John Quincy Adams (1) (1767–1848)

This collection of JQA's letters, speeches, and papers is pretty short and reads really quickly. There is a brief bio (~20 pages) by the editor up front that unfortunately didn't provide any new info or real insights and stuck pretty much to the facts without getting into much analysis. Each chapter is preceded with a brief (1 page synopsis/context). The selection of letters is the real contribution of the editor, as there is little analysis to be found in either the short biography at the beginning or in the chapter synoses. Nevertheless, Lafeber sifts through volumes of diaries, memoirs, and other primary sources to focus on JQA's conception of, arguments for, and later backpededling for limitations on the expansion of America (to create a continental empire) and its interests, largely through his diplomatic efforts. JQA essentially believed, for a time, that North America and the United States should be synonymous. This includes his thoughts on territorial expanison including Florida and Oregon (for) and later Texas (against). Also included are his arguments for the expansion of America's interests, e.g. fishing rights off of Newfoundland, and claims to navigation along Mississippi River. It's a lot of fun to go through primary sources for a change, and JQA writes well, with a lot of characteristic 19th century turns of phrase.… (mehr)