I bought the book and read it - well after I had bought it, actually - on its reputation as one of the "great" American books, but it left me disappointed. Adams' idiosyncratic writing style didn't appeal to me, and the content wasn't so enthralling, either, although the array of important historical figures from the 19th century whom he met is staggeringly impressive. Sure, I understand the conceit of reflecting upon his ironically poor educational preparation for the America to come in the generations following his birth - especially the America of the decade in his old age when he wrote the book. That simply wasn't very compelling. Some parts of the book were interesting, such as his experience in England (and elsewhere in Europe) as his father's personal secretary during the Civil War. Some turns of phrase were witty and memorable, too. Such moments were limited in this 500-page tome. His self-deprecation wasn't sufficiently charming or clever, either, to make it sympathetic as a voice.