Pulitzer Prize Biography Winner

John Adams

by David McCullough

Summary

David McCullough brings the second president of the United States vividly to life, following John Adams from the Revolution through his diplomacy in Europe and his single term in office. The narrative leans heavily on the warm and candid correspondence between Adams and his wife Abigail. Praised for its storytelling and human detail, the book restored Adams to the front rank of the founders in popular memory.

Historical Context & Significance

David McCullough's John Adams won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize and inspired a 2008 HBO miniseries starring Paul Giamatti.