Grant

Jean Edward Smith's biography traces Ulysses S. Grant's path from his Ohio childhood through his military career and presidency. The narrative covers Grant's time at West Point, his service in the Mexican War, his civilian struggles, and his rise through Union Army ranks during the Civil War. The book examines Grant's two-term presidency and his role in Reconstruction, including his efforts to protect the rights of freed slaves. Smith's account continues through Grant's post-presidential years, featuring his world tour and final race to complete his memoirs while battling terminal illness. Smith presents Grant as a more complex figure than many previous biographers, challenging the popular image of him as simply a failed businessman and troubled president. The biography shows how Grant's military experiences and personal values shaped his leadership style and political decisions, revealing the connections between his wartime service and his actions as president.

Readers appreciate Smith's clear writing style and balanced portrayal of Grant as both a military leader and president. Many note the book corrects misconceptions about Grant's drinking and presidency, with detailed research backing these revisions. The Civil War sections receive particular praise for their accessibility and strategic insights. Readers cite Smith's analysis of Grant's presidency as strong, highlighting his civil rights efforts and Native American policies. Multiple reviews mention the book helped them understand Grant's full character beyond just his military achievements. Common criticisms include excessive military detail in battle sequences and limited coverage of Grant's early life. Some readers found the writing dry in sections focused on political maneuvering. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.33/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) "Finally gives Grant's presidency the attention it deserves" - common sentiment in Amazon reviews "Military sections can be overwhelming for casual readers but worth pushing through" - Goodreads reviewer

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin This political biography chronicles Lincoln's presidency through his relationships with cabinet members, including many who were his former rivals, providing context for the Civil War era Grant operated within.

American Ulysses by Ronald C. White This biography of Grant draws on primary source materials to examine his life from West Point through his presidency, with particular focus on his military leadership and racial egalitarianism.

The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace by H. W. Brands This work traces Grant's transformation from failed businessman to military commander to president, emphasizing his role in preserving the Union and implementing Reconstruction.

Sherman: Soldier, Realist, American by B.H. Liddell Hart This military biography examines Grant's most trusted general and friend, offering a complementary perspective on Civil War leadership and strategy.

Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant Grant's own account of his life and military career provides direct insight into his decision-making during the Civil War and his relationship with Lincoln.

🌟 Grant became a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of 2001 by the Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, and Publishers Weekly. 🎖️ Jean Edward Smith spent over a decade researching this biography, accessing previously unavailable primary sources and family papers that shed new light on Grant's personal life. 📚 The book challenges the long-held view of Grant as merely a brutal military commander, revealing his sophisticated diplomatic skills and highlighting his crucial role in protecting African American rights during Reconstruction. 🏛️ Smith's biography sparked a significant reassessment of Grant's presidency, helping elevate his presidential ranking among historians from near-bottom in the 1960s to mid-range by the 2020s. 🎨 The author discovered that Grant was an accomplished artist who created detailed sketches throughout his life, including during his military campaigns, though most of his artwork was lost in a fire at his home in 1884.