Volumes 1 and 2 of the Diary of John Quincy Adams begin the publication of the greatest diary, both in mass and substance, in American History. Recording a span of sixty-eight years, it has been known heretofore only in partial form. When, over a hundred years ago, Charles Francis Adams edited his grandfather's diary, he chose to omit "the details of common life," reduce "the moral and religious speculations," and retain criticisms of others only if they applied to public figures "acting in the same sphere with the writer."

Now the diary is being published complete for the...

Volumes 1 and 2 of the Diary of John Quincy Adams begin the publication of the greatest diary, both in mass and substance, in American History. Recording a span of sixty-eight years, it has been known heretofore only in partial form. When, over a hundred years ago, Charles Francis Adams edited his grandfather's diary, he chose to omit "the details of common life," reduce "the moral and religious speculations," and retain criticisms of others only if they applied to public figures "acting in the same sphere with the writer."

Now the diary is being published complete for the...