An intelligent, tactful, and spiritually generous chronicle of a dynasty that gave the United States two presidents...This volume might be called a gift of realism that can enhance our judgment of public men and their families.
-- The New Yorker
A magnificent book on four generations of Adamses, from John to Brooks. Nagel has written a great book because he captures the pathos of time's passage.
-- The New York Times
A finely crafted biographical study full of unostentatious but perceptive judgments and insights...should appeal to both professional historians and general readers alike.
-- The American Historical Review