xii, 249 pages : 24 cm

"Samuel Adams: America's Revolutionary Politician offers a fresh, full-life biography of the man Thomas Jefferson once described as the helmsman of the American Revolution. In this study, historian John K. Alexander uses narrative history to argue that Samuel Adams was both America's first professional politician and its first modern politician. Adams, Alexander argues, was an unwavering politician who strove to protect the people's basic rights and who emphasized the importance of virtue, liberty, a sense of duty, and education in fashioning a republican society. Alexander's fresh reading of Adams' record and a close look into his personal life uncover a masterful politician and a man consistent in his beliefs."--Jacket

Includes bibliographical references (pages 225-236) and index

The failure of promise -- The people shall be heard -- The lurking serpent -- The politics of principle -- The chief incendiary -- The helmsman of American independence -- "Zealous in the great cause" : winning independence -- "The principles of liberty" : the Massachusetts scene -- "The consistent republican."

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