Grant

Ron Chernow's biography of Ulysses S. Grant spans the general's entire life, from his Ohio childhood through his Civil War triumphs, presidency, and final years. The 1,000-page work draws from primary sources and historical records to present Grant's military and political career in full context. The book confronts long-standing myths about Grant's character, particularly regarding his supposed drinking problems and his presidency. It examines his relationships with key figures like William Tecumseh Sherman, Abraham Lincoln, and Mark Twain, while detailing the military campaigns that defined his legacy. The narrative covers Grant's role in major historical events including the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the economic challenges of the Gilded Age. His personal struggles with business failures and family obligations are documented alongside his public achievements. This biography repositions Grant as a more complex figure than traditional histories suggest, highlighting his commitment to civil rights and his evolution from an ordinary citizen to a transformative leader during a pivotal era in American history.

Readers praise Chernow's thorough research and his success in rehabilitating Grant's reputation, particularly regarding his presidency and personal character. Many note their surprise at learning Grant was not the drunk or failed president they had assumed from popular history. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear writing style that makes military strategy understandable - Balance between Grant's military and political life - Detailed coverage of Reconstruction - Humanizing personal details Common criticisms: - Length (1,100 pages) intimidates some readers - Military campaign details can become repetitive - First 100 pages move slowly - Some readers wanted more analysis of Grant's presidency Ratings: Goodreads: 4.37/5 (24,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (3,800+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Changed my entire perspective on Grant. I had no idea he was such a champion of civil rights and African American equality." - Goodreads reviewer

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin Chronicles Lincoln's presidency through his relationships with cabinet members, providing context for the Civil War era Grant operated within.

Sherman: Soldier, Realist, American by B.H. Liddell Hart Examines Grant's most important military partner through detailed analysis of Sherman's campaigns and strategic thinking.

American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant by Ronald C. White Presents new research on Grant's military campaigns and presidency while focusing on his role in advancing civil rights during Reconstruction.

Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant Offers Grant's first-hand account of his life and military career, written as he battled terminal illness.

The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace by H. W. Brands Traces Grant's transformation from failed businessman to military commander and president through extensive use of primary sources.

🏆 The book won the 2018 American History Book Prize from the New-York Historical Society 📚 Chernow spent seven years researching and writing Grant, consulting over 20,000 documents from the Library of Congress ⚔️ The biography helped rehabilitate Grant's presidential reputation, challenging the long-held view that he was merely a great general but a poor president 🎬 Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio are adapting the book into a major motion picture, with DiCaprio set to play Grant 📖 At 1,104 pages, it's one of Chernow's longest works - even longer than his famous Hamilton biography that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical