Review of ‘America’s Founding Son’

Avett Brothers bassist Bob Crawford wrote a biography of our nation’s greatest public servant and original political maverick John Quincy Adams.

It isn’t everyday that the bassist from a world-famous band writes a book exploring the life of a United States president and the historical repercussions of his era. However, Bob Crawford has done just that. Bassist for the Avett Brothers since 2001 and host of the podcast The Road to Now, Crawford has a storied career in both contemporary music and history. In his new book America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick, Crawford dives into a poignant examination of Adams’ footprint on history and the impact of lesser known figures from a time rife with political prowess and dissent.

Though the book’s title alludes that it is centric to Adams’ time in American politics, the story delves into far more than one man’s trials and tribulations, illustrating pivotal points in the U.S. during the 1800s for slavery, governmental systems and lesser known activists. If anything, Adams serves as the roots of the tree from which Crawford pulls branches to paint a picture of a rapidly growing, ever-evolving nation. 

Perhaps the most compelling narrative of the book is the one following Benjamin Lundy, a Quaker antislavery activist and journalist. Crawford details Lundy’s publication of The Genius of Universal Emancipation as well as his time spent traveling across the country in search of means of emancipation, juxtaposing his on-the-ground dedication with Adam’s work in office. 

A research-based read, America’s Founding Son can come across as daunting and dense at times, leaving readers to wade through thick sections of information with little reprieve. Whatever the book lacks in conciseness, however, it makes up for in painting a bigger picture—never holding back from bringing light to the oft-sugar coated American political system of the time. 

Additionally, Crawford’s prose is injected with modern slang, adding something extra for readers in up-and-coming generations and pop culture junkies alike with references to Zoom and character comparisons to Archie Bunker. At one point, he even employs the phrase “check yourself before you wreck yourself.” 

For history buffs and causal readers alike, Crawford’s book is a can’t-miss in historical nonfiction, pressing readers to think about one of the most impactful eras in United States history.

America’s Founding Son: John Quincy Adams, from President to Political Maverick by Bob Crawford is out now.