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A review by elanorh
The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.5
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I took a deep dive into John Quincy Adams biographies a few years ago (He is my favorite president and I've always been interested in him and his family). I am a history major; I took several courses focusing on Colonial and Revolutionary history in the US.
I particularly enjoyed, as I read the book, comparing what I knew of Samuel Adams from the JQA biographies and other history, to the book's description - and, comparing the personality traits and ideals of Samuel Adams to those of his cousins. They definitely had approaches, perspectives, and values in common!
That said: if you're not pretty familiar with Colonial and Revolutionary history, you may want to be ready to pull up some internet resources as you read about some of the events and individuals in the book - so you can better situate and understand what's described. And, you may want to keep a running list of how various individuals connect to them (allies, enemies, acquaintances, and shiftings thereof). I don't want to scare anyone off, the book is important and a good read, you just may enjoy and understand it better if you're ready for that.
I was repeatedly struck by how some of Adam's tactics resemble some of the dangerous things we see in our politics today (disinformation etc.). I think the difference is motivation and end goal, but it still gives one pause.
I particularly enjoyed, as I read the book, comparing what I knew of Samuel Adams from the JQA biographies and other history, to the book's description - and, comparing the personality traits and ideals of Samuel Adams to those of his cousins. They definitely had approaches, perspectives, and values in common!
That said: if you're not pretty familiar with Colonial and Revolutionary history, you may want to be ready to pull up some internet resources as you read about some of the events and individuals in the book - so you can better situate and understand what's described. And, you may want to keep a running list of how various individuals connect to them (allies, enemies, acquaintances, and shiftings thereof). I don't want to scare anyone off, the book is important and a good read, you just may enjoy and understand it better if you're ready for that.
I was repeatedly struck by how some of Adam's tactics resemble some of the dangerous things we see in our politics today (disinformation etc.). I think the difference is motivation and end goal, but it still gives one pause.