Ira Stoll gives us a proper perspective on Sam Adams, one of the first and certainly one of the most influential leaders of the American Revolution. This carefully crafted biography excels in revealing Adams's character: honest, consistent, highly moral, loyal to friends, practical, and surprisingly tolerant of the opinions of others. He was a devoted family man, a devout believer in the existence of a loving, guiding Supreme Being, and an enthusiastic warrior for civil liberties. He was an excellent writer, an incredibly hardworking politician, and a nonbeliever in the value of accumulating material wealth. He avoided federal office, preferring to remain at home with his wife in his beloved Boston. But the high regard in which he was held throughout his life by his fellow citizens finally found him serving as lieutenant governor, followed by four terms as Governor of Massachusetts.
Stoll exhaustively documents his case that Adams was a true hero at several stages of this country's founding. As one example, Adams initially opposed the new U.S. Constitution because it seemed to be another layer of government over the people that would duplicate much that should be done at the state level, but he was persuaded over time to support it. It's good that he did, because his strong popularity in Massachusetts swung enough votes to ensure its passage at a critical time in the national fight for its adoption.
Ira Stoll deserves our gratitude for reminding us of the very real and important contributions Sam Adams made to the creation of our country. As I read the book, I began to see Adams as a direct-speaking, flesh-and-blood man of strong convictions with an undying passion for self-government. We could use him in public office today.Get more detail about Samuel Adams: A Life.
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