john adams

The Adams Chronicles
$59.99
I enjoyed this series when it first aired on PBS and it is even better seeing it again in comparison to HBO's John Adams. While the HBO John Adams may have more elaborate sets and provides some interesting period details, such as how the Adams family got inoculated for smallpox, the savagery of tar and feathering, and John Adams' deteriorating teeth in old age, the Adams Chronicles brings to life the history and significance that 4 generations of the Adams family played in American History.

With superb acting from George Grizzard and Kathyrn Walker as John and Abigail Adams, William Daniels and David Birney as John Quincy Adams and strong supporting actors, such as John Houseman, the Adams Chronicles depicts the significance that the Adamses played in our country's history over some 150 years. The Adams Chronicles is also largely faithful to the historically significant events, going past where John Adams left off. A few episodes of John Adams are ones I would not be comfortable watching with my elementary school kids, nor ones I necessarily would want to watch again myself - the extended scene of John and Abigail's daughter Nabby's breast surgery in the last episode of the HBO series was uncalled for in comparison with what should have been a more extended portrayal of the historically significant correspondence and perspectives on the founding of the young nation that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson resumed in retirement for some 15 years, culminating in their deaths on the same day, the 50th July 4th anniversary. The HBO series also strayed a bit with some of the historic facts. For example, for some reason, it portrayed Nabby and Colonel Smith as marrying after John Adams was vice president and the Adamses were all reunited in America. In reality, they married two years earlier in England and already were parents with John and Abigail's first grandchild born a year before John and Abigail returned to the US. However, one episode of John Adams that is superior to that of the Adams Chronicles is the second episode on the events of 1776 leading to the declaration, portrayed in more detail and dramatic effect, if not with the spirited singing of the musical, 1776.

In contrast, I would highly recommend the Adams Chronicles for anyone who enjoys great acting, intelligent dialogue and writing, and a perspective on significant events in US history. The episodes on John Quincy Adams and his descendants were also dramatic and a good perspective on 19th century US history. The episode on John Quincy Adams' abolitionist efforts in Congress and his defense of slaves before the Supreme Court, for example, provided a perspective on another outstanding episode in history. This is a good complement to the movie, Amistad, which was an excellent drama as depicted by Anthony Hopkins.

In short, my family has enjoyed watching repeat episodes of the Adams Chronicles, and anyone interested in 18th and 19th century US history would enjoy this series.

John Adams
$20.00
One of the best biographies I have ever read. Reads like a novel. It's a must for those who want a valuable perspective when evaluating current political events.

American Experience: John and Abigail Adams
$24.99
Bravo, Bravo...extremely well done! However, the most important part was not included: The faith of our founding fathers! These were men and women who read their Bibles daily and quoted scripture often. They were people who prayed on their knees, especially during times of great peril.

Consider George Washington's Prayer for the Nation June 8, 1783, that was sent to the governors of all the states:

"Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy Holy protection: that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen."

On March 4, 1805, President Jefferson offered "A National Prayer for Peace," which petitioned:

"Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.
Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen"

President John Adams stated on October 11, 1798: "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." "We recognize no Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!"

I recommend reading, "The Light and the Glory" by Peter Marshal, and "America's Godly Heritage" by David Barton. God Bless.

John Adams Collection
$69.95
These DVD's are very interesting for anybody who likes History at all. I highly recommend them.
History Buff