Unger (journalist and author) used a variety of primary and secondary sources to construct this readable history, written in a laudatory tone, of the wealthy British nobleman turned patriot and philanthropist. Readers ride through Boston in the family carriage, learn about Hancock's family and education, and enter into the political, and especially, economic motivations that led Hancock to join the cause of independence. The career of John Adams is closely followed as well in the chapters on Hancock's post-1776 career. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)