John Quincy Adams

Starred review from September 1, 1997
With his career still on an upward trajectory and the presidency beckoning, Adams, son of the second U.S. president, needed, so he acknowledged, "to repel a reproach which has been very assiduously spread abroad of a reserved, gloomy, unsocial temper." Because he appeared to be "reserved, cold, austere," it was easy for his political rivals to portray him as "a gloomy misanthropist." How he managed, despite wide unpopularity, to become the sixth president is an absorbing story, deftly told here. Nagel (Descent from Glory: Four Generations of the Adams Family) reveals a life bursting with promise, but so dominated by Abigail and John Adams as to extinguish their son's options and plunge him into a lifetime of intermittent depression. The younger Adams was an effective Russian ambassador in his 20s, a senator, a Harvard professor, a secretary of state, then president. In his post-White House years, as a representative from Massachusetts in a period dominated by slavery issues, he was a tenacious, courageous member of Congress, notes the author. At 80, in 1848, on the floor of the House, he rose to speak and collapsed with a stroke, dying two days later. In this brilliant, colorful life, Nagel evokes an Adams heretofore unseen and a Washington of unpaved streets and uncouth political passions. Illustrations not seen by PW.

Most people remember John Quincy Adams, if they remember him at all, as the presidential bridge between James Monroe and Andrew Jackson. Author Nagel has written an excellent book meant to broaden our knowledge of Adams, and Jeff Riggenbach beautifully narrates the story as interesting, vital historical biography. Riggenbach's voice is, as always, unemotional and straightforward, but you get the sense that he wants you to understand this man. His inflections and vocal shadings urge you to listen further and to really appreciate this most accomplished public servant. Riggenbach also uses his deep voice to set a dignified tone, which fits his subject like a diplomatic white glove. Some minor technical glitches, like long pauses, should not detract from an excellent listening experience. R.I.G. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine