Joseph J. Ellis

Through letters between John and Abigail Adams through their lives, we learn more about their daily lives, their love, their family, their politics, their thoughts and feelings.

I loved this book. I have always liked the Adams--Abigail more than John--but I have a new appreciation for them, especially John. I liked how the book took the stages of their lives and broke it down from first meeting (they did not like each other) to his defense of the British soldiers at the Boston Massacre, to the Revolution, to the Presidency, to his retirement, and to their deaths.

I was impressed by the love they had. They genuinely liked each other as well as loved. Abigail never pressured him to stay home with her and their children. She supported him in all he did even as she goes through pregnancy and illness. I liked that John stayed with her when she was sick while she was President. Turns out it helped put his head on straight and he went back and took control. I liked in their retirement that they took care of the grandchildren, just like so many do today.

I also liked that they were not indifferent to each other. They did not live separate lives. Through their letters through the years, they were involved in each other's lives. Abigail gave John advice on his actions and politics. John gave her advice about the farm and the children, especially John Quincy's education. They were hard on John Quincy and their daughter Abigail (called Nabby). Their younger sons Charles and Thomas were not as closely watched. It showed when they became adults. It was sad.

I got a better idea of other Founding Fathers as they interact with John Adams. I always liked Jefferson and still do. Washington was an enigma and remains one to me. Franklin, while friendly, did not always get along with John. I have to find out why. Hamilton, I never liked, and dislike him more know with all his political maneuverings behind the scenes. John worried a lot about how he would be remembered in history. He no longer needs to worry. He is remembered for all that he has done--right or wrong.

Joseph J. Ellis is one of my favorite writers. I will be reading him again.… (altro)

Joseph Ellis in The Cause attempts to discern the cause of the American Revolution, which he asserts as many to the period immediately following the French and Indian War.

Ellis departs from conventional thinking when he asserts that the tax bills passed by parliament for the American Colonies were simply a tool to reassert the authority of parliament and not as traditionally thought, simply an attempt to recoup the cost of the war with France.

Ellis goes further in the ongoing debate on whether the cause of the war was a conservative or revolutionary movement. He follows up with a diplomatic, military, and political history of the war illustrating the strengths and weaknesses of Washington as a military leader as well as the colonial government under the Articles of Confederation.

A well thought out book on the conflicting motivations for the war from both the British and Colonial perspectives and the leaders from both sides.

A strong book by Ellis adds to the discussion of the complex causes of the American Revolution, which I strongly recommend.… (altro)