The #1 New York Times bestseller and New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2017 “Eminently readable but thick with import . . . Grant hits like a Mack truck of knowledge.” —Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Chernow returns with a sweeping and dramatic portrait of one of our most compelling generals and presidents, Ulysses S. Grant.
“The president of a democracy, he averred, had to show himself to the people, and some danger was an inescapable hazard of office. “To be absolutely safe,” he told John Nicolay resignedly, “I should lock myself up in a box.”
Beyond the Pedestal: Unpacking Ron Chernow’s “Grant” Through a Critical Lens
Ron Chernow’s Grant, published in 2017, landed on the historical landscape with the force of a cannonade, much like its subject did on the battlefield. A monumental work spanning over 900 pages, it quickly garnered critical acclaim, commercial success, and further cemented Chernow’s reputation as a master biographer capable of breathing life into complex historical figures. His stated aim, in part, was the historical rehabilitation of Ulysses S. Grant, a man often remembered more for his scandal-plagued presidency and alleged alcoholism than for his military genius and crucial efforts during Reconstruction.
But even the most lauded biographies warrant careful examination. A critical book report, unlike a simple summary or glowing review, delves deeper. It analyzes the author’s methodology, thesis, narrative choices, use of sources, and overall contribution to the existing scholarship. Looking at Chernow’s Grant through such a critical lens reveals both the brilliance of the work and potential areas for discussion and debate.
The Pillars of Praise: What a Critical Report Applauds
A critical report would undoubtedly begin by acknowledging the immense strengths of Chernow’s biography. Several aspects stand out:
- Monumental Research Depth: Chernow is known for his exhaustive research, and Grant is no exception. The report would praise the biographer’s deep dive into primary sources, archival materials, and secondary literature, providing a rich, detailed tapestry of Grant’s life and times.
- Compelling Narrative and Prose: Chernow’s writing style is widely admired for its readability and ability to weave complex historical events into a coherent and engaging story. The report would likely commend his skill in making Grant’s life, from humble beginnings to presidential struggles, accessible and fascinating to a broad audience.
- Humanizing the Legend: One of Chernow’s greatest achievements, frequently highlighted, is his success in portraying Grant the man – his shyness, loyalty, struggles with business and alcohol, and profound love for his family. The report would note how Chernow effectively strip away caricatures to reveal a complex, deeply human figure, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Rehabilitation of Reputation: The report would discuss Chernow’s persuasive case for re-evaluating Grant. It would acknowledge the strength of his arguments regarding Grant’s strategic brilliance as a general, his commitment to civil rights during Reconstruction (often downplayed), and his often-overlooked post-presidency achievements, particularly his fight against financial ruin and his remarkable memoir.
Areas for Scrutiny: Points of Critique in the Report
However, a critical report doesn’t stop at praise. It identifies potential limitations, biases, or areas that warrant further consideration:
- The Rehabilitation Question: While praising Chernow’s successful counter-narrative, a critical report might question if the pendulum swings too far towards rehabilitation. Does Chernow, in his zeal to correct past wrongs, occasionally downplay or rationalize Grant’s weaknesses, especially those related to the rampant corruption within his administration? Does he fully grapple with the extent of the “Grantism” problem?
- Balancing the Military and Presidential Eras: Grant’s life is divided sharply between his military triumph and his challenging presidency. A critical report might analyze whether the balance feels right. Does the military section, perhaps due to greater narrative drama and less controversial material, overshadow the complexities and failures (as well as successes) of the White House years?
- Interpretation of Controversial Events: Biographies involve interpreting evidence. The report might scrutinize Chernow’s handling of specific controversies, such as the General Order No. 11 (expelling Jews from his military district, which Grant later regretted) or the various scandals involving his cabinet and associates. Does Chernow’s narrative fully satisfy the critical reader on these points, or does it lean towards a more charitable interpretation?
- Comparison to Existing Scholarship: Chernow’s book didn’t emerge in a vacuum. There are other significant Grant biographies (by authors like William McFeely, Brooks Simpson, and Jean Edward Smith). A critical report would ideally place Chernow’s work within this historiographical context. What does it add? Does it genuinely offer a fundamentally new perspective, or is its primary contribution its synthesis and accessibility for a broad readership? Does it engage sufficiently with previous critiques or alternative interpretations?
- Authorial Voice and Empathy: Chernow’s deep immersion in his subjects sometimes leads to a very sympathetic narrative voice. While this contributes to the humanization praised earlier, a critical report might ask if this empathy occasionally blurs the line between reporting historical events and defending the subject, potentially softening necessary historical judgments.
The Value of Critique
Ultimately, a critical book report on Grant by Ron Chernow serves not to diminish a remarkable achievement but to deepen our understanding of both the subject and the act of biography itself. It highlights that even an acclaimed work is an interpretation, shaped by the biographer’s choices, perspectives, and available evidence.
By analyzing the book’s strengths and identifying areas for further thought or debate, the report encourages readers to engage more actively with the text and with history itself. It reminds us that historical truth is often complex and contested, and that figures like Ulysses S. Grant, like the books written about them, continue to invite examination and re-evaluation. Chernow’s Grant is a pivotal work that has undeniably reshaped public perception, and a critical analysis ensures that its significant contribution is understood in its full, nuanced context.