Paul C. Nagel (1926–2011)

Drawing on John Quincy Adams’s voluminous diaries, this narrative non-fiction provides insight into the character and actions of the sixth President of the US. The primary strength of this book is portraying what Adams was like as a person. As an extremely intelligent young man, he traveled and was educated in Europe, accompanying his father, John Adams, in his service as a US Ambassador. He comes across as complex, self-critical, stubborn, disciplined, religious, and honorable. He experienced episodes of depression, which occurred periodically throughout his life (at a time when very little could be done for it).

This work follows his entire life. It is written in a chronological, straight-forward manner. At a time when few Americans had the chance to travel extensively, JQA visited France, Spain, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, and Russia. He learned many languages and was fluent in French. The narrative covers his education at Harvard and his legal practice, which he viewed as a rather boring occupation. It covers his marriage to Englishwoman Louisa Johnson, children, and the death of his infant daughter in Russia. Two of his sons died in their thirties, one from an apparent suicide and the other from alcohol abuse.

It follows his service as a diplomat and political career, serving as Secretary of State under James Monroe. His presidency was one of the most difficult periods of his life, facing Congressional opposition and making several rather naïve mistakes. Afterward, he became a member of the House of Representatives and served in this capacity until his death at age 81.

I particularly enjoyed reading about his role in defending the slaves of the Amistad, his lifelong opposition to slavery, his poetry writings, and relationship with his mother, Abigail Adams. It lacks footnotes, but it is obvious that the majority of content came from JQA’s journals. As I continue my project of reading US presidential biographies in order, I am glad to have discovered this one.… (more)

As John Quincy Adams made many appearances throughout David McCullough's life of John Adams, I was intrigued to learn more about his journey from a highly educated childhood, to diplomat, to President. Having read this excellent book, I am saddened to learn that JQA seems to add up to less than the sum of his parts. His well-traveled childhood and mastery of multiple languages did not open his mind to an understanding and appreciation of humanity: his eye was always turned inward, to his own achievements, failures, and anxieties. A great leader needs to look past the self to the world, but JQA seemed to look at the world only as a stage for himself. Worse, he saw his children only as reflections on himself, and not as humans deserving of love in their own right. Although I am interested in this time in history and the diplomatic crises in which JQA participated, I don't think I will read any more books centered on him, since I think his biographies by their very nature may overstate his influence on events.… (more)

Not a bad book. Nothing earth shattering. A good overview.

A couple things struck me:

1. The author takes great pains to bring "Light Horse" Harry Lee down to earth, spending alot of time on his financial troubles, his treatment of his wife and children, and even calling into question the usually acknowledged excellence of his military service. He often criticizes Lee's well known flaws without presenting any contravening information. Conversely, when talking about areas in which it is usually acknowledged Lee excelled the author would take great pains to try and develop caveats to almost all of it. In some cases this becomes very strained and not entirely believable.

2. The authors treatment of Harry Lee's son Robert E. Lee however, borders on the hagiographic. There is much to criticize in Robert E. Lee's life, including his military judgment, but little of that was presented.

Disappointing that with the large number of quotations used throughtout the text the author didn't believe footnotes would be helpful. A real lack in my opinion.

Despite that however, the book is well worth a read if the Lee family is of interest to you.… (more)