The Works of John Adams, Volume 1

What it is

This book is the first volume of The Works of John Adams, a collected edition of his writings and letters, including a biography of him. It was edited by his grandson, Charles Francis Adams, and published by Little, Brown and Company. The volume includes letters Adams wrote and received, such as correspondence with Benjamin Stoddert and Samuel Smith.

Why it matters

This collection was one of the first major efforts to gather and preserve John Adams's writings for future generations, shaped by the perspective of his own family. It reflects how Adams's descendants wanted him to be remembered, and it remains an important source for his letters and ideas as president and statesman.

Look closer

• Why might a grandson be chosen to edit and publish his grandfather's collected works?
• What kinds of decisions would an editor like Charles Francis Adams have to make when choosing what to include?
• How might a family-edited collection differ from one edited by an outside historian?