Henry Adams's 1880 humorous novel, Democracy , about the use and abuse of political power, was originally published anonymously and met with immediate success. With its in-depth exploration of the dynamics of Washington society, the novel was clearly written by a political insider and speculation about the authorship was widespread. It wasn't until Henry Adams's death in 1918 that the publisher confirmed he was the author. As the grandson of John Quincy Adams and son of diplomat and Washington operator Charles Francis Adams, Henry Adams had firsthand life experience and intimate knowledge of those in power, granting him an unparalleled understanding of Washington society. Henry Adams's Democracy is a lively and enjoyable read that would be enjoyed by readers interested in the dynamics of Washington society and those seeking insight into the personal experience of the Adams family. Henry Adams (1838-1918) was an American historian and author, noted for his brilliant and award-winning works. Born in 1838, he was a descendant of two prominent American families, the Adams and the Lees. He was raised in Quincy, Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard University in 1858. He was a professor of medieval history at Harvard for a number of years and wrote several articles and books on the subject. Adams was best known for his book, The Education of Henry Adams , which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1919. This book was an autobiographical reflection on Adams’ life, beginning with his childhood and continuing up to the end of the 19th century. He also wrote other works, such as Mont Saint-Michel and Chartres , which focused on the history of France. Adams was a prominent social figure in Washington D.C. and was a friend of several presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt and William McKinley. He was also a member of the Harvard Board of Overseers and the Massachusetts Historical Society. In addition to his work as an historian, Adams was also a successful businessman. He invested in numerous businesses, such as railroads, land real estate, utilities, and insurance companies. His investments enabled him to financially support his writing. Adams died in Washington D.C. in 1918. He left behind an impressive body of work, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize and the title of one of America's greatest historians.