John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist
Author: Jeffrey A. Denman
Review:
John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist by Jeffrey A. Denman is a thought-provoking read. It presents a layered and insightful portrait of John Quincy Adams, particularly in relation to his complex stance on slavery. From an early age, Adams was deeply influenced by his parents, John and Abigail Adams, who held strong anti-slavery beliefs. Their principles guided him throughout his life—they never owned slaves, firmly believing in individual freedom.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the discovery of John Quincy Adams’s diary. He began writing in it in 1779 and continued the practice until his death. These journals stand among the most valuable historical documents in American history, offering a rare window into the evolution of his thoughts over the decades.
While Adams is often remembered for his presidency, that period was marked by a notable silence on the issue of slavery. During his campaign, he avoided making any public or private statements about it, even going so far as to ignore letters that raised the topic.
The title Reluctant Abolitionist gains deeper resonance as Denman skillfully explores Adams’s internal struggles and slow but profound shift in perspective.
Each chapter deepened my interest in Adams and the era’s debates around slavery. This was my first book on John Quincy Adams, and I was thoroughly impressed by Denman’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling.
Rating: 5/5
Comments
Post a Comment