|
The author also explains why Samuel Adams never held an executive level national office after the Revolutionary War; something that I never understood before reading this book. Having said all that, I want to say that this biography is essential reading for the student of the American Revolution. Even though I have read a large number of works on the American Revolution, I knew very little about Samuel Adams. Stoll's work also conveys the piviotal role of a man, who would have probably described himself as an average citizen of modest means, in forming the new Republic. The only reason I gave this book four stars (instead of 5) is because there are just a few places where the narrative seems to meander a bit, but don't let that minor reservation deter you from reading this well-written, highly-enjoyable biography of the forgotten founder. In this relatively brief biography, Ira Stoll does a nice job of introducing us to the neglected founding father. Adams was a religious man (a Congregationalist in the Puritan tradition), and Stoll does a fine job of conveying how Adams religious beliefs supported his revolutionary fervor, and, in particular, how they were essential to his focus on individual liberty as an inalienable right.
I don't know how precisely close to that figure the percentage was during Israel's War of Independence but the important point is that the cultural and social effects of religion which were obviously substantial despite the percentage of atheism that there was provided a foundation for winning. Here is my take. Let me clarify this a little. I have read through the reviews on this site and note some criticism.
Second, I don't find the book at all "dry" as some reviewers mentioned. Stoll's book about Samuel Adams. But this discussion it has caused me to engage in here is perhaps the salient point. This book really made me think more deeply about the American Revolution than I had previously and I feel that I know more now about this subject than I did before. My interest in Samuel Adams increased after watching the John Adams television series. So when I spotted this book I decided to give it a try. If those reviewers want more excitement they can read fictional works. The emotional support provided by religion had to have helped motivate those people.
Even though the end of footnote 37 for the last chapter of the book suggests that the motivation for the Revolution was primarily political, not religious, a point on which I do agree, at the same time it also seems to me that a less God-fearing group of people would have had a tougher time winning. Victory was doubtful for both countries but somehow the U.S. Isn't that the point of reading history. I am not here to take time and argue a comparison between the independence efforts of the two countries but instead want only to support Mr. The farther away one gets from primary sources the more "excitement" that can be created by the author because the truth can be adjusted. and Israel both won.
It was a good decision to say the least. It is estimated by some that eighty percent of the Israeli population do not believe in God. Although I am in the Richard Dawkins camp regarding religion, after reading this book it certainly does seem that the good, moral values that one associates with religion and going to church helped to motivate the Revolutionary generation enough to make Independence work. First, I liked the extensive quotations because I like to read primary source material; it doesn't get altered by the author and one can get closer to the truth using it. Third, the religious perspective that Adams had was so interesting to me that I am beginning to think a bit differently about religion now.
Samuel Adams deserves the kind of full scale in depth treatment his cousin John Adams received from McCullough but that kind of book remains to be written. There are a number of far better written introductions in print and others available in most libraries - Mark Puls biography, in paperback, is certainly better written for a start. I eagerly awaited the publication of this new biography of Sam Adams, hoping at last some new primary research would have uncovered more personal information on the life of this crucial founding father. I was very disappointed to find that this book is nothing but an amalgamation of quotations from the research of others awkwardly pieced together.
It gives great background on Adams and the Commonwealth of Massachusettes prior to the start of the revolution, discusses a lot about S. There may be better ones out there but this book is fairly easy to read and includes a lot of letters to, from, and about S. Books dealing with the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution even more so.
While many had strong beliefs of their own, this man was driven by them. Adams and some reference to the role of the newspapers as well. His life and legacy centered around religion and the role he thought it played in a just and lasting society.The book never takes his side on the matter, in fact does a pretty good job of showing many others as much more supportive of a govenment that wastolerant to everyone including those Adams refered to as "Papists".If you're interested in the founding fathers do not miss this book.
Most books you read on the revolution make at least some reference to Samuel Adams. Adams stands somewhat alone as the religious voice of the founding fathers. One of the few founding fathers with no military or law experience he was nonetheless on of the most important men of his time and this book tells why in a very inviting manner.
This in mind I decided to read a bit more on the man.Why should you read this book. Adams' role in bringing it about, and in doing both gives us some important background on the role religion did and did not play in both.S.
He is constantly quoting newspapers, either what they said about Samuel Adams or what Adams wrote for his own newspaper. Based on his style, I would guess that Stoll was a Journalism major at Harvard, rather than a History or English major. I was glad I read this book just to get to understand one of the most unique of our Founding Fathers.While Samuel Adams is a fascinating individual, Ira Stoll's writing was mediocre, in my opinion. While helpful and informative in many instances, the newspaper quotations do get tedious because of their sheer quantity and length.If you want a 265 page book written in newspaper style, with little of the author shining through, you will probably like this book. He reports details dryly and concisely. Samuel Adams was a unique figure in American history.
Stoll does a good job of explaining how Adams' religious beliefs helped shape his ideas on Independence and slavery. Stoll helped found a newspaper and you can see his passion for newspapers in the book. He was one of the earliest supporters of Independence, and a very religious man, especially compared to the Deism that was fairly widespread during the period. He also relies on quotes too much for my taste, with the result that the author does not shine through. I prefer more interesting writing and a better sense of the author's, as well as the subject's, personality when reading a biography than Stoll offers.If you are very interested in Samuel Adams and do not mind dry writing you will most likely enjoy this book, but if you are simply a fan of great historical writing and are looking for Revolutionary Era biographies I would recommend Joseph Ellis (His Excellency, Founding Brothers) or David McCullough (1776, John Adams) over Ira Stoll. Ira Stoll's book does a good job of highlighting the fascinating character and important contributions of Samuel Adams to our countries founding.
Stoll writes with a very "newspaper" style.
|
