John Quincy Adams

“One of the finest biographies of a sadly underrated man . . . [Kaplan is] a master historian and biographer” (Carol Berkin, Washington Post).

In this fresh and illuminating biography, Fred Kaplan brings into focus the dramatic life of John Quincy Adams—the little-known and much-misunderstood sixth president of the United States and the first son of John and Abigail Adams. In doing so, he reveals how Adams’ inspiring, progressive vision guided his life and helped shape the course of American history.

Kaplan draws on a trove of unpublished archival material to trace Adams’ evolution from his childhood during the Revolutionary War to his brilliant years as Secretary of State to his time in the White House and beyond. He examines Adams’ myriad sides: the public and private man, the statesman and writer, the wise thinker and passionate advocate, the leading abolitionist and fervent federalist.

Meticulously researched and masterfully written, John Quincy Adams paints a rich portrait of this brilliant leader whose stamp on the young nation is still present in the 21st century.