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Abigail Adams
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
12 posts | 9 read | 9 to read
Winner of the Bancroft Prize The New York Times Book Review, Editors Choice American Heritage, Best of 2009 In this vivid new biography of Abigail Adams, the most illustrious woman of the founding era, Bancroft Awardwinning historian Woody Holton offers a sweeping reinterpretation of Adamss life story and of womens roles in the creation of the republic. Using previously overlooked documents from numerous archives, Abigail Adams shows that the wife of the second president of the United States was far more charismatic and influential than historians have realized. One of the finest writers of her age, Adams passionately campaigned for womens education, denounced sex discrimination, and matched wits not only with her brilliant husband, John, but with Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. When male Patriots ignored her famous appeal to "Remember the Ladies," she accomplished her own personal declaration of independence: Defying centuries of legislation that assigned married womens property to their husbands, she amassed a fortune in her own name. Adamss life story encapsulates the history of the founding era, for she defined herself in relation to the people she loved or hated (she was never neutral), a cast of characters that included her mother and sisters; Benjamin Franklin and James Lovell, her husbands bawdy congressional colleagues; Phoebe Abdee, her fathers former slave; her financially nave husband; and her son John Quincy. At once epic and intimate, Abigail Adams, sheds light on a complicated, fascinating woman, one of the most beloved figures of American history.
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Bookwormjillk
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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Pickpick

I had a hard time getting into this but ended up really loving it. Abigail Adams was so interesting- part time feminist icon part time mother in law from hell, this book showed all sides. I really recommend this one.

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Bookwormjillk
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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I fell asleep too early and now am trying to read and listen my way out of insomnia. I‘m fascinated by the description of John Adams‘ smallpox inoculation and his subsequent confinement.

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Amiable
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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Pickpick

Well-rounded, readable bio of Abigail Adams, who helped shape America through her influence on her husband, John. She was way ahead of her time in advocating for women's rights. In a culture that frowned on educating women, she was intelligent, widely read, and made savvy financial investments often without the knowledge of her husband- also a cultural taboo. Holton does an excellent job of highlighting Adams' strengths as well as her weaknesses.

Texreader Sounds interesting!! 4y
Ruthiella Nice photo opp! 😀 4y
Amiable @Ruthiella Thanks! I took it when I volunteered at the polls last month and hung onto it until I finished the book. 😄 4y
69 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Amiable
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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I know the parties were different back in Abigail Adams‘ time, but when I read this I couldn‘t help but think, “DAMN, GIRL ... SAME.” 😖

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Amiable
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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Abigail Adams was one of America‘s original nasty women. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼

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Amiable
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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Me, listening to a book podcast: “Oh, that one about Abigail Adams sounds really good!”
Me, browsing through the stacks in my library room: “Oh, I already have it! Yay!”
When my husband asks why I have/need so many books ... THIS. Right here. This is why.

Leftcoastzen 👍Proof! 4y
OrangeMooseReads I have that one too, I should read it lol 4y
MaureenMc *mic drop* 😁 4y
See All 11 Comments
CarolynM Things like that happen to me from time to time too😀 It really is impossible to have too many books. 4y
LeahBergen Exactly! I did pretty much the same thing today with a biography of the Mitfords. 😆 4y
Ruthiella Yes ma‘am! That‘s why it is a personal library! 😀 (edited) 4y
Tanisha_A 😁 4y
Amiable @Leftcoastzen @maureenMc @tanisha_A @ruthiella Victory is mine! (My poor long-suffering husband. But we've been married for 29 years. He knew what this was. 😃 ) (edited) 4y
Amiable @OrangeMooseReads I think I'm going to start it in the next week or so -- let me know what you think of it if you tackle it as well! 4y
Amiable @CarolynM This is what I try to explain to my husband when he gets that pained look on his face while tripping over my books all over the house. 😄 4y
Amiable @LeahBergen It's definitely a thrill to find the book you want while shopping in your own library. On the other hand ... I'm also a tiny bit disappointed that now I don't need to go shopping at the bookstore. LOL 4y
58 likes1 stack add11 comments
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ValerieAndBooks
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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A fascinating look at Abigail Adams. Most of us know about her “Remember the Ladies” appeal to her husband. This bio also shows her financial astuteness in spite of women having little legal power in that arena. She often advised other women on how to be financially stable after marriage and preparation for their possible widowhood — this was at a time when men generally had financial control but for some loopholes. A woman ahead of her times!

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JoeStalksBeck
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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MissKatie
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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📚❤

beagle.mama Same. 💜 8y
23 likes1 comment
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OrangeMooseReads
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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MissKatie
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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"She was considerably less satisfied with some of the letters she received from John. . . 'They let me know that you exist, but. . . I want some sentimental Effusions of the Heart.'"

? Girl, I hear ya.

beagle.mama Truth. Some things never change. 8y
30 likes1 comment
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MissKatie
Abigail Adams | Woody Holton
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"Let other people call John haughty. Abigail was increasingly willing to apply to him precisely the same adjective he had used on her: saucy."

???

tpixie 😂 8y
37 likes1 stack add1 comment