Adams on Adams

"Drawing from Adams's own letters, diaries, notes, and autobiographies, editor Paul M. Zall creates a fresh portrait of the nation's second president. Adams's words reveal how a man lacking the advantages of money, connections, class, or patronage promoted American independence at home, and abroad. Zall focuses on how the presidents inner strengths, although at times conflicting with his sense of inferiority and his obsession with fame, helped with self-rule for America and national respect abroad."

"As president, Adams took pride in establishing a navy whose presence ensured stability and helped in peace negotiations with Native Americans and foreign countries. After he retired, Adams spent a quarter-century writing memoirs, letters, and articles in newspapers defending himself against being labeled an "aristocrat" or "monarchist" for insisting on a strong, well-balanced government as the best defense against the self delusions of blind ambition or personal gratification."--Jacket.