Abigail Adams: A Revolutionary Woman
Abigail Adams A Revolutionary American Woman
Book Review
“Abigail Adams: A Revolutionary American Woman” is a biography by Charles W. Akers, published in June 2006. It chronicles the life of Abigail Adams, who lived during the time of the American Revolution and the birth of a new American nation, from her birth in 1744 to her death in 1818. The author’s thesis states that Abigail’s advocacy for women’s rights and her involvement in her husband’s political career significantly influenced society during the birth and development of the United States.
The book mainly focused on Abigail’s life, her husband John Adams, the revolutionary period in which she lived. Abigail Adams was born November 11, 1744 to William Smith and Elizabeth Quincy in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Abigail had no formal education because of her poor health, and instead received lessons in her home. She often visited the very impressive library of her father, enjoying literature such as Joseph Addison’s The Spectator. She was married on her twentieth birthday to a twenty-nine year old lawyer, John Adams, on October 25, 1764.
Akers notes many events of the Revolutionary War during the time of Abigail Adams. For example, the birth of her son, John Quincy Adams, arrived the same year as the Townshend Acts. Additionally, the birth of her daughter Abigail, called “Nabby”, came at the beginning of the Stamp Act Crisis. Abigail saw her husband, John, defending Massachusetts’ interests during these times, such as when he defended soldiers being accused of murder for their involvement in the Boston Massacre. Abigail even witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill. Akers did a great job at showing how masterfully Abigail was able to raise her kids while the revolution was going on (virtually in her backyard), while being relatively alone as John was mentioned to be frequently absent.
Abigail’s marriage to John was frequently mentioned in the book. After all, women were prevented from officially participating
Book Review
“Abigail Adams: A Revolutionary American Woman” is a biography by Charles W. Akers, published in June 2006. It chronicles the life of Abigail Adams, who lived during the time of the American Revolution and the birth of a new American nation, from her birth in 1744 to her death in 1818. The author’s thesis states that Abigail’s advocacy for women’s rights and her involvement in her husband’s political career significantly influenced society during the birth and development of the United States.
The book mainly focused on Abigail’s life, her husband John Adams, the revolutionary period in which she lived. Abigail Adams was born November 11, 1744 to William Smith and Elizabeth Quincy in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Abigail had no formal education because of her poor health, and instead received lessons in her home. She often visited the very impressive library of her father, enjoying literature such as Joseph Addison’s The Spectator. She was married on her twentieth birthday to a twenty-nine year old lawyer, John Adams, on October 25, 1764.
Akers notes many events of the Revolutionary War during the time of Abigail Adams. For example, the birth of her son, John Quincy Adams, arrived the same year as the Townshend Acts. Additionally, the birth of her daughter Abigail, called “Nabby”, came at the beginning of the Stamp Act Crisis. Abigail saw her husband, John, defending Massachusetts’ interests during these times, such as when he defended soldiers being accused of murder for their involvement in the Boston Massacre. Abigail even witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill. Akers did a great job at showing how masterfully Abigail was able to raise her kids while the revolution was going on (virtually in her backyard), while being relatively alone as John was mentioned to be frequently absent.
Abigail’s marriage to John was frequently mentioned in the book. After all, women were prevented from officially participating