Just finished reading ABIGAIL ADAMS: A LIFE by Woody Holton, 2009.

This biography of Abigail Adams is quite interesting and well written and readable. The author sheds light on an aspect of her life not well known before now: her financial savvy--for one thing, she was really into buying bonds big time, even though John wanted more real estate. Abigail had an uncle, Cotton Tufts, who acted as her agent/trustee, signed for her and advised her, but at the same time, she had great instinct concerning financial investments. Holton also discusses her belief in education and women's rights (especially as concerned owning property), her feelings on slavery, etc. He does much to illuminate her personal relationships with her mother (whom she considered overprotective), her siblings (especially her sisters), and with John, as well as her interactions with such notables as Mercy Otis Warren, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and others. Her relationship with Phoebe Abdee, one of her father's former slaves, is recounted in some detail over a period of years. Is there lots of new information here? Probably not, except for the financial stuff, but Holton writes so well and has utilized Abigail's own voluminous correspondence, other letters and papers and materials in such a way that this fascinating woman you may think you know all about is revealed in a different way. A very thorough and worthwhile bio.