joabroda's review
informative
slow-paced
3.0
A decent work of the accounting of the Boston Massacre trial, for the English Captain and 8 soldiers who were accused of murdering civilians.
Did the soldiers fire without orders? Did they fire their weapons needlessly, into a growing crowd, or were they defending themselves? These are some of the questions that arose and each was a part of the defense and prosecution's case. As you may suspect it was a very "hot" case and finding someone to represent the English proved to be difficult. John Adams, a local lawyer stepped up, firmly believing everyone deserved to be innocent until proven guilty. Undoubtedly, his popularity within the colony took a dive.
[author:Dan Abrams|3271308] research and his account of the incident is good. However parts of the book involved repetitious accounts of the trial that dragged and I lost interest frequently.
Only those interested in the time period should read this book.
Did the soldiers fire without orders? Did they fire their weapons needlessly, into a growing crowd, or were they defending themselves? These are some of the questions that arose and each was a part of the defense and prosecution's case. As you may suspect it was a very "hot" case and finding someone to represent the English proved to be difficult. John Adams, a local lawyer stepped up, firmly believing everyone deserved to be innocent until proven guilty. Undoubtedly, his popularity within the colony took a dive.
[author:Dan Abrams|3271308] research and his account of the incident is good. However parts of the book involved repetitious accounts of the trial that dragged and I lost interest frequently.
Only those interested in the time period should read this book.
jcaustin's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed the book. Granted, some of the witnesses' testimonies were repetitive. By using actual courtroom transcripts, you really got a feel for the Colonial era. I always assumed that the Boston Massacre was where hundreds of patriots were killed and the soldiers were completely at fault. I was surprised that only 5 were killed and it was called a massacre. Even though testimonies recounting the same incident, varied widely, I believe that the patriots egged the loyalists on.
I feel that John Adams was very brave to take on the role of Public Defender. He is quoted near the end of the book that "I am an enemy of my country". John Adams believed that legal justice should prevail over mob rule.
I feel that John Adams was very brave to take on the role of Public Defender. He is quoted near the end of the book that "I am an enemy of my country". John Adams believed that legal justice should prevail over mob rule.
missdoster's review
I don’t know how to rate this book. It was a slog for me as it is so incredibly detailed in recounting the Boston massacre trials themselves. Much is made of how the jurors sat for such an unusually long trial, and I kinda felt the same reading (or, listening to, in my case) the book. At least they were placated with cider. But having said that, it is an interesting way to learn about a pivotal time in American history and John Adams. A book club selection I wouldn’t have picked up but eye opening examination of the developing American legal process.
tarablythe's review against another edition
3.0
I'm torn on this book. I liked it... but was a little bogged down when we got into the full swing of the trial testimony.
frostbitsky's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The narration was well done. Roger Wayne made it easy to distinguish quotes from the different witnesses and the lawyers.
It did drag a little at the end. Those closing statements were long.
I learned a lot of new facts about the events surrounding the Boston Massacre and about John Adams. I also learned some historic tidbits too, mostly about the laws, juries, insults, and that Sam Adams wrote under the pseudonym Vindex. It was also the longest trial in colonial history.
Transcripts weren't taken of trials back then, but these trials were an exception. The transcript of Preston's trial was sent to England and never made public. Others and Preston himself took notes.
What I gather from the conflicting testimonies from the 50 witnesses called is that the a mob of civilians incited violence with sticks and throwing snowballs. Someone, (most likely Montgomery) shouted "fire" (after he was knocked to the ground). That set off the other officer (officers?) to fire too. It was chaotic and tragic. "Mobs will never do" was one of my favorite quotes at the end.
I came away with a whole lot of respect for John Adams. He lost business as a lawyer and it damaged his reputation because he defended the British officers. But it took courage to defend the rule of law. And! He was never paid by the Crown for his service, nor did Preston ever thank him.
4 out of 5 Muskets.
It did drag a little at the end. Those closing statements were long.
I learned a lot of new facts about the events surrounding the Boston Massacre and about John Adams. I also learned some historic tidbits too, mostly about the laws, juries, insults, and that Sam Adams wrote under the pseudonym Vindex. It was also the longest trial in colonial history.
Transcripts weren't taken of trials back then, but these trials were an exception. The transcript of Preston's trial was sent to England and never made public. Others and Preston himself took notes.
What I gather from the conflicting testimonies from the 50 witnesses called is that the a mob of civilians incited violence with sticks and throwing snowballs. Someone, (most likely Montgomery) shouted "fire" (after he was knocked to the ground). That set off the other officer (officers?) to fire too. It was chaotic and tragic. "Mobs will never do" was one of my favorite quotes at the end.
I came away with a whole lot of respect for John Adams. He lost business as a lawyer and it damaged his reputation because he defended the British officers. But it took courage to defend the rule of law. And! He was never paid by the Crown for his service, nor did Preston ever thank him.
4 out of 5 Muskets.
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