Adams and Jefferson: A Revolutionary Dialogue

Georgia Open History Library

by Merrill D. Peterson

1 NEW SOFTCOVER BOOK

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 1978

About the author

Merrill Daniel Peterson was a history professor at the University of Virginia. After spending two years at Kansas State University, Peterson earned his B.A. at the University of Kansas and then took his Ph.D. in the history of American civilization at Harvard University. Before teaching at the University of Virginia, he taught at Brandeis and Princeton.

Reviews

[Mike Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting character study in two pillars of the American Revolution. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson shared much, yet were different people with different approaches and philosophies. I don't know that there was much actionable information here, but it was a fun read to peer into their heads.

[Sam LeLacheur · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insightful and probing, albeit brief, study of the Adams-Jefferson relationship. Peterson effectively chronicles the sources of both amity and acrimony between the two founding fathers. And, beyond simply telling the story as it happened, he explores the historical context underlying the relationship's ups and downs. Yet, Adams receives the short end of the stick in Peterson's telling: in those cases where the author's judgement is brought in, it almost always falls in favor of Jefferson. This treatment of Adams is at times over-simplistic, and obscures the complexity behind much of his political thinking (especially his handling of the "quasi-war" with France). Jefferson's republicanism, conversely, is consistently lauded (although his questionable fetishization of the French Revolution's radicalism is duly noted). But the narrative's integrity does not suffer from the author's Jeffersonian view, and overall the book is a worthwhile read. The knowledge-per-page ratio is quite high.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an old book by the normal standards of scholarship. Yet, the stories Peterson tells, especially of the retirement and reconciliation years seem especially pointed now, nearly 50 years on.....and headed to the country's 250th birthday. Adams and Jefferson still have much from which everyone can learn, I think.

[Ken Wahe · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent review of the founding of our country... the major issues the the times are delineated from the perspectives of Adams and Jefferson... you can t skim this book, you go to fast and you miss the jest of important issues...more to Jefferson than Sally Hemmings

[Mj Weisenburger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intellectual dialogue.

[Amy Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first one might be dissuaded from reading a work that is published lectures based on a perception it will be rather dry, long, and formal, but this is hardly the case for this one. I found this very informative and a rather enjoyable read. Peterson provides a rather nice synopsis of the relationship between these two great figures and divides it into four chapters based on key historical periods in their lives. Mind you, this isn't a beach read per se, but history buffs may find it so.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book for anyone who wants to read up on the formation of American politics. Also good: it is short.

[Reader2007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

U.S. History.

[Ray Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of fun to read and a basic introduction to the very complex relationship between these two founding fathers.