The drama of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson is the foundational story of America – courage, loyalty, hope, fanaticism, greatness, failure, forgiveness, love. Agony and Eloquence is the story of the greatest friendship in American history and the revolutionary times in which it was made, ruined, and finally renewed.
In the wake of Washington’s retirement, longtime friends Thomas Jefferson and John Adams came to represent the opposing political forces struggling to shape America’s future. Adams’ victory in the presidential election of 1796 brought Jefferson into his administration – but as an unlikely and deeply conflicted vice president. The bloody Republican revolution in France finally brought their political differences to a bitter pitch.
In Mallock’s take on this fascinating period, French foreign policy and revolutionary developments – from the fall of the Bastille to the fall of the Jacobins and the rise of Napoleon – form a disturbing and illuminating counterpoint to events, controversies, individuals, and relationships in Philadelphia and Washington. Many important and fascinating people appear in the book, including Thomas Paine, Camille Desmoulins, Dr. Benjamin Rush, Tobias Lear, Talleyrand, Robespierre, Danton, Saint-Just, Abigail Adams, Lafayette, James Madison, John Quincy Adams, Dr. Joseph Priestley, Samuel Adams, Philip Mazzei, John Marshall, Alexander Hamilton, and Edward Coles. They are brought to life by Mallock’s insightful analysis and clear and lively writing.
Agony and Eloquence is a thoroughly researched and tautly written modern history. When the most important thing is at stake, almost anything can be justified.
Must read for history lovers. If you are history lover and specially love to read and research Adams and Jefferson, this book is a must have. This book is a true art. Love the way author took me thru this journey between the complexities of these two great minds. The letters were just amazing and the story just put’s everything into perspective. Daniel Mallock did an excellent job unwrapping this complex friendship and making the letters and historical context flow into a memorable and valuable context for the present.
Great scholarly effort Although my primary area of interest is the history of Europe, I do like to read a good book from time to time on some aspect of American history, particularly if it’s one of those areas I haven’t studied in detail. (Like many, I’ve saturated myself with the history of the Civil War.) That was one reason I was happy to receive a review copy of “Agony and Eloquence” in exchange for my willingness to read the book and provide an honest review.Â
Rise, fall, and rebirth of friendship between two revolutionary titans The focus of this book is the friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the decline of that friendship, and its recurrence due to the efforts of Dr. Benjamin Rush after Jefferson’s presidency ended.The book reads well and is to the point. Other books, of course, have dealt, in one way or another, with the friendship explored here.Â