Samuel Adams: Father of the American Revolution [Paperback]

Mark Puls' Samuel Adams: Father of the American Revolution is a quick read. It provides a useful sketch of one of the Revolution's major figures--Samuel Adams.

The book takes a chronological perspective, beginning with Adams' childhood and the experiences with his father, a well regarded local businessman (including owning a malt shop) and community leader (becoming a deacon in his church and a member of the legislature).

The story continues with his education and efforts to make a life for himself. He was not overly ambitious for economic success and, after his father's death, essentially saw the family brewery go bankrupt. Nonetheless, he hustled and was able to make ends meet, although times were often tough for him and his family.

Early on, Sam Adams became discontented with aspects of the Massachusetts colony's relationship with England, the King, and Parliament. He was one of the leading agitators in the 1760s and 1770s. He was developer of several innovations, such as the Committees of Correspondence throughout the colonies, a mechanism to enhance communication across boundaries. He was involved in many of the key activities leading to the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War, including urging a Continental Congress, fighting against English taxes, seeking the naming of George Washington as the general officer to lead the colonial forces in the siege of Boston. The biography continues with his role in development of the first constitution of the United States, the Articles of Confederation, as well as his part in the ratification of the Constitution itself.

This is a serviceable biography. However, it does have a couple problematic aspects. For one, the author tries to "get inside his head," making assumptions about what Adams was actually thinking. Biographies that minimize this tend to flow more smoothly, without imposing authorial assumptions onto the historical figure. For another, the biography has little critical cast on Adams. He is essentially treated so positively that one wonders if he had any peculiarities or annoying habits or made important errors. It is clear that some distrusted him mightily from other volumes; however, this does not really get discussed in any detail in this volume (although his falling out with John Hancock is addressed). The book also glosses over some important events, such as his complete turnabout on the Constitution. It portrays him as opposed to the document in the Massachusetts ratifying convention, only to turn around and support it. The author provides little discussion to explain this volte face.

In the final analysis, though, this is a useful biography of one of the colonial leaders who worked hard to move the colonies toward independence.

When you read about most revolutionary war figures - Washington, Hamilton, Adams, Jefferson or Madison - their stories more or less start with the American Revolution. Even Ben Franklin, a member of an earlier generation, did not jump on the Independence wagon very early or very easily. Samuel Adams, however, was the most important figure in the early Independence movement and quite rightfully deserves the title Father of the American Revolution.

Mark Puls brief (less than 250 pages of text) biography shows how important Adams was. From an early age, Adams started thinking of independence from England. In 1764, he unsuccessfully opposed the Sugar Act, but laid the foundation for his battle against the 1765 Stamp Act. Showing both good organizational ability and political savvy, he was able to successfully organize a boycott that forced Parliament to repeal the measure. Although it would take a decade to take root, this was really the first blow for independence; it began harder and harder for the British to deal with colonial unrest.

Eventually, after acts like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party, the rift widened and reconciliation, though attempted, was clearly impossible. During the Revolutionary War, Adams played key roles behind the scenes. Although not an author of the Declaration of Independence, his ideas permeated the document; he also helped construct the Articles of Confederation. After the war, however, other figures moved into the spotlight, a role he was fine with giving up.

In ways Samuel Adams was an idealist, willing to sacrifice his health and financial well-being to accomplish his objectives. He was also, however, a pragmatist, able to work behind the scenes to meet his goals. Reading his biography, however, is also a lesson on how we determine who are our "heroes." In certain ways, Adams is little different from John Calhoun, who also felt he was opposing an oppressive government. Adams, however, is generally looked on favorably, while Calhoun - a major proponent of slavery and one who helped start the secession movement - has, at best, a mixed reputation.

Puls biography is a positive one that never really discusses his subject's flaws, but doesn't descend into the cloying sweetness of hagiography. Well-written, this book is readable and informative, providing insight into one of the lesser-known figures of the era. For those who enjoy learning about this period, or who seem to only know Samuel Adams from the beer that bears his name, this book will be a good read.

When we think of our founding fathers the names of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison come to mind. However, prior to these men becoming household names we had Samuel Adams, rabblerouser and trailblazer. Sam Adams is often overlooked because he neglected to document his place in history regarding our break with England. He was not a material person, and while others wrote autobiograhies he made no effort to see that his place in history would be secure. At brewing beer he was a failure, but at starting a revolution he rated A+. He did possess the gift of leadership and organization which led other members of The Sons of Liberty to follow him, and to assure that the other colonies became united against the abuses of England towards the American colonies. Adams suffered several personal losses throughout his life. Among them the death of his first wife, several children including his physician son Dr. Sam Adams, who served as a battlefield surgeon during the Revolutionary War, and a physical affliction of palsy which made it difficult for him to write. In regard to the Constitution he saw the need for a check and balance of powers among the three branches of government. The book is only 237 pages long, but it's about time we had a biography of this neglected founding father, because he saw independence as a goal for America before it entered the mind of anyone else.