Descent from Glory

Four Generations of the John Adams Family

Paperback

ISBN 9780674198296

Publication date: 04/15/1999

There has never been any doubt that the Adams family was America’s first family in our politics and memory. This research-based and insightful book is a multigenerational biography of that family from the founder father John through the mordant writer Brooks.

Praise

An intelligent, tactful, and spiritually generous chronicle of a dynasty that gave the United States two presidents...This volume might be called a gift of realism that can enhance our judgment of public men and their families.

—The New Yorker
A magnificent book on four generations of Adamses, from John to Brooks. Nagel has written a great book because he captures the pathos of time's passage.

—The New York Times
A finely crafted biographical study full of unostentatious but perceptive judgments and insights...should appeal to both professional historians and general readers alike.

—The American Historical Review

Author

Paul C. Nagel is former Director of the Virginia Historical Society, a trustee of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a cultural laureate of Virginia, and a contributing editor of American Heritage.