John Randolph

by Guy B Adams, Robert McColley

This work, originally written in 1882, provides a biography of John Randolph, a prominent figure in American national politics in the early 1800s. Presenting relevant letters by Randolph, the book covers his relations with the Jeffersonians and Jacksonians.

Genres: Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 1882

Reviews

[Riq Hoelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 17-page foreword by modern historian Robert McColley is really the best part because it discusses what the biography got right and wrong. It almost makes one not want to read the rest. But the rest is interesting as a perspective on the founders that is not celebrating, or apologetic, but openly critical. It's almost as if John Adams had risen from the dead in 1884 and shared his thoughts on what had been happening. Just be sure to go back and re-read the foreword again afterwards.

[Gregg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was intriqued by character John Randolph in Adam's History of the US during Jefferson Admin.

[Miles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historically signifigant work, and perhaps Adams' finest work of pure biography. This is probably the most famous unsympathetic bio written before the First World War. The whole work is worth reading the last third of it veritably sparkles. Randolph’s greatness is impossible to hide. Even as Adams denigrates Randolph the former can’t help but marvel at the Virginian's speeches, his courage, and his rare mix of anger and selflessness.

[Jacob Kipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic by one of the great American historians who take son the greatest critic of John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Henry Adams presents Randolph as the spirit of the planter class in gthe early Republic. Well written.