Brooks Adams (1848-1927) was an American historian, author, and social critic. He was the son of the prominent politician and diplomat Charles Francis Adams and the grandson of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Brooks is best known for his works that explored the decline of American democracy and the impact of industrialization on society. Adams wrote several influential books, including "The Law of Civilization and Decay," where he argued that civilizations rise and fall based on their economic and social structures. His ideas contributed to discussions about the future of the United States and the challenges posed by modernity.