MEMORIES OF GREATNESS: THE ADAMS -JEFFERSON CORRESPONDENCE
MEMORIES OF GREATNESS: THE ADAMS -JEFFERSON CORRESPONDENCE

Summary/Abstract: The two men who drafted the Declaration of Independence, two of the Founding Fathers who served the new Republic as its second and third president. 157 letters spanning half a century. An intellectual dialogue encapsulating private grief and joy as well as the general concerns, interests and debates of their time. In short, the exemplary memories of two larger-than-life personalities who set a pattern for civility, mutual respect and admiration despite severe political differences. The excellent prose of their late years occasioned by their reconciliation in 1812 provides insightful comments into the birth of the young nation and their contribution to it, at the same time affording engaging, lively portraits of the two men against the rich tapestry of their time. The diversity of the issues approached in their mutually enjoyed correspondence brings the reader closer to the challenges of political philosophy and leadership at the turn of the 19th century and paints a realistic picture of a comprehensive range of issues, from social to domestic, descriptive of the young nation’s growing pains and its formative years. The Adams-Jefferson letters retain their exemplary value to the modern reader who may find them highly inspirational through the civic engagement, patriotic fervor, and long-term respect for diversity both politicians, diplomats, and friends were able to maintain throughout their exceptionally long and productive lives, that came to an end the same day, the day of the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Beyond the civic commitment the letters reveal, the elegant, erudite yet graceful prose will further captivate the reader. Add to this the mild self-derogatory style and the frequent instances of humor and accepting wit and you will have the full picture of two men of impressive intellectual, ethical and political stature engaged in friendly conversation with one another and with posterity.

• Details
• Contents