Includes bibliographical references (p. 703-726) and index.

Part I: Revolution -- 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.

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. Above all, John Adams is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived.

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Originally published in 2001.