John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist

 

Title: John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist 

Author: Jeffrey A. Denman

Review:

I had never heard of John Quincy Adams until I read this book. His upbringing was heavily influenced by his parents, especially his mother, who took a firm role in raising her children. From the very beginning, both Abigail and John Adams made it clear that they opposed slavery.

This book traces John Quincy Adams's long and impactful life through a central theme: his relationship with slavery. From a young age, his parents prepared him for leadership, with aspirations for him to one day hold the highest office in the nation. His personal diary provides valuable insight into both his views on slavery and the private side of his character, which few had access to.

Adams’s writings reveal his deep disdain for slavery, while also exposing the complexities in his views—complexities that evolved over time in response to shifting political climates.

I truly appreciate the remarkable work the author has done in this book. It offers readers a thought-provoking perspective on the fight to end slavery. The author's vocabulary is well-chosen, and the way he has structured John Quincy Adams’s life story is both informative and engaging.

Rating: 5/5

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