Descent from Glory: Four Generations of the John Adams Family [Paperback]

Paul C. Nagel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0674198298 | ISBN-13: 978-0674198296

There has never been any doubt that the Adams family was America's first family in our politics and memory. This research-based and insightful book is a multigenerational biography of that family from the founding father, John, through the mordant writer, Brooks.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An intelligent, tactful, and spiritually generous chronicle of a dynasty that gave the United States two presidents...This volume might be called a gift of realism that can enhance our judgment of public men and their families. (The New Yorker )

A magnificent book on four generations of Adamses, from John to Brooks. Nagel has written a great book because he captures the pathos of time's passage. (The New York Times )

A finely crafted biographical study full of unostentatious but perceptive judgments and insights...should appeal to both professional historians and general readers alike. (The American Historical Review )

About the Author

Paul C. Nagel is former Director of the Virginia Historical Society, a trustee of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a cultural laureate of Virginia, and a contributing editor of American Heritage.

Product Details

• Paperback: 414 pages
• Publisher: Harvard University Press (April 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674198298
• ISBN-13: 978-0674198296
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( A ) > Adams, John

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Read For Early Am. Hist Buffs!, January 5, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Descent from Glory: Four Generations of the John Adams Family (Hardcover)

Four generations of the John Adams family of Quincy are brilliantly covered in this detailed, yet concise, 400 page study. The lives and work of 2 presidents, 3 major diplomats, cabinet officials, and great scholars are outlined within the context of their remarkable history as an American family. This book touches upon the topics of Colonial America through the Revolution and Civil War on into the 20th Century. One can't help but be interested with such personalities as Adamses John, Abigail, John Quincy, Charles Frances, Henry, and Brooks. Their triumph as a family, depite problems financial and personal (alchoholism, depression, etc.), makes for inspirational reading.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars History Comes Alive, November 28, 2001

By 

Dennis Pierson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Descent from Glory: Four Generations of the John Adams Family (Paperback)

(...) An insightful and interesting study of four generations of complex and often contradictory personalities. I especially appreciated the author's manner of hinting at future developments and bating the reader to read on and on...in my case, well into the night. His analysis of the Adams' strengths and weaknesses is what sets this book apart so I am perplexed that anyone would describe it as dull and a mere listing of events. But don't take my word for it -- if you have only a few moments to browse through it, check the index for the passage dealing with the death of the tragic first generation daughter, Nabby. The writing is poignant and wrenching. Anything but routine.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A complex subject, masterfully disected, October 17, 2002

By 

Catt (Beautiful Bucolic Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Descent from Glory: Four Generations of the John Adams Family (Paperback)

I read this book in about one week. I found it very well written with logical conclusions and theories based on an extensive primary and secondary source material study, complex yet readable and extremely well researched. This is a book that anyone interested in American history and the complexities of the first 4 generations of the Adams family will appreciate. A masterful undertaking by the author...never boring and highly informative.