The Portable John Adams : Book Review

"The Portable John Adams" provides readers with a comprehensive and captivating look into the life and writings of John Adams, one of America's founding fathers. Edited and introduced by John Patrick Diggins, this compilation offers valuable insights into Adams's thoughts on government, political theory, and personal matters.

The book begins with an enlightening introduction by Diggins, which delves into Adams's role in the American Revolution and his contributions to the formation of the United States government. This sets the stage for the subsequent sections, providing readers with historical context and highlighting the key themes that will be explored throughout the book.

One of the highlights of this collection is the inclusion of Adams's personal correspondence with his wife, Abigail. These letters offer an intimate and emotional glimpse into their relationship, as well as Adams's musings on marriage, family, and the challenges of being separated during times of political turmoil. By including these letters, the book showcases Adams's eloquence and depth of feeling, allowing readers to truly understand the man behind the renowned founding father.

Alongside the personal letters, the book features excerpts from Adams's political writings, which delve into his political philosophy and ideas about government. These writings provide readers with an insight into Adams's arguments for a strong centralized government and his concerns about the potential dangers of unrestrained power. They demonstrate Adams's intellectual prowess and his astute understanding of political theory, serving as thought-provoking and relevant material even in today's world.

The collection also includes Adams's reflections on the French Revolution, which offer a fascinating perspective from an American statesman of the time. Adams's views on the Revolution and its global implications are multi-faceted and nuanced, displaying his ability to critically analyze and assess significant historical events. These writings not only provide valuable historical insights but also offer a glimpse into Adams's diplomatic skills.

What are readers saying?

The book "The Portable John Adams" by John Adams has garnered a variety of opinions from readers. While some readers praised Adams' writing style and found value in the glimpses into his life and thoughts, others found the book to be repetitive and tedious.

A number of readers were impressed with Adams' eloquent and intellectual writing style. They found his words to be thought-provoking and enjoyed the way he expressed his ideas. Some reviewers even likened the experience of reading Adams' work to having a stimulating conversation with a brilliant mind.

The book offers valuable insights into John Adams' life and thoughts, which resonated with some readers. They appreciated learning about his political views, his contributions to the American legal system, and his experiences during the turbulent period of the American Revolution. These readers found the book to be a comprehensive and well-rounded exploration of Adams' life and works.

However, there were readers who struggled with "The Portable John Adams." They found it to be a difficult read, with excessive repetition and verbosity that made the book feel cumbersome. These readers had a hard time engaging with the material and felt that it lacked a clear narrative structure.

One common critique amongst these readers was that the book consisted mainly of Adams' letters and correspondences, which made it feel disjointed and fragmented. They desired a more cohesive and focused approach, with chapters that provided a smoother reading experience.

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