647. First Family- Abigail and John Adams by Ellis- summary

647.  First Family- Abigail and John Adams by Ellis.  The long overdue rehabilitation of John Adams continues with this book by Professor Ellis.  It is interesting that as John Adams' skills and value increase, it comes at least in a small way at the expense of Thomas Jefferson.  Jefferson, the shy, quiet thinker, gentle man is slowly being laid to rest.  The book is written from the point of view of Abigail and John.  Consequently Ellis rarely diverts from their personal letters and the point of view these offer.  She was clearly a close advisor whose ideas and views John constantly sought.  She was very knowledgeable of current events and philosophical ideas.  She was the balance he needed for his life and ambition.  They were a team in many ways.  John Adams was tireless in his efforts to help establish a new country.  He saw the way events were going better than almost anyone else.  There is in the book a discussion of the exchange which took place between Abigail and Jefferson years later in which Abigail took Jefferson to task for underhanded political attacks against her husband.  Jefferson attempted to smooth it over and cut himself free from dubious activities but Abigail would have none of it.  This scene goes to the heart of Abigail's love for John, her knowledge of events and her ability to argue head to head with a pretty smart fellow.  My criticisms of the book are two:  Ellis' lapse on occasion to Barbara Walters' mentality when he contemplates their sexual activity  and his suggestion that John Adams was obsessed with his place in history.  I do not deny that he was ambitious.  But Ellis by focusing on this aspect misses other reasons for actions by John Adams; such as his proven ability to see the future, know its source and outcome.  He knew himself to be a better man than most to make key decisions.