Summary As the war worsens for the Union, the diplomatic situation in London grows more tense. British Foreign Secretary Lord Russell admits that the cruiser Alabama, which the Confederacy had built in England, should not have been allowed to set sail until a decision could be made regarding its legality. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter X – Political MoralitySummary and Analysis Chapter IX – Foes or Friends
Summary As the war continues back home, Henry struggles with London’s social life. Despite disappointments, he does make the acquaintance of a number of talented writers, most notably Algernon Swinburne. More important is the developing tension between the Legation and British political leaders who favor the South and come close […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter IX – Foes or FriendsSummary and Analysis Chapter VIII – Diplomacy
Summary Henry and his father arrive at Liverpool on May 13, 1861, the same day that the British Ministry issues a “Proclamation of Neutrality” regarding the war in the United States. Through the editor of the New York Times, and without the knowledge of his father, Henry has arranged to […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter VIII – DiplomacySummary and Analysis Chapter VII – Treason
Summary Henry returns to Quincy in October 1860. On November 6, he casts his vote for the Republican candidate for President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln; that same day, Henry begins the study of law at the office of Judge Horace A. Gray. Again, the effort is short-lived. By […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter VII – TreasonSummary and Analysis Chapter VI – Rome
Summary On April 12, 1859, the semester at the Gymnasium ends; Henry happily leaves Berlin with three friends from Harvard. For the next eighteen months, Henry will pursue “accidental education” traveling through Europe. Although his German continues to improve, an attempt at studying law in Dresden is short-lived. At the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter VI – RomeSummary and Analysis Chapter V – Berlin
Summary Having completed his studies at Harvard, Henry sails for Europe on September 29, 1858 (the Education erroneously says it was November) with the intent of studying civil law at a university in Berlin. Adams soon discovers that his knowledge of the German language is inadequate; he abandons the course […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter V – BerlinSummary and Analysis Chapter IV – Harvard College
Summary Henry completes the preparatory course of study at the private Latin School of E. S. Dixwell, Boston, in June of 1854 and begins collegiate studies at Harvard on August 31. The narrator has very little good to say of either experience. Henry becomes acquainted with several Virginians at Harvard, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter IV – Harvard CollegeSummary and Analysis Chapter III – Washington
Summary As Henry enters adolescence, he begins to notice the complications of life. The stereotypes of class distinction are less acceptable. A trip to Washington, D. C., alerts him to some of the realities of a slave culture. During a visit to George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, in the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter III – WashingtonSummary and Analysis Chapter II – Boston
Summary The narrator offers a detailed introduction of his father, Charles Francis Adams (1807-1886) and identifies his position on the predominant political issue of the day, slavery. In 1848, the newly formed Free Soil Party nominates Martin Van Buren to run for President and Charles Francis Adams as its Vice […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter II – BostonSummary and Analysis Chapter I – Quincy
Summary The book opens with the birth of Henry Adams, “[u]nder the shadow of the Boston State House,” in the third residence below Mount Vernon Place on February 16, 1838. Adams briefly refers to his heritage as the great-grandchild of one United States President, John Adams (1735-1826) and the grandson […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter I – Quincy