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Reviewed in the United States on 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 is one of the very few books that I've read that I would consider reading again.
Joao Carlos Souto
Reviewed in Brazil on February 1, 2022
John Adams foi o primeiro vice-presidente e o segundo presidente dos Estados Unidos. Muito cultor costumava (como era comum na época) trocar cartas com sua esposa, além de amigos e correligionários.Abigail Adams era uma mulher à frente do seu tempo. Escrevia bem, era sensível e, por incrível que pareça, no século XVIII já defendia os direitos do sexo feminino. Tem uma carta famosa de sua autoria em que trata desse tema.O livro é muito bom. A encadernação é simples, mas vale a pena.
M.A. Kropp
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2017
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 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.
Lowri Hiles
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2016
These two had an inspiring life and marriage.
MH McGinty
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2016
Great book. Have learned so much about the founding of America and what really went on behind the scenes. Have a great respect and admiration for Abigail Adams. If George Washington was the father of our country, Abigail Adams should be called the mother of our country.
bjc
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2016
This book cannot be reviewed as one would an account of history written many years later. The authors are Mr. and Mrs. Adams themselves. This is a rare opportunity to experience life during the Revolutionary War from the unique perspective of John Adams who has the benefit of intelligence about the newly forming government and Abigail Adams who is at home tending to home and hearth but at the same time, is a well informed, active and respected member of the citizenry living dangerously close to the site of several battles and skirmishes.These two extremely well educated and articulate people give an informed and often enlightened view of the day-to-day concerns of the colonies and the thought processes of those who were significant in creating the structure of the nation we inherited. The couple make many references to the fact that they are aware of possible interception of their letters and they mention that they must be careful what they say. Still, the fact that these letters were written as communication between a married couple and were not intended for public consumption adds to their authentic feeling.Mrs. Adams thoughts about how women should be given more rights in the new Constitution along with the brief discussion about slavery in the colonies were each quickly dismissed as having been issues that would allow for the ratification of the document. The rights of women led to slightly more consideration by each of them than the rights of slaves, it seemed to me.It is amazing that so many of these letters survived and I feel privileged to have access to them. Every one offered a look into life as it was led more than 240 years ago.
Friend of Friend
Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2015
thanks!
joseph o'kane
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2015
A great love story
Sunshine
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2014
I have fallen deep into admiration for Abigail Adams, and even her crusty husband John shines as an honest man and devoted Revolutionary when England started taxing and over-controlling the feisty American Colonies. So far as I can tell, the book was assembled from their letters by a grandson, so is well over 100 years old now. I have found other correspondence that makes a more comprehensive picture of these important people. I have never been a lover of or reader of history, but the biography I am now reading about Abigail has my full attention. And it started with reading these letters. It was a bit difficult to start, 12 letters from John to Abigail, but once her letters begin to John, it gets very intense and interesting. The Revolutionary War period is well known for having a large group of extraordinary men, but the women who stayed behind to care for the families were no less able and amazing people. Or at least with John & Abigail Adams it is true. She offered wise and sage advice, and their deep affection for each other shines through their letters. Just amazing Americans!
willowisp
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 15, 2014
An absolute joy, these letters could have been written yesterday. A great insight into the thought processes of the founding fathers, and a beautiful love story.
Janice Beaudin
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2011
This is the book that piqued my interest in America's beginning. There are so many fascinating ways to go from here. It's been 15 years since I read this,and have not stopped reading about the Revolutionary Era since. Many reads harken back to some detail portrayed in this fine book. I recommend it as a gift for anyone with even the slightest interest in history. Good for all ages.
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