History

Liberty and Authority in the Republican Thought of John Adams

ABSTRACT

In many respects, John Adams was the strongest link between the American colonial experience and English common law ideas, often being regarded as overly conservative by his American co-revolutionaries. In fact, his understanding of factionalism and political/social interests reveals a profound appreciation of the difficulties facing liberal polities. Conferees examined some of Adams's most important writings on constitutional questions.

READING LIST

Conference Readings

Adams, John. Writings from the New Nation 1784-1826. Edited by Gordon S. Wood. New York: The Library of America, 2016.

Adams, John. John Adams Revolutionary Writings, 1755-1775. Vol. 1. Edited by Gordon Wood. New York: The Library of America, 2011.

Adams, John. John Adams Revolutionary Writings 1775-1783. Vol. 2. Edited by Gordon Wood. New York: The Library of America, 2011.