Grant

Richard Norton Smith's biography of Ulysses S. Grant follows the leader's path from his pre-war struggles through his rise as a Civil War general and into his presidency. The narrative encompasses both Grant's public achievements and the private challenges that shaped his character. The book examines Grant's military career by focusing on key battles and strategic decisions that defined the Civil War. Smith draws from extensive research and primary sources to reconstruct the political climate Grant navigated during the conflict and reconstruction era. Smith's work places Grant's story within the broader context of 19th century America's social transformation and the ongoing tensions over race and reunification after the Civil War. The biography presents a figure marked by both perseverance and human complexity, illuminating lesser-known aspects of Grant's relationships and temperament.

Readers appreciate Smith's research depth and the new perspectives on Grant's non-military life, particularly his financial troubles and personal relationships. Many note the book balances military details with Grant's political career and business ventures. Reviewers commend the portrayal of Grant's character development from his early struggles to his later successes. Multiple readers mention the engaging writing style makes the 1000+ pages move quickly. Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Grant's drinking habits - Passages about military campaigns can be dense for casual readers - Some find the post-presidency chapters less compelling Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,500+ reviews) Reader quote: "Smith gives equal attention to Grant's triumphs and failures, creating a more nuanced picture than previous biographies" - Amazon reviewer Many compare it favorably to Ron Chernow's Grant biography, noting Smith's tighter narrative focus.

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin This political biography examines Lincoln's presidency through his relationships with cabinet members who were once his opponents, providing context for the Civil War era that shaped Grant's career.

American Ulysses by Ronald C. White This biography focuses on Grant's moral evolution and leadership development from his early military career through his presidency and final days writing his memoirs.

The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses S. Grant in War and Peace by H. W. Brands This account draws on primary sources to trace Grant's transformation from failed businessman to military commander to president during America's reunification.

William Tecumseh Sherman: In the Service of My Country by James Lee McDonough This biography of Grant's most trusted general provides parallel insights into Civil War leadership and the military strategies that preserved the Union.

Personal Memoirs by Ulysses S. Grant Grant's own account of his life and military service offers direct insights into the mind of the man explored in Smith's biography.

✦ Richard Norton Smith spent 14 years researching and writing this biography of Ulysses S. Grant, culminating in an 1,100-page work that challenges many long-held assumptions about the 18th president. ✦ The book reveals that Grant was an early environmentalist who established Yellowstone as America's first national park and worked to protect buffalo from extinction. ✦ Despite his reputation as a brutal military commander, Grant was physically nauseated by the sight of blood and would turn away from meat if it was too rare. ✦ During his presidency, Grant appointed a record number of Native Americans to federal positions and was the first president to employ a Native American as his military secretary. ✦ Smith discovered that Grant's wife Julia was far more influential in his presidency than previously known, regularly sitting in on cabinet meetings and offering political advice—unusual for a First Lady of that era.