Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage

A book about the marital life of the second President of the United States, John Adams, and his wife, Abigail. These two genuinely loved and supported each other for over fifty years. Abigail endured her husband's long absences with stoicism and the belief that their love would last and she would see her husband again soon. John relied on his wife's letters to get him through the lonely times abroad. The book draws heavily from their letters to each other. Though it lags in the early days of their marriage, the book picks up interest when John takes up diplomatic posts and eventually makes it to the Vice-Presidency and eventual Presidency. I thought that the end of the book seemed speedily concluded, though, the book was interesting show more from start to finish. show less

Abigail and John Adams’ story is quite the love story, and it’s the story of two feminists. Well, one and a half. At a time when women were to stay home, remain uneducated and raise children, Abigail was educated and often ran the homestead while John was traveling on behalf of the soon to be established United States Government. She did quite famously admonish him to “remember the ladies” in one of her letters written while the Bill of Rights and the Constitution were being drafted.

Dr. Gelles has taken the letters of Abigail and John and written a biography of them as a couple. I found it fascinating that they spent more time apart than together and still maintained a loving marriage and friendship their entire lives. Abigail show more was strong, often because the circumstances demanded it. John loved and admired her for that, knowing that he could devote himself to the creation of a new republic while Abigail took care of homestead.

Anyone interested in knowing more about this fascinating, revolutionary couple, would welcome Dr. Gelles’ book into their libraries. show less

Abigail & John is one of the finest portrayals of marriage in this historical time period. The legacy that A&J left behind in their letters is a remarkable attestation to the fact that they knew they were making history. What is even more remarkable is that not only was this John Adam's thought throughout the course of his political life, but that Abigail's letters were kept as well.
A fascinating read by anyone who questions the idea that women have held a position of strength and impact that far preceded the liberation movement of the last century.

Relive the American Revolution through this wonderful biography of Abigail and John Adams. The book begins with the encounters of John and Abigail when a young girl and man. See how they meet, fall in love, and struggle to endure a marriage and love while John is helping to create the United States of America. From a presidential biography you can see how he emerges as the 2nd President of the United States. See how he was apart from his wife for years at a time for the greater good of the country. Then see how their personal lives also have bumpy roads through children who struggle with spouses and illnesses of their own. Dive into the lives and marriage of John and Abigail Adams and you feel like you're back in the 18th century!

A show more wonderfully written biography that completely inspired me to do more for my community and country. It was a charming book, that really brought the history to life. I felt as if I knew the Adams family intimately and was a friend of Abigail's that she was writing. If you enjoy historical biographies and American history I highly recommend! show less