great Britain. During the latter part of the Revolutionary War and in the early years of the new nation, he served the U.S. government as a senior diplomat in Europe. Adams was the first person to hold the office of vice president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He was a dedicated diarist and regularly corresponded with important contemporaries, including his wife and adviser Abigail Adams and his friend and political rival Thomas Jefferson.
A lawyer and political activist prior to the Revolution, Adams was devoted to the right to counsel and presumption of innocence. He defied anti-British sentiment and successfully defended British soldiers against murder charges arising from the Boston Massacre. Adams was a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress and became a leader of the revolution. He assisted Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and was its primary advocate in Congress. As a diplomat he helped negotiate a peace treaty with Great Britain and secured vital governmental loans. Adams was the primary author of the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780, which influenced the United States Constitution, as did his essay Thoughts on Government.
Adams was elected to two terms as vice president under President George Washington and was elected as the United States' second president in 1796. He was the only president elected under the banner of the Federalist Party. Adams's term was dominated by the issue of the French Revolutionary Wars, and his insistence on American neutrality led to fierce criticism from both the Jeffersonian Republicans and from some in his own party, led by his rival Alexander Hamilton. Adams signed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, and built up the Army and Navy in the undeclared naval war with France. He was the first president to reside in the White House.
In his bid in 1800 for reelection to the presidency, opposition from Federalists and accusations of despotism from Jeffersonians led to Adams losing to his vice president and former friend Jefferson, and he retired to Massachusetts. He eventually resumed his friendship with Jefferson by initiating a continuing correspondence. He and Abigail generated the Adams political family, including their son John Quincy Adams, the sixth president. John Adams died on July 4, 1826 – the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Adams and his son are the only presidents of the first twelve who never owned slaves. Historians and scholars have favorably ranked his administration.
John Adams was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Before his presidency, he was a leader of the American Revolution that achieved independence from Great Britain. During the latter part of the Revolutionary War and in the early years of the new nation, he served the U.S. government as a senior diplomat in Europe. Adams was the first person to hold the office of vice president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He was a dedicated diarist and regularly corresponded with important contemporaries, including his wife and adviser Abigail Adams and his friend and political rival Thomas Jefferson.
A lawyer and political activist prior to the Revolution, Adams was devoted to the right to counsel and presumption of innocence. He defied anti-British sentiment and successfully defended British soldiers against murder charges arising from the Boston Massacre. Adams was a Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress and became a leader of the revolution. He assisted Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and was its primary advocate in Congress. As a diplomat he helped negotiate a peace treaty with Great Britain and secured vital governmental loans. Adams was the primary author of the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780, which influenced the United States Constitution, as did his essay Thoughts on Government.
Adams was elected to two terms as vice president under President George Washington and was elected as the United States' second president in 1796. He was the only president elected under the banner of the Federalist Party. Adams's term was dominated by the issue of the French Revolutionary Wars, and his insistence on American neutrality led to fierce criticism from both the Jeffersonian Republicans and from some in his own party, led by his rival Alexander Hamilton. Adams signed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, and built up the Army and Navy in the undeclared naval war with France. He was the first president to reside in the White House.
In his bid in 1800 for reelection to the presidency, opposition from Federalists and accusations of despotism from Jeffersonians led to Adams losing to his vice president and former friend Jefferson, and he retired to Massachusetts. He eventually resumed his friendship with Jefferson by initiating a continuing correspondence. He and Abigail generated the Adams political family, including their son John Quincy Adams, the sixth president. John Adams died on July 4, 1826 – the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Adams and his son are the only presidents of the first twelve who never owned slaves. Historians and scholars have favorably ranked his administration.
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August 8, 2022I think the main thing that stands out from this is the extent to which the revolutionary war was also a civil war. There are various dimensions to this: firstly Adams records the failure of the 1775 Battle of Quebec. Adams feared that the defeat in Canada could embolden others within the thirteen colonies: "Others there are in the Colonies who really wished that our enterprise in Canada would be defeated, that the Colonies might be brought into danger and distress between two fires, and be thus induced to submit."
Although Adams does often frame the war as between America and Britain, he also frames it as a battle of Tories and Whigs, typically with the implication that said Tories represented a fifth column in American society: "A Tory here is the most despicable animal in the creation... I heartily wish every Tory was extirpated from America ; they are continually , by secret means , undermining and injuring our cause... The unprincipled and unfeeling and unnatural inhabitants of Staten Island are cordially receiving the enemy , and , deserters say , have engaged to take arms . They are an ignorant , cowardly pack of scoundrels." In practice, this tension of Whig and Tory was an international one, with British Whigs looking favourably upon the colonists. Franklin records seeking their support in his autobiography. The revolution was a fissure within countries as much as between them, which raises an interesting counter-factual: what if Whig policy had prevailed in London? In that case, American independence would presumably have followed a similar course to that taken by Canada and Australia, albeit with the possibility that slavery might well have still lead to secession in the Southern states at some point.
On that point, there's also the question of native and African Americans, reflecting the role of slave owners in the revolution: "There has been in town a conspiracy of the negroes . At present it is kept pretty private... They conducted in this way : got an Irishman to draw up a petition to the Governor , telling him they would fight for him , provided he would arm them and engage to liberate them if he conquered." Slavery would be abolished thirty years earlier in the British Empire than the United States, although the departure of the Southern States may well have undermined the influence of their counterpart plantation owners in the West Indies.
Although Adams does often frame the war as between America and Britain, he also frames it as a battle of Tories and Whigs, typically with the implication that said Tories represented a fifth column in American society: "A Tory here is the most despicable animal in the creation... I heartily wish every Tory was extirpated from America ; they are continually , by secret means , undermining and injuring our cause... The unprincipled and unfeeling and unnatural inhabitants of Staten Island are cordially receiving the enemy , and , deserters say , have engaged to take arms . They are an ignorant , cowardly pack of scoundrels." In practice, this tension of Whig and Tory was an international one, with British Whigs looking favourably upon the colonists. Franklin records seeking their support in his autobiography. The revolution was a fissure within countries as much as between them, which raises an interesting counter-factual: what if Whig policy had prevailed in London? In that case, American independence would presumably have followed a similar course to that taken by Canada and Australia, albeit with the possibility that slavery might well have still lead to secession in the Southern states at some point.
On that point, there's also the question of native and African Americans, reflecting the role of slave owners in the revolution: "There has been in town a conspiracy of the negroes . At present it is kept pretty private... They conducted in this way : got an Irishman to draw up a petition to the Governor , telling him they would fight for him , provided he would arm them and engage to liberate them if he conquered." Slavery would be abolished thirty years earlier in the British Empire than the United States, although the departure of the Southern States may well have undermined the influence of their counterpart plantation owners in the West Indies.
January 25, 2013
One of the most evocative and interesting collections of letters, full of insights on their times as well as their relationship. To be read and savored more than once.
November 10, 2011
These letters will blow you away. Behind those hopelessly stilted cover portraits of our second president and his first lady, there lived and breathed two vibrant, opinionated, brilliant and fully human individuals who were, among other things, deeply in love with and committed to one another--as well as to their newborn country. These letters cover the full span of the American Revolution, a time when John and Abigail were often separated for unbearably long stretches of time (sometimes years), and they bring both the writers and the world in which they lived to life in a way that no movie or historical novel ever could. You'll come away from this book not only with a genuine affection for what was, after all, the original Adams family, but also with a whole new appreciation for the extraordinary vision lies at the foundation of who we still are as a nation, more than two hundred years later.
March 6, 2024
Shout out to Lin-Manuel Miranda. I NEVER would have picked up something like this if it wasn't for Hamilton. U.S. AND world history has become more important to me over the past few years. Reading letters between a real life married couple doing their best affirms my belief that people are people, no matter when or where they exist. I love how they communicated.
I thought the way they discussed womens' rights, freedom, government, parenting, slavery, and abolition was also fascinating. ♥️
My favorite quotes:
"I wish most sincerely there was not a Slave in the province. It allways appeard a most iniquitious Scheme to me-fight ourselfs for what we are daily robbing and plundering from those who have as good a right to freedom as we have. You know my mind upon this Subject." - Abigail Adams
“I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” - Abigail Adams
"Posterity! you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it." - John Adams
I thought the way they discussed womens' rights, freedom, government, parenting, slavery, and abolition was also fascinating. ♥️
My favorite quotes:
"I wish most sincerely there was not a Slave in the province. It allways appeard a most iniquitious Scheme to me-fight ourselfs for what we are daily robbing and plundering from those who have as good a right to freedom as we have. You know my mind upon this Subject." - Abigail Adams
“I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation.” - Abigail Adams
"Posterity! you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it." - John Adams
January 25, 2012
This was the other book I had with me on my flights. now that was a bit of mental whiplash -- going from 1770's Boston to 1990's Boston and back again! whee! This was so interesting to read -- it covers pretty much the entire span of the Revolutionary War. It makes everything feel much more real. Abigail is constantly complaining that John never writes often or long enough. John keeps reminding her to save money and to set a good example for their children. Abigail keeps cutting stories short because "someone else will surely write to you about it"; John keeps telling her that he gets better information about what's going on in Boston from her than anyone else, so "please give me details"! It's stunning to realize how little time they actually spent in the same place during that decade, and how difficult that was for both of them. Especially when John is in France trying to get support for the war - so many of the letters ended up in the ocean when ships were attacked by the British. it makes you appreciate email -- you don't even have to know *where* the person is, but you can be pretty certain they'll get it!
January 11, 2020
Summary: Such a cute love story of a lesson in history. I really enjoyed this back and forth between a former first lady and US Pres before the US was formed. My version did not have anything after he became president. Learned a lot. Recommended.
Hoopla does not allow for page numbers, which kinda sucks. But here are some things:
In the intro they talk about how the Queen of England was not so nice to the former first lady. I mean, it was just after the Revolutionary War. Kind of makes sense. But she took it badly
Letter from 9, Oct 1774 - "This is assembly is like no other that ever existed. Every man in it is a great man, an orator, critic, a statesman; and therefore every man upon every question must show his oratory, his criticism, and his political abilities. The consequence of this is that business is drawn and spun out to an immeasurable length." OMG.. nothing has changed in the world!!
5 July 1775 - It's cute to realize this is before we declared independence, so it was just like any day. Anyway, a cute letter that is classically how ladies say they are upset b/c someone hasn't written. In modern times this was the equivalent of complaining about delayed texts. A lot to learn from her language.
She further talks about the extremely poor treatment in Boston. This is so much more lucid than what was in my textbook. It makes me think we've over watered-down history. Sad.
"I was struck with Gen Washington. You had prepared me to entertain a favorable opinion of him, but I thought the half was not told me. Dignity with ease and complacency, the gentleman and soldier, look agreeably blended in him. Modesty marks every line and feature of his face." Total bro crush.
Right around that date, he is writing letters and they start to be slightly coded. He signals that he thinks the messages might be intercepted. That is so 2020! I mean, who doesn't worry that the messages are being seen.
Feb 18, 76 - He talks about the pamphlet called "Common Sense." Wow, Paine was making the rounds.
He talks about how he wished he knew how to speak French as well as his wife. He wanted her to make sure the kids knew. This had to do with a trip to Canada.
Small pox concerns are all over the place. This is a theme.
He talks about how he was into the idea that Paine had in Common sense for a continental government. It was new back then.
He talks about being the president of the war board and that it had endless meetings. It's amazing he finds time to meet write his wife through all of it.
3 July 1776 - the eve of the declaration of independence, it's not looking good. They do it anyway. He recants how it could have been great if earlier, but now it's like solid to do so people don't think we can go backward.
on page 200 left of hoopla, she talks about the fact that women should be educated and that they should, once they get things going in the government sort that out. "If you complain of neglect of education in sons, what shall I say with regard to daughters, who every day experience the want of it?"
Later she goes on: "If much depends, as is allowed upon the early education of youth, and the first principles which are instilled take the deepest root, great benefit must arise from literary accomplishments in women."
There's a cute exchange on Oct 4, 1776 where Adams clearly gets a letter from his wife where he's not writing enough and he's like: "I am seated in a large library room with eight gentlemen round about me, all engaged in coversation. Amidst these interruptions, how shall I make it out to write a letter?" So cute!
There's a weird exchange i don't understand on (74 pages left). She talks about drinking with the officers and how they aren't getting a lot of attention. Then she says: "It would gratify me much, if I had in my power, to entertain every officer in the fleet." Weird... her hubby's gone and that's what she writes?
He's sent overseas and it doesn't seem to be goign well. It's interesting to hear him talk of places and people from the point of view of America at that time.
My laptop is running out of power, so I'm going to close with, I wish this had been assigned in HS. it's just cute.
Hoopla does not allow for page numbers, which kinda sucks. But here are some things:
In the intro they talk about how the Queen of England was not so nice to the former first lady. I mean, it was just after the Revolutionary War. Kind of makes sense. But she took it badly
Letter from 9, Oct 1774 - "This is assembly is like no other that ever existed. Every man in it is a great man, an orator, critic, a statesman; and therefore every man upon every question must show his oratory, his criticism, and his political abilities. The consequence of this is that business is drawn and spun out to an immeasurable length." OMG.. nothing has changed in the world!!
5 July 1775 - It's cute to realize this is before we declared independence, so it was just like any day. Anyway, a cute letter that is classically how ladies say they are upset b/c someone hasn't written. In modern times this was the equivalent of complaining about delayed texts. A lot to learn from her language.
She further talks about the extremely poor treatment in Boston. This is so much more lucid than what was in my textbook. It makes me think we've over watered-down history. Sad.
"I was struck with Gen Washington. You had prepared me to entertain a favorable opinion of him, but I thought the half was not told me. Dignity with ease and complacency, the gentleman and soldier, look agreeably blended in him. Modesty marks every line and feature of his face." Total bro crush.
Right around that date, he is writing letters and they start to be slightly coded. He signals that he thinks the messages might be intercepted. That is so 2020! I mean, who doesn't worry that the messages are being seen.
Feb 18, 76 - He talks about the pamphlet called "Common Sense." Wow, Paine was making the rounds.
He talks about how he wished he knew how to speak French as well as his wife. He wanted her to make sure the kids knew. This had to do with a trip to Canada.
Small pox concerns are all over the place. This is a theme.
He talks about how he was into the idea that Paine had in Common sense for a continental government. It was new back then.
He talks about being the president of the war board and that it had endless meetings. It's amazing he finds time to meet write his wife through all of it.
3 July 1776 - the eve of the declaration of independence, it's not looking good. They do it anyway. He recants how it could have been great if earlier, but now it's like solid to do so people don't think we can go backward.
on page 200 left of hoopla, she talks about the fact that women should be educated and that they should, once they get things going in the government sort that out. "If you complain of neglect of education in sons, what shall I say with regard to daughters, who every day experience the want of it?"
Later she goes on: "If much depends, as is allowed upon the early education of youth, and the first principles which are instilled take the deepest root, great benefit must arise from literary accomplishments in women."
There's a cute exchange on Oct 4, 1776 where Adams clearly gets a letter from his wife where he's not writing enough and he's like: "I am seated in a large library room with eight gentlemen round about me, all engaged in coversation. Amidst these interruptions, how shall I make it out to write a letter?" So cute!
There's a weird exchange i don't understand on (74 pages left). She talks about drinking with the officers and how they aren't getting a lot of attention. Then she says: "It would gratify me much, if I had in my power, to entertain every officer in the fleet." Weird... her hubby's gone and that's what she writes?
He's sent overseas and it doesn't seem to be goign well. It's interesting to hear him talk of places and people from the point of view of America at that time.
My laptop is running out of power, so I'm going to close with, I wish this had been assigned in HS. it's just cute.
January 19, 2020
"Intimacy with the most of People, will bring you acquainted with Vices and Errors, and Follies enough to make you despize them. Nay Intimacy with the most celebrated will very much diminish our Reverence and Admiration."
--John Adams (1735-1826), in a letter to Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
12 April 1764
" Love sweetens Life, and Life sometimes destroys Love. Beauty is desirable and Deformity detestible; Therefore Beauty is not Deformity nor Deformity, Beauty. Hope springs eternal in the human Breast, I hope to be happyer next Fall than I am at present, and this Hope makes me happyer now than I should be without it. "
-- John Adams (1735-1826), in a letter to Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
20 April 1763
"I have Thoughts of sending you a Nest of Letters like a nest of Basketts; tho I suspect the latter would be a more genteel and acceptable Present to a Lady. But in my present Circumstances I can much better afford the former than the latter."
-- John Adams (1735-1826), in a letter to Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
12 April 1764
" I think I write to you every Day. Shall not I make my Letters very cheep; don’t you light your pipe with them ? I care not if you do, tis a pleasure to me to write, yet I wonder I write to you with so little restraint, for as a critick I fear you more than any other person on Earth, and tis the only character, in which I ever did, or ever will fear you. What say you ? Do you approve of that Speach ? Dont you think me a Courageous Being ? Courage is a laudable, a Glorious Virtue in your Sex, why not in mine ? (For my part, I think you ought to applaud me for mine.) – Exit Rattle."
-- Abigail Adams (1744-1818), in a letter to John Adams (1735-1826)
16 April 1764
--John Adams (1735-1826), in a letter to Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
12 April 1764
" Love sweetens Life, and Life sometimes destroys Love. Beauty is desirable and Deformity detestible; Therefore Beauty is not Deformity nor Deformity, Beauty. Hope springs eternal in the human Breast, I hope to be happyer next Fall than I am at present, and this Hope makes me happyer now than I should be without it. "
-- John Adams (1735-1826), in a letter to Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
20 April 1763
"I have Thoughts of sending you a Nest of Letters like a nest of Basketts; tho I suspect the latter would be a more genteel and acceptable Present to a Lady. But in my present Circumstances I can much better afford the former than the latter."
-- John Adams (1735-1826), in a letter to Abigail Adams (1744-1818)
12 April 1764
" I think I write to you every Day. Shall not I make my Letters very cheep; don’t you light your pipe with them ? I care not if you do, tis a pleasure to me to write, yet I wonder I write to you with so little restraint, for as a critick I fear you more than any other person on Earth, and tis the only character, in which I ever did, or ever will fear you. What say you ? Do you approve of that Speach ? Dont you think me a Courageous Being ? Courage is a laudable, a Glorious Virtue in your Sex, why not in mine ? (For my part, I think you ought to applaud me for mine.) – Exit Rattle."
-- Abigail Adams (1744-1818), in a letter to John Adams (1735-1826)
16 April 1764
March 21, 2024
A collection of letters written during the Revolutionary war. From the founding of the continental congress until the recognition of the independence of the colonies from Britain, John and Abigail were separated in distance but not in correspondence. Although many of the letters sent were lost at sea or intercepted, enough remain to tell a story about two people who were very influential in the birth of the United States of America.
June 2, 2010
This book is a selection of letters between John and Abigail Adams, the couple who shaped and experienced the birth of the United States of America.
First let me say that I have always had a huge historical crush on John Adams ever since I saw 1776. Because of this, I see John Adams through William-Daniels-colored glasses.
I loved this book because of who was writing, and the small kernels of love and knowledge and wisdom that spoke to me. It is the style I had difficulty with.
You would think that an epistolary book would be easy to compile, and easy to read; one person writes, the other person responds. Not true. One person writes 5 letters and waits for a friend who is traveling in that direction to take them. They tie them all in a packet, and it takes weeks to get to the destination. In the mean time, the responder has done exactly the same thing. So you have 5 letters that have nothing to do with each other, all written at during the same month or so. And then you have the responses to all of the letters at once in another letter, followed by several more.
And that is not to mention the letters that were tossed overboard or stolen by spies.
So it is not exactly a linear conversation.
A good 50% of the conversation is "I miss you so much, write me more letters." Another 40% is recounting raids and skirmishes in Boston.
But the last 10% is filled with beautiful moments, and passions I want to hug them for.
Like John's insistence that education, exercise, simplicity, and virtue are the keys to a well-lived life. And how while changing history, all he wants to do is go home to his farm and his family. Or the comical descriptions he gives of his barber (he is not allowed to tell anything about the Continental Congress, which is hugely disappointing, as I would have loved to have this detailed of a character study for them.)
I love when she gets impassioned about the rights of women. Everyone knows the famous "remember the ladies" letter, but I think the better one is in regards to female education. It is the first time I can tell she is angry.
In response to John's rant about the deficiency of education of men in the country, she writes:
"If you complain of neglect of education in sons, what shall I say with regard to daughters, who every day experience the want of it? With regard to the education of my own children, I find myself soon out of my depth, destitute and deficient in every part of education.
I most sincerely wish that some more liberal plan might be laid and executed for the benefit of the rising generation, and that our new Constitution may be distinguished for encouraging leading and virtue. If we mean to have heroes, statesmen, and philosophers, we should have learned women. The world perhaps will laugh at me and accuse me of vanity, but you, I know, have a mind too enlarged and liberal to disregard the sentiment. If much depends, as is allowed, on the early education of youth, and the first principles which are instilled take the deepest root, great benefit must arise from literary accomplishments in women."
All in all a difficult book, because it was not in narrative form, but it gave me joy to hear the words of my heroes.
First let me say that I have always had a huge historical crush on John Adams ever since I saw 1776. Because of this, I see John Adams through William-Daniels-colored glasses.
I loved this book because of who was writing, and the small kernels of love and knowledge and wisdom that spoke to me. It is the style I had difficulty with.
You would think that an epistolary book would be easy to compile, and easy to read; one person writes, the other person responds. Not true. One person writes 5 letters and waits for a friend who is traveling in that direction to take them. They tie them all in a packet, and it takes weeks to get to the destination. In the mean time, the responder has done exactly the same thing. So you have 5 letters that have nothing to do with each other, all written at during the same month or so. And then you have the responses to all of the letters at once in another letter, followed by several more.
And that is not to mention the letters that were tossed overboard or stolen by spies.
So it is not exactly a linear conversation.
A good 50% of the conversation is "I miss you so much, write me more letters." Another 40% is recounting raids and skirmishes in Boston.
But the last 10% is filled with beautiful moments, and passions I want to hug them for.
Like John's insistence that education, exercise, simplicity, and virtue are the keys to a well-lived life. And how while changing history, all he wants to do is go home to his farm and his family. Or the comical descriptions he gives of his barber (he is not allowed to tell anything about the Continental Congress, which is hugely disappointing, as I would have loved to have this detailed of a character study for them.)
I love when she gets impassioned about the rights of women. Everyone knows the famous "remember the ladies" letter, but I think the better one is in regards to female education. It is the first time I can tell she is angry.
In response to John's rant about the deficiency of education of men in the country, she writes:
"If you complain of neglect of education in sons, what shall I say with regard to daughters, who every day experience the want of it? With regard to the education of my own children, I find myself soon out of my depth, destitute and deficient in every part of education.
I most sincerely wish that some more liberal plan might be laid and executed for the benefit of the rising generation, and that our new Constitution may be distinguished for encouraging leading and virtue. If we mean to have heroes, statesmen, and philosophers, we should have learned women. The world perhaps will laugh at me and accuse me of vanity, but you, I know, have a mind too enlarged and liberal to disregard the sentiment. If much depends, as is allowed, on the early education of youth, and the first principles which are instilled take the deepest root, great benefit must arise from literary accomplishments in women."
All in all a difficult book, because it was not in narrative form, but it gave me joy to hear the words of my heroes.
May 21, 2017
This is not for everyone, but I found it very interesting. It is mostly the day to day of life during the Revolution of a family closely involved. You see the struggles of communicating over both small and large distances. The need for inoculations for diseases such as smallpox. The financial issues that were present during the early formation of our country. Overall, it is a book of insight into two great minds.
January 18, 2023
How am i supposed to rate the letters of john and abigail adams? It's weird to rate two people's body of letters as a book, it's just so divorced from the original medium. A lot of it oscillates between being written with posterity in mind, absolutist maxims, an optimism for the future etc. and much more personal letters expressing crucial information or sweet nothings. Both sides are good and bad in their own ways. At 400 pages it gets repetitive, especially when they often repeat information, since letters often didn't make it to the receiver or took months to get there. It's definitely not made to be read cover-to-cover, but that's the only way I read things. It was still cool to read, Bethlehem gets a mention, but since it already doesn't include all letters, for my non-historian reading, I would cut it down to a greatest hits. I was also a little upset that they didn't keep the historical style of spelling and punctuation. But it definitely humanizes and adds a little dimension to people that were really just names in a textbook for me.
July 1, 2025
During their lives, often absent from one another for long durations, John Adams (our Founding Father and second President) and his wife Abigail exchanged more than 1,000 letters, many of which were lovingly preserved first by the couple themselves, then by their family, and eventually by historians. Because these were never meant for public consumption, an ordinary book review is out of the question. But because their letters are often so beautiful and heartfelt, not to mention providing a unique glimpse into the minds of a couple of history’s most important and accomplished figures, all one can really say is: read this book.
Obviously this short little book does not contain all of the letters in question. It’s a collection of 81 letters posted between March 1776 and March 1777, meaning these letters capture the very moment of American independence. It’s a small piece of history but it’s well worth reading both for the quality of the letters themselves—as I say, they’re beautiful and make me wish people still wrote in such a matter today—and for providing the personal context often absent from the way history books often describe such figures.
Obviously this short little book does not contain all of the letters in question. It’s a collection of 81 letters posted between March 1776 and March 1777, meaning these letters capture the very moment of American independence. It’s a small piece of history but it’s well worth reading both for the quality of the letters themselves—as I say, they’re beautiful and make me wish people still wrote in such a matter today—and for providing the personal context often absent from the way history books often describe such figures.
July 26, 2024
This is, without question, one of the better books that I've read if not one of the best.
This book contains a collection of letters that the two wrote to each other with a few written to one of their children. There is a tenderness and affection between the two that, I think, one rarely, if ever, encounters today. Their letters include much of what we would write about today, that is if we still wrote letters. They include discussions about politics, the problems of obtaining necessary personal and household items and their rising costs, no doubt associated with the war, and the problems of running a household with an absent husband who is away on his country's business for years at a time among other things. Abagail misses him terribly but resigns herself to the fact that what he is doing is necessary and may very well affect future generations. I was very impressed with how intelligent they were and the affection they had for each other. I cannot help but think that anyone and everyone can only benefit should they read this book.
This book contains a collection of letters that the two wrote to each other with a few written to one of their children. There is a tenderness and affection between the two that, I think, one rarely, if ever, encounters today. Their letters include much of what we would write about today, that is if we still wrote letters. They include discussions about politics, the problems of obtaining necessary personal and household items and their rising costs, no doubt associated with the war, and the problems of running a household with an absent husband who is away on his country's business for years at a time among other things. Abagail misses him terribly but resigns herself to the fact that what he is doing is necessary and may very well affect future generations. I was very impressed with how intelligent they were and the affection they had for each other. I cannot help but think that anyone and everyone can only benefit should they read this book.
June 11, 2025
I have been urged to read these letters for a long time and could not be more glad that I finally did. Never has the revolutionary period nor our founders been more humanized and sympathetic to me than in these writings. they have everything in them from political intrigue, to personal dealings, to contemplation of proper education, but above all they have devotion to one's spouse and to one's country.
I could not recommend reading these more highly.
I could not recommend reading these more highly.
August 9, 2017
Though it took me about 2 years, on and off, to complete this book, it was well worth the perseverance. It gives a wonderful window into the minds and hearts of John and Abigail, with thoughts on politics, religion, art and literature, as well as family matters. They had an amazing relationship and their devotion to each other, over the years and distance, is very touching.
October 10, 2017
A true story of love and sacrifice. My husband suggested that I read a biography of John Adams first - it gave me context for the information in the letters. (I read the David McCullough bio.)
I will read this again, but it will be a while.
People don't write letters like this any more, and that's too bad.
I will read this again, but it will be a while.
People don't write letters like this any more, and that's too bad.
April 2, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I likely would not have picked it on my own, but it was for book club, and I really enjoyed it. I envy their wit and banter. I felt like sharing quotes with everyone I met and I marked so many notes with torn up sticky notes that the entire side of my book was covered. I shared quotes on Facebook. I talked too many ears off. I loved it!
May 1, 2023
this should be more widely read, great insight not only onto their relationship, but also how they both viewed the creation of the nation.
February 12, 2016
I have long been a fan of Abigail Adams. Though she was largely educated by her mother and grandmother (having been determined to be too sickly for public education), she became one of the most intelligent and knowledgable women of her time. She was an advocate for women's rights long before it was a popular idea, and was almost as involved in politics as her husband.
The letters in this volume were written while John was in Philadelphia and other cities as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, and later while he was in Europe as an ambassador. They not only serve as a history lesson on the progress of the War of Independence, but shed light on the politics and other dealings of both Abigail and John. John relied on her for advice and counsel on many matters, and she was did not hold back her opinions. The close relationship they had, despite his long absences from home, is always evident.
The book took me a while to read. Most non-fiction does, and this one was a bit more so because it is written in the rather formal style of the 1700's. Many words are used differently than they are today, and it sometimes took a bit to untangle the meanings. Still, it was a fascinating read, and one any American history buff would probably enjoy.
The letters in this volume were written while John was in Philadelphia and other cities as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, and later while he was in Europe as an ambassador. They not only serve as a history lesson on the progress of the War of Independence, but shed light on the politics and other dealings of both Abigail and John. John relied on her for advice and counsel on many matters, and she was did not hold back her opinions. The close relationship they had, despite his long absences from home, is always evident.
The book took me a while to read. Most non-fiction does, and this one was a bit more so because it is written in the rather formal style of the 1700's. Many words are used differently than they are today, and it sometimes took a bit to untangle the meanings. Still, it was a fascinating read, and one any American history buff would probably enjoy.
November 12, 2007
My favorite thing about these letters is that you get idea that our founding fathers were actually real people with everyday problems, not one dimensional figures that you read about in high school American history textbooks. Long before John and Abigail Adams were our president and first lady, they were a lawyer and a housewife with four small children and a working farm forced into separation for the good part of a decade by John's desire to serve his fledgling country. In their letters, they fret about money and their children's education, gossip about friends, neighbors, and colleagues, make inside jokes, scold each other for this and that, pine for each other longingly, and generally ask if all their sacrifice is going to be worth anything in the end. They wonder if future generations of Americans, that is if the United States gets off the ground, will even care what happened during the Revolution. With such an entertaing bunch of letters, the Adams are certainly doing a good job of maintaining my interest over 200 years later.
September 6, 2007
I bought this after a recommendation in the most unlikely place and have been surprised by this collection of letters. Some of them are love letters, some are mere accounts of money problems/inoculations and political strife.
That is the part the gets a little tedious, because naturally...having to read the same thing again and again over the span of years, isn't the most exciting point. But you can count it as a modern person's inability to stay focussed.
Other than that...it is a highly fascinating account of the USA during its founding period. The perspectives of the future President John Adams and of his wife give something really unique and personal to this part of history.
That is the part the gets a little tedious, because naturally...having to read the same thing again and again over the span of years, isn't the most exciting point. But you can count it as a modern person's inability to stay focussed.
Other than that...it is a highly fascinating account of the USA during its founding period. The perspectives of the future President John Adams and of his wife give something really unique and personal to this part of history.
July 7, 2011
I finally finished this one. It was slow-going. But some parts were really cool. You get a really good insight into the character, values, and personalities of John and Abigail. I thought it was interesting to hear about Abigail's account of her domestic life during the Revolutionary War - hearing cannon fire outside, describing illnesses of family members (including how many neighbors died of disease), etc. And it was interesting to read what they wrote each other about their children. John was always encouraging Abigail to teach their children "frugality, industry, wisdom" and stuff like that.
June 3, 2016
Probably not everyone's cup of tea - this are 'the' letters between Abigail and John so if you're not ready for their slow pace and if you're expecting a big plot twist:-) or a big personal revelation from one of them then avoid this book! But having said that, it is a great little book - it shows how real married people worked to keep some sort of relationship going during a crisis. So much to learn from them and I appreciate the sacrifice of their lives together that they both gave.
April 17, 2008
I found these letters very interesting and personable. In the introduction it said some 300 letters passed between John and Abigail during 1774 and 1783. This is a great legacy of love left for their descendants. I enjoyed reading these letters and found them to be both romantic as well as historically important.
February 23, 2009
This is an edited collection of the letters between John and Abigail Adams. I found it very enjoyable to read their correspondence, which contains everything from political news, to home matters, and their love for each other. Some may find it tedious to read all their letters... especially if your history needs some brushing up. :) I recommend reading, "John Adams," by David McCullough first.
August 8, 2014
Every time I read the letters of John and Abigail Adams I am overwhelmed with the brilliance that Abigail possessed. She was a highly educated woman for her day and was a huge supporter of her husband John. He deeply respected her opinions and sought them out above any other advisor. I love that they called each other dear friend. Beautiful American documents here
January 4, 2009
Dearest friend, I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful this book is. It is a story of love and friendship of the deepest kind. The kind that knows all your faults and loves you for them not despite them. A fascinating look a founding mother, and that guy she married too.
March 8, 2015
This took a LONG TIME to read. Not as much insight into the Revolutionary War or life in the late 1700s as I had hoped. Lots of repetition to the letters, as is only human. And lots of complaining by both Abigail and John.
March 1, 2016
For a required history text, this was actually rather entertaining and enjoyable. The personalities of John & Abigail Adams shine brilliantly as they explain their lives to one another during the era surrounding the founding of the United States.
January 28, 2008
Remarkable correspondence between two remarkable people.
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