Neither his contemporaries nor subsequent historians have known quite what to do with John Quincy Adams. He was neither conservative nor liberal, neither aristocrat nor democrat. Frequently at odds with New England's political and social leadership, he was influenced by both Puritan traditions of the 17th century and the scientific Enlightenment of the 18th. His life divided into three careers, with his presidency, his least successful career, sandwiched between those of diplomat and Secretary of State on one hand, and congressman on the other. This bibliography provides a guide to the literature on all three careers and provides the first comprehensive listing of Adams's published writings.

Following the introduction and a chronology of Adams's life, the volume opens with chapters devoted to manuscript and archival resources, the writings of John Quincy Adams, and general biographical publications. Chapters 4 and 5 list sources on Adams's early career and mature years, and chapter 6 turns to the elections of 1824 and 1828. The presidency is covered in chapter 7, administration associates in chapter 8, and the post-presidential years in chapter 9. Chapter 10 examines his childhood and personal life. Two concluding chapters are devoted to historiography and iconography. The volume also includes a list of relevant periodicals and author and subject indexes.