Robert V. Remini (1921–2013)

What especially interested me about this book was the way in which the author, a noted Jackson scholar, was able to take a fresh look at the way Adams came to the presidency in 1824. To Jackson, and therefore Jacksonians, this was a corrupt deal between Adams and Clay, who then was rewarded with the office of Secretary of State. Remini was able to look at the incident anew through the eyes of Adams and see that the appointment was fully in accord with JQA's principles; Clay was to him the show more best qualified candidate for the job. That it would look suspicious to his opponents was a further instance (neither the first nor the last) of his political naivete. Kudos to Remini for putting aside the Jacksonian view. show less

A small book, only 192 pages, but for whatever reason it took me far to long to finish it and I don't know why. I say that because every time that I picked it up I really enjoyed the writing and found President John Quincy Adams life so very interesting.
Born the son of Funding Father John Adams, JQA was raised in a very strict house by his mother Abigail (father John was away a lot). He reached adolescence at a convenient time for him, his family and the country as he joined his father on show more his diplomatic trip to France and Europe. He learned so much that he himself was made a US diplomat at a very young and and did quite well in that role. When his time in Europe was up he returned home, became a lawyer, got into National politics and as they say, the rest is history...
Remini does a great job of synthesizing and condensing JQA's life and the events and people that shaped it. His prose are so well written that it seemed to me at times I was having a conversation with him instead of reading the words he had chose to write about Adams.
The best thing I can say about this is that it makes me hungry for more about our 6th president. To learn more about his domineering mother, his somewhat loveless marriage, his duties, his wants and his hates...as he hates a few others like something out of the old testament.
Again, I have no idea as to why it took so long to get through this little powerhouse, but it was so well worth it.
Highly recommended for US history buffs, those who are interested in the fight for Civil Rights and American presidents. A four star for sure. show less

Well written biography, although Remini does excuse some of Jacksons behavior, he does appear to lay the facts out plainly, so you can certainly draw your own conclusions. Additionally, he does criticize Jackson on numerous occasions. It was a good read and I look forward to the rest of the series. Jackson certainly isnt a sympathetic figure in this book, no matter how much Remini likes Jackson. His conduct and actions are pretty despicable in numerous regards, but Remini does help us try to show more put Jacksons mindset into his actions to try and get us to see the world through Jacksons eyes. It doesnt lessen the tragedies that Jackson oversaw, but puts into context in history his actions and shows why we cannot go down this path that allows a Jackson to rise to happen again. show less

Early proof of the regenerative powers of the U.S. Senate, the post-Presidential career of JQA (as the book affectionately calls him) makes for some of the more interesting reading in this entry in the American Presidents series. This tome brings to life the highs and lows of this, one of the more interesting men to set foot in the White House. The details of his harsh relationship with his mother certainly paints a dark picture of Abigail Adams. The tragedy of JQA's eldest son is something show more that is chronicled but left me wanting for more. This book serves as an excellent concise biography of our 6th president. show less