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John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams (July 11, 1767 - February 23, 1848) was an American statesman, diplomat, lawyer, and diarist who served as the sixth president of the United States from 1825 to 1829. He previously served as the eighth United States Secretary of State from 1817 to 1825. During his long diplomatic and political career, Adams also served as an ambassador, and represented Massachusetts as a United States Senator and as a member of the United States House of Representatives. He was the eldest son of John Adams, who served as the second US president from 1797 to 1801. Initially a Federalist like his father, he won election to the presidency as a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, and in the mid-1830s became affiliated with the Whig Party. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, Adams spent much of his youth in Europe, where his father served as a diplomat. After returning to the United States, Adams established a successful legal practice in Boston. In 1794, President George Washington appointed Adams as the US ambassador to the Netherlands, and Adams would serve in high-ranking diplomatic posts until 1801, when Thomas Jefferson took office as president. Federalist leaders in Massachusetts arranged for Adams's election to the United States Senate in 1802, but Adams broke with the Federalist Party over foreign policy and was denied re-election. In 1809, Adams was appointed as the US ambassador to Russia by President James Madison, a member of the Democratic-Republican Party. Adams held diplomatic posts for the duration of Madison's presidency, and he served as part of the American delegation that negotiated an end to the War of 1812. In 1817, newly-elected President James Monroe selected Adams as his Secretary of State. In that role, Adams negotiated the Adams-On�s Treaty, which provided for the American acquisition of Florida. He also helped formulate the Monroe Doctrine, which became a key tenet of US foreign policy.
206 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2019
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About the author
John Torrey Morse Jr.
136 books2 followersAka John T. Morse Jr.
John Torrey Morse (1840–1937) was an American historian and biographer. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on Jan. 9, 1840, and lived in that city as a lawyer. Morse was the editor of the ‘American Statesmen Series,’ and published biographies of Alexander Hamilton in two volumes, considered his most significant work, He also wrote biographies on John and J. Q. Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin, and Dr. Holmes. Morse also authored ‘Banks and Banking’, ‘Arbitration and Award’ and ‘Famous Trials.’
(wikipedia)
John Torrey Morse (1840–1937) was an American historian and biographer. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on Jan. 9, 1840, and lived in that city as a lawyer. Morse was the editor of the ‘American Statesmen Series,’ and published biographies of Alexander Hamilton in two volumes, considered his most significant work, He also wrote biographies on John and J. Q. Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin, and Dr. Holmes. Morse also authored ‘Banks and Banking’, ‘Arbitration and Award’ and ‘Famous Trials.’
(wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 21, 2025
Originally published in 1882, and revised in 1898. A very short biography (211 pages) of the 6th President of the United States. Morse used JQA's diaries as his main source material for the biography.
I plan on reading a more modern biography as well as Adams'Diaries 1779-1821: Boyhood in Europe / Harvard / The French Revolution / The Age of Jefferson / Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia / The War of 1812 and the Treaty of Ghent / Minister to Great Britain / The Missouri Compromise. which have been published by Library of America.
Mr. Adams spent his formative years in Europe with his father John Adams. At the age of 15 he was the secretary to the Russian Ambassador. Washington appointed him as ambassador to the Netherlands. When John Quincy returned to the U.S., he was elected to the Senate by Massachusetts, because he voted as he saw fit, he was denied re-election. Madison appointed Adams to several diplomatic posts during his presidency because of his European experiences. President Monroe appointed Adams as Secretary of State. Adams was then elected president in 1824. What's unusual about Adams is that after the presidency, he spent 16 years in the House of Representatives, in which he constantly railed against slavery (as his father did). Adams actually died speaking in the House chamber.
I plan on reading a more modern biography as well as Adams'Diaries 1779-1821: Boyhood in Europe / Harvard / The French Revolution / The Age of Jefferson / Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia / The War of 1812 and the Treaty of Ghent / Minister to Great Britain / The Missouri Compromise. which have been published by Library of America.
Mr. Adams spent his formative years in Europe with his father John Adams. At the age of 15 he was the secretary to the Russian Ambassador. Washington appointed him as ambassador to the Netherlands. When John Quincy returned to the U.S., he was elected to the Senate by Massachusetts, because he voted as he saw fit, he was denied re-election. Madison appointed Adams to several diplomatic posts during his presidency because of his European experiences. President Monroe appointed Adams as Secretary of State. Adams was then elected president in 1824. What's unusual about Adams is that after the presidency, he spent 16 years in the House of Representatives, in which he constantly railed against slavery (as his father did). Adams actually died speaking in the House chamber.
November 22, 2011
John Torrey Morse, Jr. was born in Boston in 1840. He went on to become a Harvard graduate and a Boston lawyer in 1860. After twenty some years in this profession, he started studying in writing and editing. In 1882, Morse founded the American Statesmen Series. This collection of biographies attempted to correct what Morse saw as a misconception of public understanding between the Revolutionary period and the Civil War and portray this picture to the general public. The first biography in the American Statesmen Series was published in 1882, John Quincy Adams which was written by Morse himself. Though it was not the first biography on former president John Quincy Adams, it is still celebrated today as one of the most distinctive accounts of Adams’ life.
When Morse wrote John Quincy Adams he knew he was following two others. The first two biographies however either lacked finesse or the ability to engage the reader; Josiah Quincy’s Memoir of the Life of John Quincy Adams was described by Lynn Parsons as being “irredeemably dull.” Morse also brought something different to the table. In his own words, he attempted “to present a sketch of the man with a few of his more prominent surroundings against a very meager and insufficient background of the history of the times (p.12).” Morse undoubtedly achieved his purpose and provided his readers with a satisfactory “sketch” of a vigorous and unique president.
John Quincy Adams reads more like a history text than a historical biography. John T. Morse, Jr. presents the facts as they are and not as they appear. In doing so, he provides the audience with little personal interpretation or analysis. While this detracts from the work’s interest, Morse manages to remain unbiased throughout his narrative. Though admiring in tone, Morse presents all information regarding John Quincy Adams and relates his good and bad qualities.
The American Statesmen Series was intended for a large audience. Morse and other authors of the series encouraged a wide range of readers with their simplistic tone and straightforward approach. Each and every topic within the American Statesmen Series was well-researched, written, and edited. For John Quincy Adams, Morse collected and read from many sources. The majority of which were books written by either Adams himself or his close acquaintances (e.g. Quincy Adams’ Memoirs, edition 12. 1874). These primary sources, which are cited in Morse’s bibliography, helped to influence and legitimize the information within Morse’s text.
Morse’s first published tome (1882) is an accurate account of John Quincy Adams’ life. This biography is one of many on Adams, and therefore its contribution to historical literature is lessened. Aside from being a part of the American Statesmen Series, John Quincy Adams has modest historical value considering there are bigger, more accurate, recent, and analytical narratives (John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life by Paul C. Nagel). Nevertheless, many readers appreciate the conciseness of the Morse’s text and complement him on his ability to condense a large time period.
“The English language used in this book has been, in most part, lost from our century,” as written by historian David Scranton. The words and word structure in Morse’s volume can be at times drawn out and frustrating, “Mr. Adams's unbounded indignation and profound contempt were reserved for Mr. Crawford, partly, it may be suspected by the cynically minded, because Crawford for a long time seemed to be by far the most formidable rival, but partly also because Crawford was in fact unable to resist the temptation to use ignoble means for attaining an end which he coveted too keenly for his own honor (Morse, p.155).” It is apparent that John T. Morse, Jr. lived in a different period and his writing mimics that of most scholars during the late 1800s era.
John Quincy Adams has been described as having “interesting narrative, just proportion, and judicial candor (The Nation, 1882);” yet, while the tone is admiring and the writing concise, Morse is not analytical and seemingly indifferent. His fact-filled text comes off dreary and gives the reader a dull impression. There are no pictures to assist the reader with their tedious task, however, pictures would not have enhanced understanding or comprehension nor would it have spiked interest. If he were to have rewritten a biography on Adams, Morse could have given personal interpretation of Adams and his years in office. This being said, Morse’s narrative is both informative and educational, providing readers with the life story of Quincy Adams.
The index in the back of John Quincy Adams is thick and rich with information. The purpose of the American Statesmen Series was to provide short and concise biographies to the public which would help to paint a picture of society between the Revolutionary period and the Civil War; therefore, Morse was tasked with accounting Quincy Adams’ entire, relevant life in one short volume. All details not permitted in his text are housed in the index. Though there are no author notes in the index, it does help the reading experience as it organizes names, events, and places and makes navigating the text simple.
“It is unlikely that any future biographer will exceed the skill of John T. Morse in summing up such a lengthy and complex career in so brief a format (Parsons, 1980).” If John T. Morse excelled at anything, it was his ability to condense the life of John Quincy Adams into a diminutive biography. He creates a balanced volume with a necessary and suitable length while also informing the reader of all relevant information on the topic.
John Torrey Morse, Jr., creator and editor of the American Statesmen Series, wrote John Quincy Adams in 1882. His condensed biography stands to this day as the official short biography of Adams. Even since its early conception, this work remains accurate and the language readable. Regardless of generations passed by, John Quincy Adams’ life can be remembered and venerated because of Morse’ American Statesmen Series.
When Morse wrote John Quincy Adams he knew he was following two others. The first two biographies however either lacked finesse or the ability to engage the reader; Josiah Quincy’s Memoir of the Life of John Quincy Adams was described by Lynn Parsons as being “irredeemably dull.” Morse also brought something different to the table. In his own words, he attempted “to present a sketch of the man with a few of his more prominent surroundings against a very meager and insufficient background of the history of the times (p.12).” Morse undoubtedly achieved his purpose and provided his readers with a satisfactory “sketch” of a vigorous and unique president.
John Quincy Adams reads more like a history text than a historical biography. John T. Morse, Jr. presents the facts as they are and not as they appear. In doing so, he provides the audience with little personal interpretation or analysis. While this detracts from the work’s interest, Morse manages to remain unbiased throughout his narrative. Though admiring in tone, Morse presents all information regarding John Quincy Adams and relates his good and bad qualities.
The American Statesmen Series was intended for a large audience. Morse and other authors of the series encouraged a wide range of readers with their simplistic tone and straightforward approach. Each and every topic within the American Statesmen Series was well-researched, written, and edited. For John Quincy Adams, Morse collected and read from many sources. The majority of which were books written by either Adams himself or his close acquaintances (e.g. Quincy Adams’ Memoirs, edition 12. 1874). These primary sources, which are cited in Morse’s bibliography, helped to influence and legitimize the information within Morse’s text.
Morse’s first published tome (1882) is an accurate account of John Quincy Adams’ life. This biography is one of many on Adams, and therefore its contribution to historical literature is lessened. Aside from being a part of the American Statesmen Series, John Quincy Adams has modest historical value considering there are bigger, more accurate, recent, and analytical narratives (John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life by Paul C. Nagel). Nevertheless, many readers appreciate the conciseness of the Morse’s text and complement him on his ability to condense a large time period.
“The English language used in this book has been, in most part, lost from our century,” as written by historian David Scranton. The words and word structure in Morse’s volume can be at times drawn out and frustrating, “Mr. Adams's unbounded indignation and profound contempt were reserved for Mr. Crawford, partly, it may be suspected by the cynically minded, because Crawford for a long time seemed to be by far the most formidable rival, but partly also because Crawford was in fact unable to resist the temptation to use ignoble means for attaining an end which he coveted too keenly for his own honor (Morse, p.155).” It is apparent that John T. Morse, Jr. lived in a different period and his writing mimics that of most scholars during the late 1800s era.
John Quincy Adams has been described as having “interesting narrative, just proportion, and judicial candor (The Nation, 1882);” yet, while the tone is admiring and the writing concise, Morse is not analytical and seemingly indifferent. His fact-filled text comes off dreary and gives the reader a dull impression. There are no pictures to assist the reader with their tedious task, however, pictures would not have enhanced understanding or comprehension nor would it have spiked interest. If he were to have rewritten a biography on Adams, Morse could have given personal interpretation of Adams and his years in office. This being said, Morse’s narrative is both informative and educational, providing readers with the life story of Quincy Adams.
The index in the back of John Quincy Adams is thick and rich with information. The purpose of the American Statesmen Series was to provide short and concise biographies to the public which would help to paint a picture of society between the Revolutionary period and the Civil War; therefore, Morse was tasked with accounting Quincy Adams’ entire, relevant life in one short volume. All details not permitted in his text are housed in the index. Though there are no author notes in the index, it does help the reading experience as it organizes names, events, and places and makes navigating the text simple.
“It is unlikely that any future biographer will exceed the skill of John T. Morse in summing up such a lengthy and complex career in so brief a format (Parsons, 1980).” If John T. Morse excelled at anything, it was his ability to condense the life of John Quincy Adams into a diminutive biography. He creates a balanced volume with a necessary and suitable length while also informing the reader of all relevant information on the topic.
John Torrey Morse, Jr., creator and editor of the American Statesmen Series, wrote John Quincy Adams in 1882. His condensed biography stands to this day as the official short biography of Adams. Even since its early conception, this work remains accurate and the language readable. Regardless of generations passed by, John Quincy Adams’ life can be remembered and venerated because of Morse’ American Statesmen Series.
December 29, 2018
I did enjoy the focus on John Quincy Adams anti-slavery efforts during his time with the House of Representatives and the biography being written in hindsight of the Civil War, but I felt I didn’t really learn much of John Quincy Adams. His presidency was pretty much glossed over as “not much happened;” he left copious notes in a diary which is referenced, but rarely used to give him a voice; and there is very little context to better understand the significance of events and John Quincy Adams actual role in them. I will need to give Quincy another shot in the future as I continue through presidential biographies.
April 3, 2025
I believe this is a book that anyone interested in the lives of the presidents, the revolution, the abolition of slavery, the civil war or the impact that the Adams family had on the shaping of this country, should read.
November 25, 2013
One of the better audiobook biographies I've listened to from librivox.org. That's to say nothing for the service they provide because it's amazing, but some of my other picks didn't appeal to me as much as this one did. JQA was a much more interesting person than I had gone into this believing or understanding. I had no idea that he was so prominent as an early abolitionist.
One of the most interesting things about him in particular is that he only served one term in office as President of the United States before he lost his reelection campaign to Andrew Jackson. After that however he went on to become a member of the House of Representatives which some people would say is backwards for today, but JQA only wanted to serve in whatever way he was allowed.
This would be an instructive read for anyone that thinks politics today is somehow dirtier than it used to be. Perhaps politicians used to be more eloquent when they condemned someone but they certainly didn't speak with less vitriol, perhaps more. JQA was threatened with death and burning by southern members of the House when debating slavery on the House floor itself according to this read. The arguments herein are most instructive at dispelling any illusions regarding politics being dirtier or more crass today.
One of the most interesting things about him in particular is that he only served one term in office as President of the United States before he lost his reelection campaign to Andrew Jackson. After that however he went on to become a member of the House of Representatives which some people would say is backwards for today, but JQA only wanted to serve in whatever way he was allowed.
This would be an instructive read for anyone that thinks politics today is somehow dirtier than it used to be. Perhaps politicians used to be more eloquent when they condemned someone but they certainly didn't speak with less vitriol, perhaps more. JQA was threatened with death and burning by southern members of the House when debating slavery on the House floor itself according to this read. The arguments herein are most instructive at dispelling any illusions regarding politics being dirtier or more crass today.
March 6, 2016
It was a pretty good overview of John Quincy Adams life. I sometimes get a little frustrated with authors who complain about not having enough space to do their subjects justice, and then fill the space they have with fluff. However, a certain degree of fluff is the 19th century author's way. (Although I did find it pretty humorous when he accused John Quincy Adams of putting in too many unnecessary words when he was writing a history...) I was able to get some good things out of it -- things I can use in my history class. And the book on Kindle was free. However, if you REALLY want an in depth look at JQA and his personality, I wouldn't say this is the book for you.
March 5, 2015
I didn't realize John Quincy Adams was such a fascinating man. Really interesting to read about his fights against slavery in Congress after leaving the presidency.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews