John Adams, Vol.1 One of the most complete biographies ever written about an American president, this is a remarkable effort examining the life and career of the great Revolutionary leader and the second man to take the oath of office, John Adams. Volume 1 of this two-volume work covers Adams's school days as well as his study and practice of law in pre-Revolutionary America. The Boston Massacre is discussed in great depth, along with Adams's entrance into public life and his landmark term in the Congress of 1774 straight through to the advent of the Declaration of Independence.