In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life-journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot who spared nothing in his zeal for the American Revolution; who rose to become the second President of the United States and saved the country from blundering into an unnecessary war; who was learned beyond all but a few and regarded by some as "out of his senses"; and whose marriage to the wise and valiant Abigail Adams is one of the moving love stories in American history. This is history on a grand scale--a book about politics and war and social issues, but also about human nature, love, religious faith, virtue, ambition, friendship, and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of noble ideas.

Part I. Revolution. The road to Philadelphia ; True blue ; Colossus of independence -- part II. Distant shores. Appointment to France ; Unalterably determined ; Abigail in Paris ; London -- part III. Independence forever. Heir apparent ; Old oak ; Statesman ; Rejoice ever more ; Journey's end.