John Adams

By: David McCullough

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann, Jan Maxwell

The Pulitzer Prize–winning, bestselling biography of America’s founding father and second president that was the basis for the acclaimed HBO series, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough.

In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution; who rose to become the second president of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; who was learned beyond all but a few and regarded by some as “out of his senses”; and whose marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the moving love stories in American history.

This is history on a grand scale—a book about politics and war and social issues, but also about human nature, love, religious faith, virtue, ambition, friendship, and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of noble ideas. Above all, John Adams is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived.©2001 David McCullough; (P)2001 Simon & Schuster, Inc., All Rights Reserved; AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Changed My Life

I had heard this was a good book and had hesitated to spend 2 book credits for it. I listened to it and felt as if I had found a new soul mate in John Adams... My husband listened to this book and was so inspired by a man like John Adams going for his dream that he started to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer and is now in law school. What does this have to do with the book? Everything, this book inspires you to reach the height of humanity and to stretch yourself... I can't give a book a higher compliment, further this was an interesting read not merely an intellectual investment. The reader does so well you forget about him and become absorbed by the content.

The True Father of our Country

I have never been so moved or so humbled by a man and his words. Let us not forget behind every strong man of character is a truely strong woman of conviction. This country owes a debt of which we will never pay back to John Adams and Abigail. This book is outstanding and a pleasure. If only John Adams had written many books himself. I am forever your servant sir.

John Adams

Absolutely fasinating. David McCullough creates the environment of this man's life is such a way as to make me believe I was there.

Educational!

I really enjoyed this book! it was so Educational! I highly recommend listening if you enjoy history.

Made my commute fly

What did you like best about this story?

McCullough's writing is so natural, without being dumbed down, that I found myself completely immersed in John Adams life. I also found myself wishing that I could be friends with Abigail--so much so, that I have bought her biography. The letters the two exchanged with each other and with Thomas Jefferson were especially poignant. I found myself driving slower, so I could hear more on my morning and evening commutes, which nevertheless passed quickly.

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Edward Hermann's narration is exemplary. I cannot say enough good things about his work. It's especially obvious when, a few times throughout the book, another narrator interrupts to summarize parts of the text that were left out. The first time this happened I was terrified she would finish out the book in her wooden, mannered, news anchor style, but thankfully that did not happen, and Hermann returned. He is a true actor, and makes the characters come alive.