"As July 4th, 1826, approached, the town of Quincy, Massachusetts, prepared to celebrate. It was the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  Some townspeople came to beg John Adams to make an appearance, to say a few words to the assembled throng."

"John refused. An old man now, he had great difficulty in breathing and had trouble with his tongue when he wanted to speak. They urged him to send a message at least, but they had to be content when John said he would offer them a toast.  'I will give you,' he said, 'INDEPENDENCE FOREVER.'"

And on that Fourth of July, as the bells were chiming, John Adams died. Thus came to an end the stirring and courageous life of our second President.

His boyhood was spent in Brain-tree, within sight of Boston Harbor, and here he saw the beginnings of the colonies fight for freedom. Later came Harvard and his law practice, the turmoil of war and his work with the Continental Congress. His diplomatic duties abroad helped to form our foreign policy and were a sound background to the presidency which followed.

"John Adams' biography is the latest addition to this writing team's well-worked life histories that has lately included those of Roger Williams and Daniel Webster. As before, the authors strive with success to ground their characters in milieu and in the historical events which governed their lives and which they did much to create. Recommended reading." —Virginia Kirkus

From the dust jacket