A Companion to John Adams and John Quincy Adams

A Companion to John Adams and John Quincy Adams presents a collection of original historiographic essays contributed by leading historians that cover diverse aspects of the lives, politics, and post-presidential careers of the second and sixth US presidents, as well as their respective spouses, Abigail and Louisa Catherine. Initial chapters focus on John Adams and proceed chronologically from his background in Massachusetts through key topics relating to his presidency, including foreign affairs and domestic politics. Several essays bring to light issues that continue to foster scholarly debate, such as Adams’ role in the tailspin of the Federalists in the late 1790s, while other essays consider Abigail Adams and her significance as a touchstone figure in the history of American women.

The second section of this companion addresses the extraordinarily rich career of John Quincy Adams, placing special emphasis on topics relating to domestic and foreign affairs, two presidential elections, and his especially noteworthy post-presidential career as a Congressman who played a pivotal role in the sectional strife over slavery during the 1830s-40s. The Adams’ enduring family legacy is further explored through coverage of film representations and relationships among the first and second generation of Adamses.  A Companion to John Adams and John Quincy Adams offers illuminating insights into the most recent scholarship on the lives and careers of the Adams presidents and their influential families.