The Letters of Henry Adams, Volumes 1-3: 1858-1892 (Volumes 1 Thru 3) (Volume 1-3)
These three volumes of Adams's letters constitute an American literary masterpiece. They bring togetherin full with superb annotationssome 1600 epistles from Adams to his closed circle of friends. An excellent introduction and prefatory remarks for each year place the letters in historical context. The letters provide an engaging personal history of one brilliant if forlorn man and his tumultuous times. Adams bore the weight of his famous family. But at 53 his youthful faith in reform had been dashed; he was a critical observer of power, not a participant. His reaction to change and his predictions of the future were gloomy, misanthropic, even mordant. Yet the letters teem with absorbing commentary on politics, economics, science, and society; they also reveal a warm and caring person. More than historical documents this is literature at its best. Harry W. Fritz, Univ . of Montana, MissoulaCopyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.