The Problem of Democracy; The Presidents Adams Confront the Cult of Personality.

New York: Viking, 2019. First Printing [Stated]. Hardcover. xxix, [1], 543, [3] pages. Chronology. Notes. Bibliography. Index. Nancy G. Isenberg is an American historian, and T. Harry Williams Professor of history at Louisiana State University. Andrew Burstein is the Charles P. Manship Professor of History at Louisiana State University and the author of DEMOCRACY'S MUSE, a book demonstrating how Thomas Jefferson's life and legacy have been used for partisan purposes. Other titles by Professor Burstein include a biography of literary icon Washington Irving, called The Original Knickerbocker; and a critical examination of the seventh president, The Passions of Andrew Jackson. With his partner, Nancy Isenberg, Professor Burstein has coauthored the acclaimed dual biography Madison and Jefferson, a full-length study of the two founding era presidents whose friendship did so much to shape American political history. Their second major collaboration, a treatment of the Presidents Adams, was published in April 2019. Derived from a Kirkus review: Isenberg and Burstein show how John Adams disliked aristocracy but worried equally about the problems of a mass electorate. His solution was a strong president to oppose powerful interests and keep the majority from abusing fellow citizens. Thomas Jefferson considered Adams a closet monarchist. He entered office in 1797 as an independent in a nation with two parties: Hamilton’s Federalists and Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans. Both worked successfully to ensure Adams' defeat in 1800. John Quincy Adams became his father’s secretary and spent a lifetime serving the nation as a diplomat, senator, and secretary of state. He suffered the misfortune of running in the 1824 presidential election. The House of Representatives determined the president, choosing Adams. This enraged Jackson and his Democratic Party, ensuring that Adams endured an unhappy presidency. The authors conclude that both were more intelligent and experienced than most two-term presidents but lacked the common touch, essential in America. A top-notch dual biography of two presidents who deserved better. Condition: Very good / Very good.

Keywords: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Presidents, Democracy, Elections, Federalist Party, Democratic-Repubicans, Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Martin Van Buren

[Book #77342]

Price: $27.50

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