Adams and Jefferson.

[Beregond2]

I am reading the correspondence of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It is fascinating. So many of the issues we are still struggling with are discussed. And of course the quality of the writing puts anything from our time to shame. The personalities of these two great men are so distinct, it feels as though they are still alive. Highly recommended, particularly as a way of putting this election in perspective.

[melody]

1. Should be required reading

I absolutely agree.

[Dark]

2. The prose and diction of that time makes us resemble kindergardeners. n/t

[Nedsdag]

3. I thought the correspondence was one of the most interesting scenes in the John Adams miniseries.

If you have the dough and if you haven't seen it yet, I strongly advise you to buy it.

[Robyn66]

5. The difference being

both of these people, regardless of what side they are on truly loved our country and really did put COUNTRY FIRST!

[Beregond2]

10. Actually, that is what inspired me to read this.

[Robyn66]

4. That's just like you Elitist Democrats

With yur read'in
and yur e-vol-ution
and yur science
and yur histry

KIDDING!! I love reading about the founding Fathers and Mothers. It proves politics doesn't change and the basic threats in the world never change its just the magnification of technology has raised the stakes. It seems in every age they dealt with corrupt politicians, choices about war and human rights. Just look at the Alien and Sedition acts and McCarthyism.

[me b zola]

6. In watching the mini series, I noted the same thing

...that although the parties are called by different names now, we are still struggling with the same basic issues.

Would you share the name of the book that the letters can be found? I would love to read them.

[melody]

8. I'm not the OP but the title of the one I have is ...

The Adams-Jefferson Letters, The Complete Correspondence Between Thomas Jefferson and Abigail and John Adams

It's pubbed by U of NC Press. This volume includes ALL the Adams and Jefferson letters (including John and Thomas'last ones before their deaths on the same day). Since they were three different but equally brilliant people, the letters are fascinating. Thank heavens they were all three prodigious letter-writers and John was a compulsive saver of his correspondence.

There are probably some of the letters online, too.

[Beregond2]

9. This is the edition I am reading.

I believe it is the only complete one.

[me b zola]

11. Thank you, melody

I've been wanting to read them.

[Lilith Velkor]

7. The 1800 election made this one look positively sedate

Perspective is good.