What inspired David McCullough to write a biography of John Adams?

Question

not understanding the why. thanks for any input

Answer 1

I have most of David McCullough's books ("John Adams, 1776, Truman, Mornings on Horseback").  From what I know about him, he is a big fan of the American Revolutionary War and American Independence.  From his studies and from his knowledge he wanted to paint a better picture of John Adams, because the founding father had always been obscure and misunderstood.

He is also a rival of Joseph J. Ellis (also an American Independence/Revolutionary War writer).  Ellis came out with a book called the "Passionate Sage" which McCullough read and wanted to expand on.  If you look at the listing of credits in his book "John Adams" he lists Ellis' book as one of his inspirations.