Overview

John Quincy Adams is the missing link in the classical era of American history which began with the Revolution and ended with Emancipation. ​Between these bookends lies the absorbing yet overshadowed epic of a new nation spearheading liberty's cause in a world skeptical of freedom arriving at all, much less in slaver's garb. M. B. Zucker takes readers back to that adolescent country in the care of an enigmatic guide, John Quincy Adams, heir to one president by blood and another, Washington, by ideology. Adams is the missing link between the founders and Abraham Lincoln, and is nigh unanimously regarded as America's foremost Secretary of State. Through Adams' eyes, readers will experience one of history's greatest and most forgotten crises: his showdown with Europe over South American independence, the conflict which prefigured the Monroe Doctrine. ​With his signature dialogue and his close study of Adams' 51-volume diary, M. B. Zucker's The Middle Generation is a political drama and character piece that surpasses his achievement in The Eisenhower Chronicles and ascends to the cinematic heights of the historical epics of David Lean and Steven Spielberg. It is an unforgettable portrait and a leap forward for one of our rising historical fiction novelists.

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9781956569124

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Reviews

""The Middle Generation offers a captivating journey into the political landscape of John Quincy Adams' tenure as Secretary of State, skillfully blending historical fact with fictional narrative. One of the book's strengths lies in the author's impressive amount of research, which lends an air of authenticity to the storytelling. The engaging writing style keeps readers immersed in the narrative, making it difficult to put the book down. The author's note at the end distinguishing between fact and fiction provides is valuable information. The pacing of the book is well-executed, maintaining momentum while delving into complex political discussions. Although some of these discussions may be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the subject matter, they contribute to the realism of the narrative. The first-person narrative offers an intimate glimpse into John Quincy Adams' beliefs and state of mind, enriching the reader's understanding of this historical figure. Furthermore, the exploration of his family dynamics adds a personal touch to the story, humanizing the characters and making them relatable. Despite the complexity of the political discourse, the book succeeds in presenting historical details in a manner that is accessible to the general reader. This is a testament to the author's ability to distill complex information into digestible insights without sacrificing depth. The lack of noticeable mechanical errors speaks to polished editing. Overall, The Middle Generation stands out as a unique and engaging exploration of a lesser-known aspect of American history, offering readers both entertainment and enlightenment."" -The Benjamin Franklin Awards (10 out of 10 score) ""This captivating read offers an insightful portrait of one of the most important figures in American history: John Quincy Adams. The author's ability to portray the distant, flinty Adams, as a flesh and blood human being represents a remarkable achievement. This is historical fiction at its best, for the characters who animate Michael Zucker's novel ring true from the first page to the last. Zucker's novel is full of vibrant portrayals of all the key figures from the so-called Era of Good Feelings, including James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, and Henry Clay. The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine is an entertaining and enlightening read that all students of historical fiction and of American history will enjoy."" -Stephen F. Knott, former Professor of National Security at the Naval War College and the author of Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy ​ ""M. B. Zucker goes well beyond a story of simple political intrigue. He offers one of the most moving literary portraits of a President I have ever encountered."" -Dr. Jeffery Tyler Syck, Author of The Revolution of 1828: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and the Origins of American Democracy

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