Scholars have examined John Adams’s writings and beliefs for generations; but no one has brought such impressive credentials to the task as Richard Alan Ryerson in John Adams’s Republic. The editor-in-chief of the Massachusetts Historical Society’s Adams Papers project for nearly two decades; Ryerson offers readers of this magisterial book a fresh; firmly grounded account of Adams’s political thought and its development.Of all the founding fathers; Ryerson argues; John Adams may have worried the most about the problem of social jealousy and political conflict in the new republic. Ryerson explains how these concerns; coupled with Adams’s concept of executive authority and his fear of aristocracy; deeply influenced his political mindset. He weaves together a close analysis of Adams’s public writings; a comprehensive chronological narrative beginning in the 1760s; and an exploration of the second president’s private diary; manuscript autobiography; and personal and family letters; revealing Adams’s most intimate political thoughts across six decades.How; Adams asked; could a self-governing country counter the natural power and influence of wealthy elites and their friends in government? Ryerson argues that he came to believe a strong executive could hold at bay the aristocratic forces that posed the most serious dangers to a republican society. The first study ever published to closely examine all of Adams’s political writings; from his youth to his long retirement; John Adams’s Republic should appeal to everyone who seeks to know more about America’s first major political theorist.
#369080 in Books Alexander; Caroline 2004-05-25 2004-05-25Format: Deckle EdgeOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x 1.10 x 5.50l; 1.13 #File Name: 0142004693491 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. You Will Know Everything There is to Know.By Easar57This very detailed account of the events before; during; and long after the "mutiny" is en example of the gray middle in life. The heroes and villains are not clearly evident - just ordinary people with human flaws. Captain Bligh and Fletcher Christian were certainly not Charles Laughton and Clark Gable.The details surrounding the lives of the players in this story; and the description of life on and off British naval ships during the relevant years helps shows the context of the story in crystal clarity.If there was any true villain; it would appear to be Captain Edwards of the Pandora.The only criticism of the book is perhaps not even a fair one; in that it was so difficult to keep some of the names straight. (Did he stay with Bligh? Did he stay on Tahiti? Did he go to Pitcairn? etc.). That the telling is so detailed is the reason for all of the names; and the author should not be faulted for that.I finished the book believing that I now know all that there is to be known about this famous incident at sea.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Must Read for Bounty EnthusiastsBy James VigneauBeing a real Bounty fan; I found this a very good and extremely well documented (20% of the book is bibliography) story of what happened not only on the Bounty; but to the participants from all perspectives. Caroline Alexander does differentiate between fact and conjecture/opinion; so you are free to form your own opinions based upon the factual offerings she presents exceeding well. For Bounty enthusiasts this is a must read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is an amazing story about on of the "real" life of Captain ...By EMC2This is an amazing story about on of the "real" life of Captain Bligh - not the one in the movies. I never realized he spent a month trying to get around Cape Horn - the planned route he was supposed to follow to get to Tahiti. I have read many; many nautical and historical books about the time of the tall ships; nothing matches this adventure. His seamanship and determination in sailing the 23' open Bounty launch 3;600 miles through the uncharted Barrier Reef defies description and imagination.It is pathetic how the British politics played out during the court-martial - making sure Capt. Bligh was at sea so he could not personally testify against a crew member who was favored by certain court martial members. Read and discover the actual purpose behind bringing back the "breadfruit" plant. Great read.
