Gordon S. Wood present the first comprehensive selection of John Adams's vitally important writing for the general reader, three fully-annotated volumes charting his entire extraordinary career. This second of three volumes gathering the essential writings of one of the towering figures of the American Revolution traces John Adams's career from his leading role in the debate over independence (he was "our Colossus on the floor," remembered Thomas Jefferson), to his tireless efforts to establish the fledgling government of the United States and supply its army in the field, to his crucial diplomatic service in Europe, where he was hailed as "the George Washington of nego tiation." It includes his highly influential 1776 pamphlet Thoughts on Government, dozens of his characteristically frank and revealing personal letters--many to his "dearest friend" Abigail--extensive diary excerpts, and selected passages from his unfinished autobiography. Two companion Library of America volumes chart Adams's earlier and later career; a third presents the letters of Abigail Adams. LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation's literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America's best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.