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A review by bethfishreads
The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff
4.25
A readable, accessible account of the most enigmatic of the U.S. Founding Fathers.
This biography examines Samuel Adams's life, family relationships, and general personality as well as his thoughts on and role in the Revolution and the creation of the United States. Through Adams's story we also gain a fresh perspective on the late colonial era and the lead up to the Revolution.
Some things I learned: Adams was an outlier compared to the other famous Founders: he was poorer, more careful about hiding his tracks, happy to let others take credit for his ideas, and well-known at the time for being a skilled orator and agitator.
Although contemporary history books and popular culture focus on the likes of Hamilton, John Adams (a younger second cousin), Jefferson, and Washington, Schiff informs us that Samuel Adams (never Sam), was one of, if not *the*, principal force behind the idea of independence. He knew how to elevate events in the public mind (using the term "the Boston Massacre"; demonizing the Stamp Act) and to quietly orchestrate acts of rebellion (the Boston Tea Party).
As is expected with Schiff, the biography is based on as much as possible on contemporary and firsthand accounts. The text is interesting and engaging.
The audiobook was read by Jason Culp, who subtly distinguished among the individuals and nicely signaled the difference between quotations and narrative text. His delivery is expressive and holds our attention.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various formats.
This biography examines Samuel Adams's life, family relationships, and general personality as well as his thoughts on and role in the Revolution and the creation of the United States. Through Adams's story we also gain a fresh perspective on the late colonial era and the lead up to the Revolution.
Some things I learned: Adams was an outlier compared to the other famous Founders: he was poorer, more careful about hiding his tracks, happy to let others take credit for his ideas, and well-known at the time for being a skilled orator and agitator.
Although contemporary history books and popular culture focus on the likes of Hamilton, John Adams (a younger second cousin), Jefferson, and Washington, Schiff informs us that Samuel Adams (never Sam), was one of, if not *the*, principal force behind the idea of independence. He knew how to elevate events in the public mind (using the term "the Boston Massacre"; demonizing the Stamp Act) and to quietly orchestrate acts of rebellion (the Boston Tea Party).
As is expected with Schiff, the biography is based on as much as possible on contemporary and firsthand accounts. The text is interesting and engaging.
The audiobook was read by Jason Culp, who subtly distinguished among the individuals and nicely signaled the difference between quotations and narrative text. His delivery is expressive and holds our attention.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various formats.