I understand why this book is important and listed on many top lists, but it honestly is a chore to read. Mr. Adams led an interesting life. As the descendent of two US Presidents he kept company in elite circles. I enjoyed the historical accounts of his time in London during the Civil War and he has a variety of observations about government and the personalities that were shaping the world's politics during his life. The most difficult part of the book for me was the formality of Mr. Adams's writing, his self deprecation, and overdone attempts at wit and style. At times it is overly academic, advancing Adams's own theories of history which tries to tie together the scientific, psychological and sociological trends of the day into some kind of master framework. Not only is this not especially insightful and dated, but it is also convulated, arcane and tiresome to read. Unfortunately it is hard to skim the book for the best parts. It is much like mining for gold. You get a lot of sand, with the occasional nugget which gets you through the next chapter.