Samuel Adams: The Life of an American Revolutionary
Samuel Adams is the most elusive of the Founding Fathers and, until now, the only one without a first-rate biography. Historian John Alexander, a careful author and meticulous scholar, has solved the matter of a decent life history. In this definitive biography, Alexander not only shows what made Adams tick, but fleshes out his contributions to the American Revolution.Samuel Adams: The Life of an American Revolutionaryis the book for those who wish to understand both this extraordinary American Founder and the shadowy contours of the American Revolution. (John Ferling)John Alexander makes the case undeniable: No individual was more central than Samuel Adams to the coming of the Revolution and the effort to sustain republican society and government once independence had been achieved. Engagingly written,Samuel Adamsoffers a thorough and page-turning account of Adams's life and his remarkable times. (Barbara Clark Smith)Even for supposedly objective historians, it has often been difficult to remain neutral about Sam Adams. He was an inspiring orator or a demagogue inflaming the mob. He was a brilliant organizer or an unprincipled manipulator. Alexander gratifyingly avoids the pitfalls of easy categorization. Still, in a generally admiring biography, he convincingly asserts two consistent aspects of Adams’ career. First, he was a political animal, who felt most alive when organizing, negotiating, and when necessary, compromising to achieve his goals. Second, he was a true revolutionary, who viewed the arena of politics as a means for transforming American society in accordance with republican principles. His hopes extended beyond simple independence from Britain. Within those parameters, Alexander examines Adams’ activities during and after the revolution as he dealt with a variety of issues, including slavery, the rights of women, and foreign affairs. Alexander also makes clear that Adams was no austere, cold Robespierre but a man with a vibrant personal life. A well-done re-examination of the life of an American icon. (BooklistBooklist)