John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Founding of America

An esteemed group of scholars examines the lives and legacies of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson on the bicentennial of their death.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died hours apart on July 4, 1826—exactly fifty years after they drafted the Declaration of Independence. Adams and Jefferson were undoubtedly two of the most important and consequential Founders. And yet, two hundred years after their passing, they remain the subject of intense discussion as Americans continue to assess their legacy in relation to the nation’s identity and future.

To mark the bicentennial of the passing of Adams and Jefferson—and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America—this volume brings together some of the most important scholars of the early republic to offer new and original insights into their lives and legacies. Thematic essays explore their presidencies, their disagreements about the meaning and value of democracy, and their views on education, religion, and science. Important and controversial topics, including the idea of natural aristocracy and the problem of slavery, are considered as well.

Beginning with an introduction by Gordon Wood, this masterful volume includes essays by Luke Mayville, Vincent Phillip Muñoz, Peter Onuf, Richard A. Ryerson, Darren Staloff, Brian Steele, George Thomas, Bradley Thompson, Lee Ward, and Jean Yarbrough. The book concludes with a three-act play about the Adams-Jefferson relationship coauthored by Michael Zuckert.