Book description
" . . . best-of-all-biographies of Abigail Adams . . . " -American Historical Review
"Portia, a new study of Abigail Adams-modern feminism's favorite Founding Mother-is a refreshing change of pace." -San Francisco Chronicle
" . . . very well done, highly perceptive, and full of fresh ideas." -Wilson Library…
Why read it?
1 author picked Portia as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Gelles has written several books and articles about Abigail (and John) Adams, but this is my favorite. Not a classic cradle-to-grave biography, It examines a series of episodes in Abigail’s life and her relationships with her husband, two sisters, and her children, especially her daughter Abigail junior (Nabby) and her son John Quincy. The series of well-crafted vignettes convey great insight into this important “founding mother,” the wife of the second president, mother of the sixth, and a lively intellect in her own right.
From Mary's list on The best books about women in early America.
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