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Review
| Samuel Adams, Son of Liberty, Father of Revolution, by Benjamin H. Irvin. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. 174 pages. $24.00, reinforced library binding.
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| With the current popularity and interest in the life of John Adams created by David McCullough's best selling biography, Benjamin H. Irvin reminds us of the importance and contributions of that "other" Adams, Samuel Adams. One of a series of informative and insightful biographies offered by Oxford Portraits, Irvin's portrayal of the life and significance of Samuel Adams also offers insights into the social and political climate of pre-revolutionary America. Samuel Adams is written in a clear concise manner and would serve as an excellent resource for students on a secondary level or in a survey course. Irvin's book would also be a valuable tool for harried public school teachers who would like to refresh or broaden their knowledge of Adams and the revolutionary period. |
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| One of the major strengths of Irvin's book is the large number of relevant documents that are interspersed throughout the account. Besides including such well known primary sources as Paul Revere's famous depiction of the Boston massacre and the Dolittle drawings of the British retreat from Concord, the book contains a number of moving and interesting letters from the private papers of Samuel Adams. Especially amusing is an account of Adams first efforts in 1775 to learn how to ride a horse. Irvin details the complexities of Adam's life, demonstrating that he was a product of the times and conditions in which he lived. Family, religion, and the Boston of the early 18th century all helped imbue Adams with the determination, the energy, and the prodigious capacity for work that would later stoke the fires of revolution. Irvin concludes with a concise chronology of Adams' life that would be especially helpful in introducing young students to the revolutionary period. Irvin includes suggested readings of other biographies of Adams, biographies of other prominent figures of the American Revolution, and works on the Boston of the revolutionary period. |
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Irvin begins Samuel Adams with a detailed description of life in early 18th century Boston and its Puritan inhabitants from which Samuel Adams descended. He then traces the early years of Adams' life. His father was a prosperous malt merchant and devout churchgoer. His mother was of similar stock. From his father he inherited his political tools and aptitude. Samuel received his early education from South Grammar School in Boston and furthered it at Harvard. Encouraged by his father to become a clergyman, he declined and tried several other ventures, had little success, and wound up in his father's malt business. Soon his father lost most of his fortune in a wildcat banking scheme, an event which led his son to a deep distrust of the British government. Irvin demonstrates how Adams' career in politics began with a series of minor posts in Boston, ranging from scavenger to inspector of chimneys. These positions allowed him to hone his political skills and become known to the populace of Boston. |
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Irvin devotes the major part of Samuel Adams to a portrayal of the role Adams played in the events leading to the American Revolution. Adams' protests against perceived unfair taxation in the Stamp Act crisis and the Townshend Duties controversy are well detailed. Adams' hand is seen everywhere—conspiring with the Sons of Liberty, organizing boycotts of British goods, and writing petitions and resolutions of protest, such as the famous "circular letter." Irvin shows Adams at the center of revolutionary action, protesting the Boston massacre, proposing the "committees of correspondence," and helping initiate the Boston Tea Party. Adams was also chosen as one of Massachusetts' representatives to both the First and Second Continental Congress, and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Adams' subsequent career was somewhat less noteworthy. His role during the Revolution was often marred by disagreements and controversy. Although he somewhat reluctantly supported the ratification of the new federal constitution, he was suspicious of the powers it granted to the national government. Adams played a major role in the adoption of the Bill of Rights. He later served terms as lieutenant governor and governor of Massachusetts, but remained a republican in an increasingly Federalist state and nation, ultimately retiring from politics in 1797 at the age of 75. Adams died in October, 1803 at the age of 81. His legacy, however, remains bright. Irvin concludes, "Perhaps more than any other single individual, Adams was responsible for making the revolution happen" (p. 164). Samuel Adams, Son of Liberty, Father of Revolution, well researched and well written, would be a welcome addition to any intermediate or high school library. |
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| Clear Lake High School, Houston |
John Bryan |
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