About the Author

Joseph J. Elliswon the Pulitzer Prize for "Founding Brothers." His portrait of Thomas Jefferson, "American Sphinx," won the National Book Award. He is the Ford Foundation Professor of History at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, where he lives with his wife and their youngest son.

Reviews

"Written with the grace and style one expects from the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Founding Brothers" . . . John Adams could not have a better biographer."
--Annette Gordon-Reed, "The Los Angeles Times"
"The author's fluid style penetrates a correspondence studded with classical references, political dish, felicitous turns of phrases and unvarnished pleadings of affection and anxiety. America's first power couple enjoyed, teased and rescued each other during 54 years of marriage."
--John E. Lazarus, "Newark Star-Ledger"
"Ellis's strength is his ability to portray historical icons as real human beings, and his talent remains sharp . . . Ellis has made himself into a sort of bard of our early Republic, and [First Family] is a fitting addition to his repertoire."
--Anne Bartlett, "Miami Herald"
"Richly detailed . . . erudite as well as eloquent, "First Family" proves that bedfellows can make superior politics."
--Jay Strafford, "Richmond Times-Dispatch"
"Ellis is that rare professional historian who can eloquently convey both information and insight with remarkable clarity . . . [he] has once again given us a consistently engaging dual biography and love story as well as an insightful exploration of early American history."
--Roger Bishop, "Bookpage"
""First Family" invites you into a sustaining marriage that survives revolution, personal tragedies and the vicious politics of the moment. In this election year, it's valuable reading."
--Peter M. Gianotti, "Newsday"
"The author's beautiful writing draws the reader wholly into this relationship, bringing new perspective to the historical importance of this enduring love story. An impeccable account of the politics, civics and devotion behind the Adams marriage."
--"Kirkus Reviews" (starred review)
"In addition to looking at the strengths of the Adams' marriage, the book examines the toll taken by their years apart and the misfortunes inh