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$11.95
21. Ulysses S. Grant: Union General
$1.06
22. Ulysses S. Grant: A Novel
$14.99
23. Let Us Have Peace: Ulysses S.
$3.93
24. Ulysses S. Grant: Eighteenth President
$13.94
25. Ulysses S. Grant : Memoirs and
$10.00
26. Cigars, Whiskey & Winning:Leadership
$9.47
27. The Generalship of Ulysses S.
 
$9.00
28. The Personal Memoirs of Julia
 
29. Captain Sam Grant/1822-1861 (Classic
$15.62
30. Ulysses S. Grant: The Unlikely
 
31. Ulysses S. Grant: Warrior and
$3.00
32. Ulysses S. Grant: Military Leader
$2.54
33. The General and the Journalists:
34. The Civil War: In the Words of
 
$75.00
35. The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant,
$0.99
36. That Fateful Lightning: A Novel
$35.00
37. Ulysses S. Grant on Leadership:
$27.81
38. Ulysses S. Grant (Presidential
 
$100.00
39. The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant,
 
$8.99
40. Ulysses S. Grant (American War

21. Ulysses S. Grant: Union General And U.S. President (Signature Lives)
by Brenda Haugen
Library Binding: 112 Pages (2005-01)
list price: US$30.60 -- used & new: US$11.95
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Asin: 0756508207
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22. Ulysses S. Grant: A Novel
by Robert Skimin
Paperback: 464 Pages (1999-10)
list price: US$16.00 -- used & new: US$1.06
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Asin: 1928746012
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (3)

2-0 out of 5 stars Yet Another Blah Grant Novel
Ulysses S. Grant was a complex, fascinating personality who led a dramatic, multi-faceted rollercoaster of a life.Why hasn't anyone been able to write a decent novel about the guy?"Ulysses" accomplishes a near-impossible feat:It succeeds in making Grant look dull.His life is presented as a series of brief, disconnected, uninvolving scenes, the personalities are as flat as my computer monitor, and Skimin's idea of plot and character development is to get Grant drunk on every other page, even at moments when not even his hostile biographers accuse him of getting plastered.Poor Ulys deserves better.Calling all talented dramatists--here is your next project!

5-0 out of 5 stars Grant in all his Glory
When I first bought this book, I thought I was taking a chance.But from page one, Robert Skimin takes you on a wonderous journey of one of the most interesting men in US History.It starts out with a few stories from U.S. Grant's early childhood and moves to his years at Westpoint, to the Mexican War, to his life during peacetime.Obviously the main part of the book is dedicated to the Civil War, but that is to be expected.Skimin takes you to Fort Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and the Wilderness Campaign.You have Lee surrendering to Grant and the Grant's life after the Civil War, including his scandal-torn presidency.Skimin keeps the book interesting as you follow the life of Ulysses S. Grant.This book is a must read if the Civil War or this point of history is even of slight interest.

5-0 out of 5 stars A great historical novel
This book covers Grant's life from when he was young all the way though to his death. The book showed us what a complex and interesting personGrant was. I truly enjoyed reading this book and found it very hard to put down.The book draws you into Grant's life and lets you experience his life'striumphs and tribulations. Anybody who likes good historical fiction willenjoy this book. My brother also read this book and really enjoyed it. ... Read more


23. Let Us Have Peace: Ulysses S. Grant and the Politics of War and Reconstruction, 1861-1868
by Brooks D. Simpson
Hardcover: 359 Pages (1991-10)
list price: US$49.95 -- used & new: US$14.99
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Asin: 0807819662
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (2)

4-0 out of 5 stars A Story Unknown to Many
Most high school history classes skip over Reconstruction completely, leaving a gap normally filled by myth perpetuated by charlatans with a political agenda.Bruce Catton's completion of the Grant biography Lloyd Lewis began ended at the close of the Civil War.Most people who read about Grant never read about Grant between the Civil War and his presidency, and they assume Grant knew nothing about politics when he entered the White House in 1869.This book counters that misinterpretation.Simpson shows us clearly that Grant understood politics.He kept himself informed on political issues for most of his life, and as a general officer deftly treaded through several political minefields throughout the war.After the war he became even more involved in politics with his resistance of Andrew Johnson's attempts to make him a political pawn and his growing dismay over Johnson's mishandling of Reconstruction policy.Simpson shows an understanding of Grant's attitudes toward African-Americans that Grant's previous biographer, William S. McFeely sorely lacked.He brings to light Grant's attempts to protect the freedmen from violence and the efforts to resubjugate them by white Southerners and how Johnson moved to thwart Grant's efforts.This is an important contribution that fills a gap in understanding that many have.

5-0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for the serious student of Reconstruction
As a person with some knowledge of the Civil War and Reconstruction, I found LET US HAVE PEACE extremely well written, very readable and highly informative.However, I do not believe that it is for the casual reader.The book deals with a very specific time and a very specific subject:Grant's transition from general to president.The author shows Grant's involvement in Recontruction and the peace process before the end of the war and during the Johnson administration. For example, I was unaware that Grant was secretary of war after the removal of Stanton and his role in the controvery over the Tenure in Office Act.The book gives an interesting view of Grant's role in the impeachment of President Johnson and shows the interworking of the relationship between Grant and other generals, espcially William T. Sherman. I found the chapter on the rise of Grant as a presidential candidate extremely interesting contradicitng the general consensu that he was an shoe in for the nomination.

The epilogue which is historiographic in nature was very helpful in terms of putting Simpson's thesis in context.

Once again, for the student who already has knowledge of the cast of characters and the interworkings of the politics of Reconstruction, this is a must read. It was also refreshing to read a book on Grant that avoids references to his drinking.As I recall there are three references in the entire book and they are well placed and put in proper context. ... Read more


24. Ulysses S. Grant: Eighteenth President 1869-1877 (Getting to Know the Us Presidents)
Paperback: 32 Pages (2006-03)
list price: US$7.95 -- used & new: US$3.93
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Asin: 051625488X
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Editorial Review

Book Description
Presents a biography of Ulysses S. Grant ... Read more


25. Ulysses S. Grant : Memoirs and Selected Letters : Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant / Selected Letters, 1839-1865 (Library of America)
by Ulysses S. Grant
Hardcover: 1199 Pages (1990-10-01)
list price: US$35.00 -- used & new: US$13.94
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Asin: 0940450585
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
Grant wrote his "Personal Memoirs" to secure his family's future. In doing so, the Civil War's greatest general won himself a unique place in American letters. His character, sense of purpose, and simple compassion are evident throughout this deeply moving account, as well as in the letters to his wife, Julia, included here. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

5-0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and Compassionate



References to political memoirs often suggest that Grant's memoirs are some of the best ever published. Have worked my way slowly through almost 800 pages of his memoirs, the accolades are deserved. Autobiographies by their nature are bound to be someway self-serving (he makes no reference to his well documented drink problems) and I am sure many historians could pick flaws with some of Grant's recollections, but the book is exceptionally well written and interesting. To my surprise, the author comes across as being compassionate and showing a high degree of empathy for many he fought against during the civil war.

He is very honest in his commentaries and is not afraid to be critical of US policy. The Mexican-American war (1846-1848) was unnecessarily provoked and in his opinion "the war which resulted, as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger nation against a weaker nation. ... We were sent to provoke a fight, but it was essential that the Mexicans should commence it."

Grant is not shy in admitting that especially in his early military career, he was often frightened and would rather have been somewhere else when the bullets were flying. He is also self-effacing and sometimes humorous about his impact in early combat situations. "My exploit was equal to that of the soldier who boasted that he had cut of the leg of one of the enemy. When asked why he had not cut off his head, he replied: `Someone had done that before.' "

Grant is a very good storyteller and has an excellent eye for detail and description. His contrasting profiles of Generals Taylor and Scott whom he fought under during the Mexican war are models of clarity and painting pictures with words.

His account of the civil war contains numerous interesting anecdotes including one instance when inspecting a picket line which was close to a Confederate picket line. After his picket line called "Turn out the guard for the commanding General," he heard a similar command from the Confederate picket and a reference to General Grant. The Confederate line saluted "which I returned." - Amazing!

Obviously, the bulk of his memoirs relate to the civil war. He suggests that he was of the same mind set as Secretary of State Seward, "that the war would be over in ninety days." Grant is very respectful of many of his former colleagues who fought against him during this war. He has little respect for the "Demagogues who were to old to enter the army ... others who entertained so high an opinion of their own ability that they did not believe they could be spared from the direction of the state of affairs," but who constantly poured oil on the secessionist fire.

He lauds many of his comrades including Generals Sherman and Sheridan. While respecting Secretary of War Stanton, he does not appear to have been a great fan of his style of management. He also writes approvingly of Confederate Generals Longstreet, Lee, Bragg, Joseph Johnston and others, and takes great delight in ridiculing the military genius of Confederate President Jefferson Davis who he obviously despised. Grant writes sensitively of General Lee and the surrender at Appomattox.

The author believes the death of Lincoln was a disaster not just for the North, but for the vanquished South. "He would have proven the best friend the South could have had." Interestingly, Grant makes no reference to the Gettysburg Address and to the best of my recollection only references the Battle of Gettysburg but once. He was otherwise involved in the Battle of Vicksburg at the same time.

I glossed over some of the detailed military and battle descriptions in this book, but overall it is a great read. It is also interesting to note that the book saved Grant's penurious family from a life of poverty. Published by his friend Samuel Clemens, these memoirs became a bestseller after Grant died from throat cancer.

5-0 out of 5 stars U.S. Grant in his own words...
U.S. Grant is often said to have been a failure at everything in his life except his marriage, war, and his memoirs.The latter, written as he was dying of throat cancer in 1884-1885, provide a straightforward account of his years in uniform during the Civil War.

Grant passes quickly over his Ohio boyhood and time at the United States Military Academy.His service in the Mexican War and his financial misfortunes out of uniform between the wars get only slightly more coverage.His story really begins with his return to uniform in 1861 as a commander of Illinois volunteers.The narrative follows Grant's campaigns in Missouri, Tennessee, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, his elevation to supreme command of the Union Armies, and the final grinding agony of the war in Virgina.The account ends with the cessation of hostilies in 1865.

Grant's memoirs are remarkable reading for a number of reasons.First, they provide insight into the first-rate military mind of a consistantly successful general.Grant's ability to determine the essentials of a situation and remain focused on them are evident.Second, the memoirs are a classic example of clear, simple, English narrative.Third, they display the considerable modesty of a naturally reserved man, a departure from the egotism often found in the personal memoirs of famous men.Grant himself continues to be something of a mystery to historians; these memoirs do not really lift the veil of his sense of privacy.

The Union Army of the Civil War had more than its fair share of politicians in uniform and politically-minded generals.Grant was not immune to spinning history his way; careful-eyed scholars have found more than a few instances where Grant remembered only part of the story or settled a few scores with old opponents.Nevertheless, Grant's memoirs are a valuable resource for understanding the conduct of the Civil War, not least because Grant became such a key figure in the winning of it.

Grant's memoirs are highly recommended to students of the Civil War, and to scholars seeking to understand the art of war in the midst of rebellion.

5-0 out of 5 stars Review ofMemoirs of US Grant
General Grant's use of the English language is very interesting and informative.Absolutely a pleasure to read.

5-0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece
This book is a must-read for any Civil War or American history buff. Grant's writing is consistently clear, elegant, beautiful. He gives an engaging account of his wartime experiences that are accurate to the best of his ability, and he writes with introspection and humility. The personal letters at the end of the volume reveal much about this fascinating man, and are a welcome addition. Please read this one! Another wonderful book in this series is the volume containing Frederick Douglass's autobiographical works.

5-0 out of 5 stars A History Buff's Wet Dream...
This is certainly a great book, and in parts, it is a good book. Grant has a very terse, matter-of-fact style, which makes for easy reading. The bulk of the book is devoted to the Civil War, and there are dry patches, and multitudes of "We went to the ridge, and then to the river, and moved our artillery up to the picket" and such-like. But that is what happened, and so you can't fault Grant for his meticulous detailing of troop movements, correspondence with fellow officers, etc. As I said, the great majority of the book is devoted to the Civil War, and there is not a word about Grant's tenure in the White House. Personally, of all topics covered by Grant, I find him to be most fascinating on the subject of the Mexican-American War of 1847. This is not something commonly focused on in history classes, but Grant's account is riveting. Additionally, Grant's remembrances of Lincoln are very interesting, as is his almost awed reverence for the military abilities of Sherman. The book is long, but it doesn't seem long, and if you have a love of history, this is indispensable stuff. ... Read more


26. Cigars, Whiskey & Winning:Leadership Lessons from Ulysses S. Grant
by Al Kaltman
Hardcover: 336 Pages (1998-10-01)
list price: US$22.00 -- used & new: US$10.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 073520022X
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Amazon.com
"Ulysses S. Grant was a perceptive and surprisingly modern manager," writes Al Kaltman. "A pragmatist who learned from his own and others' successes and failures, he brought new dimensions to strategic planning. He was adept at seizing and exploiting opportunities as they presented themselves, and he boldly shattered paradigms long before the term paradigm had made its way into the management jargon."

Kaltman uses Grant's military career, beginning with his enrollment at West Point through his early successes in the Civil War to his eventual command of the entire Union Army, to illustrate 250 basic principles of business success, from "Bureaucrats do the dumbest things" to "You can't stop the clock." In an afterword, Kaltman considers how President Grant failed to live up to the principles of teamwork and planning that led General Grant to victory, with a resultant career as chief executive whose legacy has been less than stellar. Book Description
250 valuable lessons for today's managers from one of America's finest leaders--a seamless blend of biography, history, and management wisdom.

Long before management became a science--complete with an endless parade of multi-step,jargon-laden programs for business success--the Civil War's winning general was battle-testing his own ways of getting things done, and becoming a consummate leader in the process.By war's end, Ulysses S. Grant was managing the world's largest organization, with over one million men and $1.5 billion in annual expenditures--and all without computers.

How did a man of only average talents lead a group of ordinary men to victory after victory over highly motivated, well trained and often brilliantly led opponents?In this masterful retelling of Grant's story, Al Kaltman draws on Grant's writings and life experiences to present a series of practical lessons in management that are more relevant than ever today.

Going beyond mere "how-to's", Cigars, Whiskey and Winning deals with character traits, core beliefs and fundamental values to reveal secrets to becoming a winning manager that are as much about "who to be" as "what to do".And there isn't a chart, table, or checklist in sight--just a handy index of lessons for ready inspiration on demand.In short, a refreshing and truly enjoyable alternative to management book overload.

Includes 16 page photo insert. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

3-0 out of 5 stars Informative Quotes by Louis J Sheehan
I've never been a fan of "lessons" books and here is yet another.There are some interesting and informative quotes of/from Grant, but the lessons are, at best, better than average for such a book.-- Louis J Sheehan

4-0 out of 5 stars Good leadershipship principles by U.S. Grant.
Grant may have been a poor President, but he was a great General.This book expounds the leadership principles of his war years.Grant was not only decisive, but he could also admit to mistakes.His treatment of his fellow officers shows he was a born leader.In three years, he rose from being a store clerk to a four star general.He did this using his courage, common sense, and good decision making.Lincoln may have saved the Union through his political leadership, but U.S. Grant saved it militarily with his good leadership.

This is a easy to read book.The book is in excess of three hundred pages, but most of the pages are not full.Some two hundred and fifty principles are detailed in the leadership of U.S. Grant.Too bad Grant did not use some of these principles in his Presidency.

4-0 out of 5 stars Home run
Kaltman has done the research for you and put it all in a great lesson by lesson format.Any leader can refer to this book for day to day operations.

5-0 out of 5 stars Every Manager Should Read This.
Very good read for anyone in management.
Uses the Civil War memoires of U.S. Grant to illustrate management skills and practices.
Very interesting. Excellent gift for men.

5-0 out of 5 stars True to Grant's Character and Management Theory
Well researched book that explored both Grant's personality and effective leadership. I found it a nice change of pace from most management texts. Done in small bites, it would be great for use inclass or discussion group. I felt it started rather simplicistically, but improved quickly. I especially appreciated the chapter at the end that explored why such a successful General was considered far less effective as a President. Good investment for any management bookshelf. ... Read more


27. The Generalship of Ulysses S. Grant (Da Capo Paperback)
by J. F. C. Fuller
Paperback: 488 Pages (1991-10-01)
list price: US$18.95 -- used & new: US$9.47
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0306804506
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (3)

5-0 out of 5 stars A British general of World War I looks back and is impressed
An earlier reviewer commented on the paucity of General Fuller's source material.In May of 1929, Fuller wrote this passage (in all the orotund glory of its semi-colons) in his preface: "Here, then, is the gist of this book--to write living history as well as truthful history--a difficult task; for in my opinion all history has been diluted with about seventy-five per cent. of falsehood; and more especially official history, which is normally meticulously accurate in fact and utterly false in spirit.... In order to decipher [Grant's] generalship I have relied on three sources: the official records--the bones of my subject; the personal memoirs and various historical works--the muscles; and my own intuitions and deductions which I may liken to the nerves.This latter source may be very defective; yet I feel not more so than the other two."

This famous book was written by one of the relatively few critics with real (as opposed to armchair) high-level military knowledge and experience.Both were gained, moreover, on battlefields bearing closer resemblance to those of Grant than anything seen since.For what it's worth, General Fuller remains the highest ranking non-participant military man ever to write at length on the American Civil War (which in Fuller's day was still officially and legally designated by Damnyankees, at least, as "The War of the Rebellion."My unreconstructed Confederate ancestors, naturally, had other ideas.)

Fuller's book had a profound effect in Europe.Until its publication, accepted European military opinion held that the U.S. Civil War was no more than a series of military riots conducted by armed mobs.After this book and its analysis of the brilliant campaign that led to the capture of Vicksburg and of the multi-pronged assault that withered and then destroyed the Confederate States of America, the unassuming, unimpressive-looking Grantemerged as one of the great captains of history.

A few--a very few--new details have been unearthed in the seventy-six years since General Fuller handed his manuscript over to his publishers, but no large-scale analysis of Grant as a soldier and commander has surpassed this one.

5-0 out of 5 stars The Best Analysis of Grant as a General
I find this book to be the best detailed analysis of the generalship of U. S. Grant available.Written by one of the most outstanding military writers in the world, it presents a thought provoking and convincing picture of one of our greatest generals.It pictures General Grant as one of the greatest strategists of all times and gives many convincing arguments to back up the claim.

The book covers other aspects of his csreer and comments on his capabilities and shortcomings.It is not completely lauditory, as it points out his many failures as a tactician as well asother shotcomings.Substantiation and analysis of his actions make for a very convincing account.It is especially effective when read in conjunction with his memoirs.

I highly recommend it.

4-0 out of 5 stars General Grant...and more
The paucity of source material utilized by General Fuller is more than offset by the lucidity of his commentary, and his keen insight into the military mind and psyche.Grant, the man, appears to have been a hobby ofFuller's, and while there are better analyses of the details of Grant'scampaigns and battles, the reader leaves this book with a sense of knowingand understanding Grant, and believing that Grant's personality was thecritical factor in the Union's 1864-1865 Virginia compaigns.Theassessment of U.S. Grant is Fuller's personal assessment, nevertheless,when this reader finished the book he hoped Fuller was right.EssentialCivil War reading.There's also some interesting commentary on the theoryof military strategy and tactics. ... Read more


28. The Personal Memoirs of Julia Dent Grant: (Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant) (Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant)
 Paperback: 368 Pages (1988-04-11)
list price: US$22.50 -- used & new: US$9.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0809314436
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Book Description

Julia Dent Grant wrote her reminiscences with the vivacity and charm she exhibited throughout her life, telling her story in the easy flow of an afternoon conversation with a close friend. Mrs. Grant was raised the pampered daughter of a Missouri planter, and she later remembered her girlhood as an idyll that she wished could have lasted.



Many of the anecdotes she relates give fascinating glimpses into a very troubled period of American history. A dramatic reminiscence recounts the night that Lincoln was assassinated. Mrs. Grant insisted that she and her husband turn down an invitation to the theater in favor of returning home. It saved her husband’s life: he had also been marked for assassination.



Throughout these memoirs, which she ends with her husband’s death, Mrs. Grant strives to correct the misconceptions she believed were being circulated about him. She wanted posterity to share her pride in this man, whom she saw as one of America's greatest heroes.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

5-0 out of 5 stars What A Gift For Immediacy She Had
Sadly Julia Dent Grant is little remembered in history today and in her lifetime this remarkable and bright woman placed herself so dutifully in the shadow of her great husband that even in her own time she was not given her proper due. Ever a loving mother and wife, Mrs. Grant was also gifted with many other talents: those of the observer, those of the writer, and most of all the gift of a storyteller.

Mrs. Grant's remembrances of her life and half-century marriage to the President cover her happy childhood in Missouri, the early years in the Grant household, her husband's time as a career soldier and later a struggling businessman in Illinois, and take us into the Civil War years as no one else ever has before. She describes her friendships with a number of southern ladies, her feeling toward the Lincoln's (she admired the President yet found his wife difficult, petty, and unstable) and details the private side of number of figures from that period. Most of all she relates anecdotes that capture the courage, acumen and generosity of her husband as he dealt withfoe and comrade alike. The Grant she writes of was a fine man indeed.

There is one feature I noticed right off in Mrs. Grant's book and that is her uneven pacing. By this I mean that she dedicates a large amount of space to some events but only a small amount to others, even though one would think they may be of greater importance to history. Mrs. Grant writes as often and in as much detail on the selection and furnishing of her houses as she does on the Civil War. She dedicates scant ink to the (unhappy) Grant Presidency but then allocates fully half the book to a trip to Europe and the Near East her family takes after leaving public life in 1876. I have no real complaints about this, since this recollection by a great woman behind a great man is never boring, and indeed her account of time among the sites and figures of 1870's Europe was a delight in itself, but I was surprised she chose to plot her memoir this way.

I wish both Mrs. Grant and her memoir were better known in the 21st century and I hope this review in some small way might contribute to that.

5-0 out of 5 stars An Essential Work For Students of Grant
This fascinating autobiography is a must-read for anyone wanting a personal view not only of Ulysses Grant, but of his all-too-often ignored and underrated wife.Julia Grant's memoir is an unusually frank and entertaining visit with her unique, delightfully engaging personality--she was a far cry from the rather sour-looking, unprepossessing image one gets from her photographs.

One thing I found particularly fascinating about her book--something previous reviewers have strangely overlooked--is the inadvertent way she reveals not only Grant's many virtues, but his faults as well.Grant's cold, affection-starved upbringing left him emotionally immature in certain ways.Julia's candid style depicts her husband as sometimes capable of being pig-headed, uncommunicative, and remarkably insensitive to her feelings, while his usually charming sense of humor could take on a childishly cruel edge.This warts-and-all look at the man is a refreshing change from the uncritical, unbelievable hagiography found in most contemporary accounts of Grant.In short, this book is a psychological gold mine!

4-0 out of 5 stars Julia Dent Grant-Loving Wife of U.S. Grant
I was thrilled to discover the existence of this book and equally thrilled at the opportunity to see into the lives of the Grants from Mrs. Grant's point of view.

Throughout her Memoirs, Mrs. Grant's love and devotion to her husband and family are apparent.Equally apparent is the evidence that her affection was completely reciprocated.Not highly educated by modern standards, Mrs. Grant's sharp perception provides a unique glimpse into the personal life of her family and the issues that shaped her destiny.She was born the daughter of a Missouri planter, raised among slaves and southern society belles.Yet, during the Civil War, her devotion to her husband led her to become one of the most vocal proponents of preserving the Union among all her aquaintances.Amazingly, she was with the general during much of the war; in St. Louis before Vicksburg and in Virginia prior to the surrender of Lee at Appomatox Courthouse.Her presence helped ease the extreme pressure placed on her husband from Washington demands for quick victory in Virginia.

The memoir also describes the Grant's occupation of the White House during the Grant Administration and the world tour of the Grants following her husband's presidency.Many details describe table linens and ladies fashion of the time, an important concern for a woman of Mrs. Grant's position, but not so for the woman of today.Still, this memoir is a wonderful addition to my library and will be a valuable addition to the collection of anyone interested in understanding the views of nineteenth century women and Mrs. Grant in particular.

5-0 out of 5 stars I loved this book
I really recommend this book to anyone who likes US Grant or the civil war. I didn't think Mrs. Grant's book would be interesting, but I could not put it down. The way she describes her husband shows a very deep love and attraction for him. I didn't think people of that age were as open with their feelings, but this gal sure was. She was so frank in expressing her feelings for Grant, no wonder he followed her around like a lovesick calf.

She even hints about the physical side of their union, which was incredible since she wrote it 100 years ago. I think anyone would love this book, Mrs. Grant writes well and is quite funny and entertaining. I give this book a solid "10."

5-0 out of 5 stars John Simon wins again!
The most prolific editor of Grant-ology does a tremendous job pulling together Julia Dent Grant's manuscript.I would have liked to have had her get into more depth on certain issues, but what can you do, she's been gonefor some time now.This is ultimately an insightful look into one of themore interesting first ladies, and a wonderful source of information aboutwhat went into making Ulysses S. Grant. ... Read more


29. Captain Sam Grant/1822-1861 (Classic Biography of Ulysses S. Grant, Vol. 1)
by Lloyd Lewis
 Paperback: 528 Pages (1991-04)
list price: US$13.95
Isbn: 0316523488
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (4)

4-0 out of 5 stars The young Ulysses S. Grant
Lloyd Lewis's "Captain Sam Grant" is a well-written study of the young Ulysses S. Grant, from his boyhood in Ohio through his years at West Point to his service in the Mexican War and his hard times in the interwar years.

U.S. Grant continues to be something of a mystery to students of the Civil War.Lewis's biography reveals a person who seems very ordinary and even unpromising in many respects; there are only a few hints of the man who would be the victorious commander of the Union armies in the Civil War.As a boy, Grant seems diffident and naive; the West Point cadet is average and unremarkable in his class rank; as a young officer, Grant performs with determination and even bravery against Mexico but dislikes the basis of the conflict.Posted to Calfornia after the Mexican War, Grant struggles with alcoholism and resigns from the Army in near disgrace.After the Army, Sam Grant wanders from business failure to business failure; his only obvious success is his marriage to Julia Dent.At the end of this volume, Grant seizes a chance for redemption by returning to uniform as the Civil War breaks out.The stage is set for his appointment with destiny as a successful Union general.

After Lewis's untimely death, the two succeeding volumes of this study of Grant were written by famed Civil War historian Bruce Cattan from Lewis's notes and research.Lewis never had the chance to fully summarize his research into the growth of Grant's character.One may infer from this first volume that Grant was a man whose hard life had stripped his thinking down to the essentials and who was less likely than most to be distracted from his purpose.By 1861, Grant was very likely a man who understand that the best way to deal with hard times was with determination and relentless forward movement.

The scholarship behind "Captain Sam Grant" may be a little dated, but this book is still highly recommended to the student of the life of Ulysses Grant and of the Civil War.

3-0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, But Flawed
"Captain Sam Grant" must rank with William McFeely's "Grant" and Brooks Simpson's "Triumph Over Adversity" as the most overrated USG biographies ever written.This look at Grant's pre-Civil War years simply is not as accurate and reliable as some previous reviewers would have us believe.Lewis frequently makes assertions without providing adequate evidence for these statements, and he occasionally cites dubious or discredited sources.The book, in many places, reads more like an speculative historical novel than a serious academic study.Also, in my opinion, Lewis spends way too much time on the Mexican war.

That said, it is not without virtues.It is engaging and, in its folksy way, well written.Lewis' portrait of Grant's quietly complicated character generally rings true.The book is an enjoyable read, as long as the reader does not expect too much.

5-0 out of 5 stars The finest description of the Mexican/American war ever.
As a student of Spanish American History, I wonder why this book was not assigned reading when I was in college.The first part deals with family and youth of a precocious lad whose father saw in the Military Academy theChance for a free education for his son.Grant was a most capable horsemanwhose ability was appreciated.His first military assignments in thenorthwest were less than appealing to a man in love, and far from home. His reputation as a drinker began at this time.He was a virtual failureat whatever he attempted to do except crossing the Isthmus of Panama. Andhe proved his mettle during the Mexican American War along with otherfamiliar West Point cadets who would subsequently become famous leaders onboth sides of the Civil War and, later, wars of Indian reduction in thewest.In Volume One, the boy becomes a man and soldier. But its greatestgreatest contribution is its telling of the Mexican American War and theattitute of those who fought it.

5-0 out of 5 stars Fantastic resource!
It's a great pity in Grant scholarship that the author of this book, Lloyd Lewis, died prematurely and was not able to continue his trilogy of Grant. Though the able Bruce Catton continued the project, he was never the writer or researcher that was Lloyd Lewis. This book is a remarkably accurate and clear portrayal of Ulysses Grant as a young man. The book ends on the eve of the Civil War, when Grant was stuck in his father's leather shop, bored and aching for something meaningful to do with his life. At 39, the civil war found Grant (or Grant found thewar, take your pick) and history was never the same.

Lewis was known for his punctilious and dilligent research and it is a pleasure to read a book devoid of errors and rich in interpretation. He illuminates Grant as he *really* was: a decent, engaging, modest and clear-headed young man, destined for greatness but not quite knowing what to do with his considerable talents. This is one of the most outstanding Grant biographies and a must-read for anyone interested in the life and times of our greatest general. ... Read more


30. Ulysses S. Grant: The Unlikely Hero (Eminent Lives)
by Michael Korda
Hardcover: 176 Pages (2004-10-01)
list price: US$19.95 -- used & new: US$15.62
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Asin: B000VYTUNI
Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars
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Book Description

One of the first two volumes in Harper's Eminent Lives series, Korda brings his acclaimed storytelling talents to the life of Ulysses S. Grant – a man who managed to end the Civil War on a note of grace, serve two terms as president, write one of the most successful military memoirs in American literature, and is today remembered as a brilliant general but a failed president.

Ulysses S. Grant was the first officer since George Washington to become a four–star general in the United States Army, and the only president between Andrew Jackson and Woodrow Wilson to serve eight consecutive years in the White House. In this succinct and vivid biography, Michael Korda considers Grant's character and reconciles the conflicting evaluations of his leadership abilities.

Grant's life played out as a true Horatio Alger story. Despite his humble background as the son of a tanner in Ohio, his lack of early success in the army, and assorted failed business ventures, his unwavering determination propelled him through the ranks of military leadership and into the presidency. But while the general's tenacity and steadfastness contributed to his success on the battlefield, it both aided and crippled his effectiveness in the White House.

Assessing Grant both within the context of his time and in contrast to more recent American leaders, Korda casts a benevolent eye on Grant's presidency while at the same time conceding his weaknesses. He suggests that though the general's second term ended in financial and political scandals, the fact remains that for eight years Grant exerted a calming influence on a country that had only just emerged from a horrendous civil war. Ulysses S. Grant is an even–handed and stirring portrait of a man who guided America through a pivotal juncture in its history.

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Customer Reviews (18)

2-0 out of 5 stars A Lite Read
The only books I've previously read about the civil war are All For The Union and Company Aytch.I recommend both if you want to read the memoirs of soldiers.Mr. Grant is a fascinating person and Michael Korda tries to capture his complexity of character.I can't say that I learned much more than I already knew from various Discovery Channel shows or visiting the home of U.S. Grant in Galena.As noted in previous reviews, some of the historical data is questionable.For example, is Mr. Korda correct about the position of forces on a battlefield or the several maps and writings I found on the internet that say otherwise?One thing I could do without is Mr. Kordas need to bring in his obvious dislike of president George Bush and anything whatsoever that has any connection to him.Mr. Korda, if you feel a need to vent your Bush-hatred get a job with the New York Times or Washington Post.I don't know about other folks but when I sit down with a book about U.S. Grant I don't expect to be hammered with the non-too-subtle neo-liberal desire to tie everything to George Bush.

1-0 out of 5 stars Recommendations
These amazon reviews have done their job, in convincing me not to bother reading this book. There are two excellent studies of Grant as a politician and president, both by Brooks Simpson: LET US HAVE PEACE and THE RECONSTRUCTION PRESIDENTS. I highly recommend them.

5-0 out of 5 stars America'sgreatestgeneralofferslessonsfortoday



Military history is often a tragedy the first time around and a farce when it repeats, as this perceptive book makes abundantly clear in outlining and assessing the career of America's greatest general.

Fans of Robert E. Lee may well argue about the "greatest", the blunt fact is that Grant understood Lee better than Lee understood Grant.Korda makes the point again and again that Grant, except on rare occasions, was able to correctly assess battlefield conditions and quickly exploit every indication of weakness.

Grant was bitterly criticized as a butcher, similar to Gen. George "Blood and Guts" Patton in World War II.Veterans of Patton's armies have told me Patton's success was based on "his guts, our blood".But I've yet to meet anyone who regrets having served with Patton.The same is true of Grant;good soldiers always praise a general who wins, dead soldiers don't complain.

Grant understood that victory meant killing enough soldiers to make the Confederate states quit.He understood the war was won at Gettysburg;just as Gen. Dwight Eisenhower knew World War II was won in Normandy.The tragic legacy of Grant is that too many generals since then have copied his "butcher" qualities without understanding his tactical brilliance;thus the appalling slaughter of World War I.

Grant was the perfect American success story;literally a "barefoot" buy who rose to command the armies of the nation and then serve two terms in the White House.He was also the "perfect" American because of his absolute trust in the essential goodness, decency and honesty of others;politicians and business people took cynical and unlimited advantage of these qualities, which left his administration mired in the deep stink of scandal.

In war, Gen. Grant faced one massive task--victory.Everything was directed to one goal.In peace, President Grant as a politician faced a thousand simultaneous large and petty challenges, something he was never able to handle.His astounding successes were two great single-minded challenges;the war, and writing his autobiography as he was dying of cancer.Facing these two great challenges, he succeeded brilliantly.

The contrast with today's politicians could not be more dramatic.Grant was instinctively drawn to the sound of the guns fired in anger;too many of today's politicians, who blithely send others to war which they cleverly avoid themselves, have never hear a shot fired in anger let alone a voice raised in anger in the White House.

This book, and the story of Grant, is vividly relevant in today's politics.Everyone who reads it will understand at least some of the fundamentals of success, of America's greatest general and the current military incompetence that has led to another quagmire.

5-0 out of 5 stars First in war...but not in peace

This is one of two brief biographies of Grant (1822-1885) I recently read, the other written by Josiah Bunting III which is part of Times Books' "The American Presidents" series, with Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. serving as general editor. Although both Korda and Bunting cover much of the same material, there are significant differences between their respective approaches to the18th president of the United States.

For example, Bunting clearly disagrees with, indeed resents the fact that Grant is generally remembered "as a general, not a president, [which] explains in part the condescension - there is no better word for it -- from which pundits and historians have tended to write of him." Bunting asserts that if judged by the consequences of Grant's common sense, judgment, and intuition, his presidency, "so far from being one of the nation's worst, may yet be seen as one of the best."

Korda indicates no inclination to view Grant's presidency as "one of the best." He duly acknowledges the problems which awaited Grant after he was elected to his first term in 1869. "What did Grant's reputation as a president in, however, (and continues to do so today whenever journalists and historiansare drawing up lists of the best presidents vs. the worst ones), was the depression of 1873, which ushered in a long period of unemployment and distress, made politically more damaging by accusations that the president's wealthy friends were making money out of it." Given that the United States was growing too fast, in too many different directions at once, and the inevitable consequence was corruption and an unstable economy, "it would have taken a more astute man than Grant to slow things down or clean them up."

This last observation by Korda is consistent with a contemporary assessmentof Grant by the Edinburgh Review, one which Brooks Simpson quotes in his own study (Let Us Have Peace: Ulysses S. Grant and the Politics of War and Reconstruction 1861-1868), and which Bunting also cites: "To bind up the wounds left by the war, to restore concord to the still distracted Union, to ensure real freedom to the Southern Negro, and full justice to the southern white; these are indeed tasks which might tax the powers of Washington himself or a greater than Washington, if such a man is to be found."

In his Epilogue, Korda explains that he wrote this book because, from time to time, "it is necessary to remind Americans about Grant, first of all because his is a kind of real-life Horatio Alger story, exactly the one that foreigners have always wanted to believe about American life...and that Americans want to believe about themselves." Yes, his presidency was severely flawed but as a general, Grant "defined for all time the American way of winning a war": It must have an essentially moral base to earn and sustain the full support of the American people, it must take full advantage of its great industrial strength and depth of manpower, and it must apply aggressively - without hesitation -- all of its resources to achieve the ultimate military objective, total victory.

However, Korda suggests that any politician contemplating the use of military force should first consider lessons which Grant learned from failed Reconstruction initiatives in the South: "armies of occupation are no substitute for political thought, and that generals are not be necessarily the right people to institute basic political reforms or to reconstruct society."

It remains for others much better qualified than I am to comment on the relevance of that statement to America's current military involvement in various parts of the world. However, I greatly appreciate Korda's attempt to provide a balanced view of Grant in terms of his character, talents, and values...all of which served him so well on the battlefield but which proved insufficient to the political challenges which he encountered later as the 18th president of the United States.

Those who share my high regard for this volume are urged to check out Bunting's biography as well as Grant's Personal Memoirs.

2-0 out of 5 stars Korda, like most historians, doesn'tget it.
At the end of his life, Grant was considered a great president but a bad general.Gradually, in the next fifty years after Grant's death, as the fawning cult of Robert E. Lee admirers grew among historians, it became an unexamined article of faith among civil war historians that in addition to being a mediocre general U.S. Grant was a bad president.

In reality, Grant was the greatest general the U.S. ever produced and one of the five greatest presidents the country has ever innagurated.When you read a book like Mr. Korda's you can be sure that either he is a member of this Lee cult, or he has not done his research.Which of these is true about Mr. Korda, I don't know, but I would make a significant wager that one or both is true.

Grant was more than an honest steady hand guiding the ship of state, he unflinchingly guided the country down a path of reconciliation and reconstruction that preserved the victories he and his men had won on the battlefield.

It would be another 100 years before the White House was occupied by a man with less race bias than U.S. Grant.

Other than George Washington, Grant was by far the most the least beholden to his party and most apolitical man to ever hold the office.He defied his party, congress and his own personal friends when he believed they were wrong and was proven right in his judgments.

Another article of faith regarding Grant is that although he personally was absolutely honest and above reproach he lead the most corrupt administration in U.S. History.The reality of the situation is that his administration was no more corrupt than those which preceded it and those that followed.Where Grant distinguished himself was in decisive, unequivocal and forthright action against both friend and foe who were found guilty.Placing the corruption of the Grant administration in context is almost never done by Grant's biographers.

Grant is often portrayed by historians who should know better as a hapless bungler, who was in way over his head as president, if fact the opposite is true. Mr. Korda, is sympathetic to Grant, but lacks a true understanding of the man. ... Read more


31. Ulysses S. Grant: Warrior and Statesman.
by Ulysses S., Grant
 Hardcover: Pages (1969-01)
list price: US$12.50
Isbn: 0688026877
Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (1)

2-0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly wasted oppotunity
This book was published in 1968 and was written by the grandson of General Grant. US Grant III had unique access to Grant family papers and other material not generally known by outsiders or historians. Curiously, Grant used very little of this insider material and instead produced an extremely flat portrait of his illustrious namesake grandfather. There is absolutely nothing new and Grant trots out absurdly long passages from his grandfather's memoirs in an obvious effort at padding the book. Much of the material is taken almost directly from Grant's illustrious Personal Memoirs. There is no critical analysis of events and of course the narrative is so uncritical as to be fawning. One would naturally expect a certain degree of bias, but this is hagiography.

Grant III also drops the ball in another area. He was four years old when the elder Grant died in 1885. In interviews he sometimes spoke about his recollections and personal memories of him when he was a child. These memories would have enlivened this otherwise dead tome, but he inexplicably chooses not to include them here. Considering the position Grant III was in and his unrestricted access to anecdotes and material denied to outsiders, this is a crashing, numbing disappointment. This is a missed opportunity of the highest order. ... Read more


32. Ulysses S. Grant: Military Leader and President (Famous Figures of the Civil War)
by Tim O'Shei, Arthur Meier Schlesinger
Paperback: 80 Pages (2001-03)
list price: US$11.95 -- used & new: US$3.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0791061396
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (2)

5-0 out of 5 stars grant
I wrot this revew because it is for a grade at school.This is a good book because it says alot about grant and it says all the things that he dos in his life and while he was in the milatary and. I would recomend this book to any one because he is a good person that you would like to know about and you should read it. I also like this book because it has alot of pictures and i like to read books with pictures because it makes you think that the book is short so that is good for me.so when my teacher reads this if people can reply to this revew say that i shold get an A. this is a relly good book and reas it so you will know about grant and this is the end of my revew

4-0 out of 5 stars Not bad as a children's book
There are much better general children's biographies of Ulysses S. Grant, but this book is especially strong in the military aspects of Grant's career. Special care is devoted to Grant's participation in the Mexican War and several chapters are set aside for detailed examinations of Grant's civil war campaigns. This is a surprisingly strong entry in the children's biography field, and the descriptions of Grant's various battles are generally accurate and simplified for the younger reader. The author's take on the Vicksburg campaign is actually highly entertaining and takes a complicated campaign, reducing it to something a child could comprehend.

Weaker are the areas of Grant's rich private life, and one wishes Coolridge would have concentrated a bit more on Grant's happy marriage and his abilities as a father. But all in all, this is a good military introduction into Grant's life. ... Read more


33. The General and the Journalists: Ulysses S. Grant, Horace Greeley, and Charles Dana
by Harry J. Maihafer
Paperback: 284 Pages (2001-03-21)
list price: US$19.95 -- used & new: US$2.54
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 1574883399
Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars
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Book Description
Maihafer explains how the media greatly influenced the conduct of the Civil War and the pubic's perception of teh presidencies of Lincoln, Johnson, and Grant. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

3-0 out of 5 stars Stretched too thin
The inherent problem with this book is that it's stretched too thin and tries to cover to many personalities. Charles Dana and Greeley are ancillary players in the civil war drama; there's enough material on Grant and journalists to warrant a study of him alone. In addition, Charles Dana deliberately muddied the historical waters by having others ghostwrite his memoirs and constantly changing this stories or giving conflicting testimony about various events.

Maihofer writes well and certainly displays a prejudice in General Grant's favor. There are few factual errors and the pace is lively. However, the book would have been improved had he restricted the narrative to U.S. Grant and eliminated Dana and Greeley. Ultimately this makes for a somewhat disjointed book and one is sorely temped to skip over the chapters with the two minor supporting players. ... Read more


34. The Civil War: In the Words of Its Greatest Commanders : Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant : Memoirs of Robert E. Lee
Hardcover: 400 Pages (2002-08)
list price: US$24.98
Isbn: 1571458379
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
This new edition of two of the greatest works to chronicle the Civil War provides the unique perspective of that great conflict as it appeared to its greatest generals. It is illustrated with over 400 drawings and photographs drawn from historically contemporary sources. The illustrated abridgement of the Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant is contained in this work. Fast-paced, colorful, lucid and laced with flashes of humor, it provides the most authoritative of all contemporary accounts. All the topics that are not covered in the excerpts are summarized by the editor. Historians have always lamented the fact that Lee, who died only five years after his surrender to Grant, was never able to write his personal memoir of his role in the Civil War. The most detailed and revealing view of this great general in action is by General Armistead L. Long in his classic Memoirs of Robert E. Lee. The edition of Long's Memoirs contained in this work is a shortened version of the original. Peripheral matter has been summarized and full texts of official correspondence and extended quotations by other writers have been deleted. What remains is vivid first-hand portraits of Lee just as the author set it down over a century ago. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

5-0 out of 5 stars Grant's "Memoirs" and Memories of Lee in one nice Gift Book
This is a lavishly illustrated abridgement of Grant's wonderful "Personal Memoirs" and of Confederate Officer Armistead Long's "Memoirs of Robert E. Lee", two of the major works of the Civil War (Lee never did get around to writing his own memoirs).

While it must be stressed that this is an abridgement, and the actual volumes themselves are worth purchasing on their own, especially Grant's, the clear text and the extraordinary and realistic illustrations makes this volume a perfect gift for the Civil War buff this holiday season, or a worthy addition to one's own Civil War Library even if you already have the separate volumes - as I do. ... Read more


35. The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 2: April - September, 1861 (U S Grant Papers)
 Hardcover: 440 Pages (1969-07-18)
list price: US$100.00 -- used & new: US$75.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0809303663
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description

This comprehensive volume contains all known documents, both military and private, written by and to Grant during the first six months of the Civil War. Of unusual interest are his letters to his wife, father, and sister which provide the best insight into his complex character. Thirty of the letters to Julia have never before been published.

The letters trace Grant’s early career as a Civil War officer to his promotion to brigadier general. His assignments to command at Ironton and Jefferson City, Missouri, and Cairo, Illinois, are fully covered. At Cairo, Grant’s area of responsi­bility straddled the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, forming a military command Grant considered to be “third in importance in the country.” From here he advanced the first federal troops into Kentucky, winning recognition for quick, sure judgment and military competence which started him on the road to Appomattox.

A new and deepening picture of Grant continues to emerge with the publication of these letters. Important as original history, they deserve reading for their own sake.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

4-0 out of 5 stars The Real U.S. Grant
The twenty-six (and counting!) volumes comprising all the known extant writings of Ulysses Grant are indeed a remarkable example of published primary source material.While every volume contains much material that is admittedly of trivial importance to even the most rabid Grant scholar, each book in this series also contains fascinating nuggets of information not found anywhere else.Anyone with even a casual interest in USG is sure to discover something worth reading in every volume.In gathering together not only all of Grant's known correspondence, but relevant peripheral documents, the editors of this series are doing a truly Herculean job and deserve great commendation.

I have only a few quibbles with the series.The first involves something over which the editors had no control.I refer to the fact that, in the first few volumes (particularly Volume One,) Grant's descendants insisted that certain passages in Grant's letters to his fiancee-turned-wife Julia Dent that had been crossed out (either by Julia or other family members) not be published.This idiotic decision is not only extremely frustrating for the reader, but, ironically, damaging to Grant himself.By all accounts, the deleted passages contain nothing that could be considered detrimental to Grant's good name, but by leaving them out, these descendants unwittingly gave the impression that there was something to hide.Hopefully, in an "Appendix" volume at the end of the series, the editors will be sporting enough to include whatever deleted passages can be transcribed, and the series will at last be considered complete.

My other complaints about this series are more minor.While each volume contains copious, and frequently illuminating, footnotes, the editors occasionally fail to provide enough context.That is to say, a brief, undetailed letter of Grant's will frequently be followed by several pages of footnotes providing other letters and documents on the same subject, without giving much information explaining what, exactly, it all meant.The reader who is not already fully informed on the subject being addressed is sometimes left feeling confused about what exactly is being discussed, and what its relevance may have been.

Another drawback is, simply, the price.While these books are certainly handsomely--and obviously expensively--printed and bound, those of us who study history as a hobby rather than as a profession could wish for editions that were more cheaply done, and thus more affordable.Unless you are fortunate enough to have access to a good academic library, these extremely expensive (even when you buy second-hand) volumes are simply out-of-reach for many people.That's a great pity, because in these books is an "insider's view" of Grant that does not fully come across in any regular biography.

5-0 out of 5 stars A masterful achievement
"The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant" is a project begun in 1962 for the purpose of publishing all the known letters written by Ulysses S. Grant. Volume one was published in 1967 and there are now twenty-fourvolumes in the series. People who follow Grant's career are aware of theinestimable value of this project. The Papers contain all knowncorrespondence written by Grant and letters received by him. The editing ofthe series is unparalleled and the volumes represent primary sourcematerial at its apex.

Those who believe Grant was a "drunkard"or a "butcher" should read his own words, which show Grant'shumor, pathos and unique personality. Masterfully edited by John Y. Simon,these volumes are a "must have" for anyone with an interest inU.S. Grant as a general, a politician and as a man ... Read more


36. That Fateful Lightning: A Novel of Ulysses S. Grant
by Richard Parry
Hardcover: 368 Pages (2000-06-06)
list price: US$24.95 -- used & new: US$0.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0345427289
Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
In a village outside Saratoga Springs, New York, a weakened man sits with pen in hand, looking back at a life dominated by failure: as a farmer, a businessman, a politician--everything but as a soldier. Racked by cancer, Ulysses S. Grant is entering his final months, facing the prospect of leaving his beloved wife penniless. Now he begins one last campaign--to bring to life the only thing of value he still commands: his memoirs. In the weeks and days that follow, Grant tells a story of war and peace, of friends and enemies, and of a man born for one singular purpose--to lead an army into battle, and to lead it to victory.

In this extraordinary novel, Richard Parry takes us on a powerful journey through the Civil War as seen through the shrewd, unwavering eyes of its most enigmatic and least understood protagonist. For as Grant wages a duel against death itself, and his friends and family gather around him, he reveals with stunning clarity his vision of the war: at once a tragedy and a challenge, a nightmare and a puzzle, an epic of carefully laid strategies and counter-strategies as well as a strokes of inexplicable, decisive chance.

Within these pages we meet such powerful historical figures as Mark Twain, the book publisher trying desperately to rescue Grant from poverty in the last year of his life; William Tecumseh Sherman, brilliant and dynamic, but also unsure and sorely in need of Grant's nurturing in war and life; and General Robert E. Lee, whose differences from Grant vividly illustrate the cultural and social divide at the core of the Civil War.

A rich, vivid, and action-packed addition to our nation's literature of the Civil War, That Fateful Lightning is a powerful portrait of a uniquely American hero, a simple but misunderstood man who felt truly at peace only amid the horror and chaos of war. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

3-0 out of 5 stars Engaging Story, But the Errors Are Distracting
I enjoyed this book and will keep it, but...

As others have noted, the author puts too much exposition into character's thoughts and words. I guess he's trying to explain the Civil War for those who aren't familiar with it, but no one talks like these characters do.

There are continuity errors. On one page Sherman has lost his hat; two pages later he discovers a bullet hole in his hat. Early in the book, and in 1885, Mark Twain and Grant smoke cigars; later in the book, and in 1884, Grant smokes his last cigar. The author needed a good editor.

Mark Twain and General Sherman play big parts but they are very flat characters. More detail about their lives in the 1880's, and about Julia Grant's life after U.S. Grant's death, would have been nice. The book does include an epilogue that follows major characters with a paragraph each.

Grant's death scene is too much. Without giving it all away... an old adversary appears "out of the light" to guide Grant on his journey.

I've always been impressed by a photograph of the ailing Grant, all bundled up and sitting on his porch, working on his memoirs. He wrote a powerful book. This novel provides a glimpse into his world and his thoughts at the time, and for that, I appreciate it.

3-0 out of 5 stars Readable, But Forgettable
This novel covers the last days of Ulysses S. Grant, interspersed with Grant's "flashbacks" to the Civil War.The author relies too heavily on exposition to tell his story (one chapter where Grant and his wife tell each other virtually his whole life story is particularly awkward,) and the ending somehow manages to be both flat and overly melodramatic.However, parts of the book (particularly the depiction of Shiloh) are genuinely moving.This is hardly a memorable novel--I doubt I'll read it twice--but it is not a complete waste of time, either.

4-0 out of 5 stars Highly entertaining
All too often history is reduced to places, dates and endless names that we all recognize but have very little interest in what they accomplished.History is treated with an almost antiseptic approach that leaves a bad taste and kills any desire to explore a particular topic or person any further."That Fateful Lightning" by Richard Parry gives a refreshing and entertaining look into the life of one of our sometimes forgotten presidents, Ulysses S Grant.It gives the reader a personal look into Grant's life, revealing his fears and frustrations.The book starts at the tail end of Grants life after his presidency.He is broke and ill from throat cancer but feels guilty that he will die and leave his wife Julia penniless with no means of support.Grant had long been swindled out of his money by unscrupulous business partners but desperately wanted to find a way to help his beloved wife before his approaching death.The famous Author, Mark Twain then offers to sell Grants memoirs and give Julia a large percentage of the royalties from the book.

I have read Grant's actual memoirs and found them to be suprisingly good.His book however is a little dry.It gives detailed troop movements, supply counts, descriptions of terrain and of course he discusses many of his battle strategies that any historian would find fascinating.The non-historian however, would find the book tedious and probably not get further than the first chapter.In contrast, Richard Parry reveals the more human side of Grant in "That fateful lightning".Grant is pictured as a dying man that is racing against time to finish his memoirs.As he is writing, he reflects on his experiences in the Civil war.He reveals his opinions of many of the civil wars' great generals and talks about his feelings of guilt at sending so many men to their deaths.Grant describes his great love for his wife Julia and talks about his loneliness when he is away from her.He turns to drinking to deal with some of his insecurities but in the end his dignity and integrity overcome any shortcomings in his character.His experiences with Lincoln, Sherman, Meade and Robert E. Lee are shown from his own personal point of view.Even though this is a work of fiction, it is not hard to imagine that Grant might have had these exact feelings and opinions.If you are a historian that is only interested in factual history, you might want to stay away from this book and stick to the mundane, cold and lengthy texts.If you are the type of person that is interested in historical figures from a personal and human perspective then I highly recommend this entertaining work of narrative history.

5-0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
This is an excellent book of narrative history that brings Grant to life and puts him on your own front porch where you'd like to rock and have a conversation with him clear through to sunset.

3-0 out of 5 stars Well-written but laden with errors
This is admittedly a beautifully-written novel about Ulysses S. Grant. But there are a number of grating errors which begs the question: why didn't the author do a little more research? Had Richard Parry bothered to readeven minimally about Grant, he would not have claimed he was "born andraised in Galena, Illinois." In fact Grant never laid eyes on Galenauntil he was in his late 30's. Grant was also not the Colonel of the"221st Illinois Regiment." Such bizarre and unnecessary gaffesseriously compromise the integrity of the novel.

Some will think thiscriticism is foolish, after all, who expects an historical novel to concernitself with accuracy? But Parry makes its plain that he was intent onproducing a novel which was strictly based on fact and actualevents.

Unfortunately he misses the mark here. If you are only a marginalfollower of Grant's career this is an adequate introduction, but it wouldbe wiser to read non-fiction, creditible treatments on his life by BruceCatton, Brooks Simpson or John Y. Simon. ... Read more


37. Ulysses S. Grant on Leadership: Executive Lessons from the Front Lines
by John A. Barnes
Hardcover: 288 Pages (2001-05-03)
list price: US$22.95 -- used & new: US$35.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0761526625
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
American History is replete with rags-to-riches tales, but it is hard to think of one that compares with that of Ulysses S. Grant.In the spring of 1861, Grant was a modest clerk in his father's leather goods store.Within three years, he would become commander of all armies of the United States and go on to win the Civil War.Within eight, he would be elected president.His remarkable story is truly an inspiration to leaders from all walks of life.





"Fascinating, Grant's wisdom and courage are finally depicted as a model for the ages."
— Robert Novak, syndicated columnist







In Ulysses S. Grant on Leadership, John Barnes reveals the leadership secrets of the man to whom Abraham Lincoln entrusted the very survival of the Union.You will meet a man of extraordinary personal courage who overcame failures early in life that would have crushed lesser men.You will discover how this tenacious general inspired a dispirited army to achieve victory on the battlefield.Most important, you will learn how to apply to your own life the characteristics that elevated Grant from obscurity to greatness.


Ulysses S. Grant was a common man with uncommon leadership abilities.He succeeded brilliantly where others had failed.Guided by his magnificent example, so can you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

5-0 out of 5 stars A must have for leaders and teachers
I usually approach these "on Leadership" series and most business biographies with a bit of skepticism, but I was really blown away by this book. Although I'm not a civil war buff, the author's narrative and vivid descriptions of Grant's triumphs and hardships kept me riveted and I couldn't put this book down once I started. The personal accounts of the challenges facing Grant and his tenacious ability to overcome them, are simply amazing. The author's contrasts of Grant vs. McClellan (the incompetent General which Grant replaced) lay the foundation for learning what not to do as well. Each chapter feels as if your grandfather is telling you these stories from firsthand experience, making them lessons you won't soon forget as you manage and lead in your business or organization. And in case you need a refresher, the author summarizes the leadership lessons at the end of each chapter. This is also a great book for teenagers who need a leadership training. It's easy to identify with Grant, and the way the author draws you into our history makes it even more valuable.

4-0 out of 5 stars A few more comments
I had a few more comments on this book.

I think the author may be onto something here, something even more important than the idea of using Grant's life as a way to help business managers, perhaps.

I like history and have read my share of it, but I'd never been able to really get into the history of the Civil War, or even early American history in general, despite having had childhood friends who were into Civil War history, and even Civil war reenactments. The author's using an important figure of the time as a sympathetic character, a focus around which to build an interesting account of his contributions, also meant that he needed to present much of the historical context and discuss a lot of the actual history of the period. In the process he really wrote a mini-history of the events during this time that was much more engaging and absorbing than your typical history that I have read. As a result, I learned much more than I ever had before about this important phase of our history.

I think this approach would be equally applicable to other important figures and times. It might seem that this is just re-inventing the idea of a biography, but again, I've read my share of biographies too and this book was much more interesting the way Barnes did it. Much of that is because the author makes youfeel like you are right in the center of the action with Grant during this critical time as he makes many of these difficult, life-and-death decisions. So if we are to call it biography at all, Barnes's approach is a much more interesting way to do it.

I hope the author may do other books like this as I would be very interested in reading them, too. ... Read more


38. Ulysses S. Grant (Presidential Leaders)
by Kate Havelin
Library Binding: 112 Pages (2004-03)
list price: US$29.27 -- used & new: US$27.81
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0822508141
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39. The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 1: 1837-1861 (U S Grant Papers)
 Hardcover: 504 Pages (1967-05-29)
list price: US$100.00 -- used & new: US$100.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0809302489
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (2)

4-0 out of 5 stars The Real U.S. Grant
The twenty-six (and counting!) volumes comprising all the known extant writings of Ulysses Grant are indeed a remarkable example of published primary source material.While every volume contains much material that is admittedly of trivial importance to even the most rabid Grant scholar, each book in this series also contains fascinating nuggets of information not found anywhere else.Anyone with even a casual interest in USG is sure to discover something worth reading in every volume.In gathering together not only all of Grant's known correspondence, but relevant peripheral documents, the editors of this series are doing a truly Herculean job and deserve great commendation.

I have only a few quibbles with the series.The first involves something over which the editors had no control.I refer to the fact that, in the first few volumes (particularly Volume One,) Grant's descendants insisted that certain passages in Grant's letters to his fiancee-turned-wife Julia Dent that had been crossed out (either by Julia or other family members) not be published.This idiotic decision is not only extremely frustrating for the reader, but, ironically, damaging to Grant himself.By all accounts, the deleted passages contain nothing that could be considered detrimental to Grant's good name, but by leaving them out, these descendants unwittingly gave the impression that there was something to hide.Hopefully, in an "Appendix" volume at the end of the series, the editors will be sporting enough to include whatever deleted passages can be transcribed, and the series will at last be considered complete.

My other complaints about this series are more minor.While each volume contains copious, and frequently illuminating, footnotes, the editors occasionally fail to provide enough context.That is to say, a brief, undetailed letter of Grant's will frequently be followed by several pages of footnotes providing other letters and documents on the same subject, without giving much information explaining what, exactly, it all meant.The reader who is not already fully informed on the subject being addressed is sometimes left feeling confused about what exactly is being discussed, and what its relevance may have been.

Another drawback is, simply, the price.While these books are certainly handsomely--and obviously expensively--printed and bound, those of us who study history as a hobby rather than as a profession could wish for editions that were more cheaply done, and thus more affordable.Unless you are fortunate enough to have access to a good academic library, these extremely expensive (even when you buy second-hand) volumes are simply out-of-reach for many people.That's a great pity, because in these books is an "insider's view" of Grant that does not fully come across in any regular biography.

5-0 out of 5 stars A masterful achievement
"The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant" is a project begun in 1962 for the purpose of publishing all the known letters written by Ulysses S. Grant. Volume one was published in 1967 and there are now twenty-fourvolumes in the series. People who follow Grant's career are aware of theinestimable value of this project. The Papers contain all knowncorrespondence written by Grant and letters received by him. The editing ofthe series is unparalleled and the volumes represent primary sourcematerial at its apex.

Those who believe Grant was a "drunkard"or a "butcher" should read his own words, which show Grant'shumor, pathos and unique personality. Masterfully edited by John Y. Simon,these volumes are a "must have" for anyone with an interest inU.S. Grant as a general, a politician and as a man ... Read more


40. Ulysses S. Grant (American War Biographies)
by E. J. Carter
 Paperback: 48 Pages (2004-10-30)
list price: US$8.99 -- used & new: US$8.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 1403450870
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