Adams vs. Jefferson
The Tumultuous Election of 1800

This is a great account of an historic election and critical moment in the American experiment. Why? Well, as Ferling points out, this was the first time in history, anywhere, that power transferred bloodlessly and calmly from one party to another which had opposing views. It was without precedence......more

Jefferson called the election of 1800 "the second American Revolution." Exaggerated? Perhaps a little, but, as a result of that election, the American Union moved more in the direction of greater democracy. As Ferling shows, it was an extremely polarized nation that held that election. The Republica......more

Anyone who believes we are in a period of unprecedented partisanship should read this book. I have always found history to be calming because it's obvious humans have changed little and the issues and enmities repeatedly appear with only minor adulteration. The issue of whether we should have more o......more

Very easy book to read, very informative and a lot more understandable than other historical books concerning the same topic. Ferling is a good writer, and an easy-ish read in general, but his bias towards Adams can be felt in the reading.......more

Very good book. The author did a good job caturing the punch and counter punch campaigning style of Adams and Jefferson. If you think politics are dirty today, then give this book a chance! You will quickly see that it is nothing new.......more