The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States

John Adams (1735–1826) was a highly educated and enlightened lawyer who became a central figure in the American Revolution. As a political theorist he influenced the constitutions of the former British colonies in America, and he is regarded, with Jefferson, as the father of the United States Constitution. First published in 1850–6, this collection brings together Adams' major writings. Given their influence not only on the United States, but also on other republics, Adams' works rank among the most important political writings of their time. Volume 1 contains a biography by Adams' son, John Quincy Adams, the sixth President. It begins by establishing the pedigree of the Adams family, and goes on to give an account of Adams' life that includes extracts from letters to his friends and colleagues and passages from his diary which reveal his political, moral and social concerns.