SAMUEL ADAMS: The Fateful Years

The Fathers of the Revolution are often marbleized, in print, and this study of Samuel Adams is no exception, although the writer does correct certain misconceptions about the patriot. Adams was not, as many think, a rampant rabble-rouser. In private life he was a pious and kindly man. Respected by his colleagues, he played the most important role in the political agitation which led to the Revolution. He emerges as a superb propagandist and a master politician-- the parliamentarian of the liberty side. Unfortunately one does not get a picture of the live Adams from this book. It is little more than a chronological account of the period 1764-1776 with stress on his activities. The style is prosaic and the general interest is thin in the heavy lode of facts and dates. Partly responsible, no doubt, is Adams' known addiction to secrecy. It has not served him well here.