Grant

Ulysses S. Grant’s life has typically been misunderstood. He is often caricatured as a chronic loser and an inept businessman, or as the triumphant but brutal Union general of the Civil War. But these stereotypes don’t come close to capturing him, as Chernow shows in his masterful biography, the first to provide a complete understanding of the general and president whose fortunes rose and fell with dizzying speed and frequency.

Before the Civil War, Grant was flailing. His business ventures had been dismal, and despite distinguished service in the Mexican War, he ended up resigning from the army in disgrace amid recurring accusations of drunkenness.

But in the Civil War, Grant began to realize his remarkable potential, soaring through the ranks of the Union army, prevailing at the Battle of Shiloh and in the Vicksburg campaign, and ultimately defeating the legendary Confederate general Robert E. Lee after a series of unbelievably bloody battles in Virginia. Along the way, Grant endeared himself to President Lincoln and became his most trusted general and the strategic genius of the war effort.

His military fame translated into a two-term presidency, but one plagued by corruption scandals involving his closest staff. All the while Grant himself remained more or less above reproach. But, more importantly, he never failed to seek freedom and justice for black Americans, working to crush the Ku Klux Klan and earning the admiration of Frederick Douglass, who called him ‘the vigilant, firm, impartial, and wise protector of my race.”

After his presidency, he was again brought low by a trusted colleague, this time a dashing young swindler on Wall Street, but he resuscitated his image by working with Mark Twain to publish his memoirs, which are recognized as a masterpiece of the genre.

“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.”

Grant is a meticulously researched and comprehensive biography of Ulysses S. Grant, one of America’s most enigmatic and consequential figures. Chernow’s masterful storytelling and in-depth analysis bring Grant to life, providing a nuanced and balanced portrait of the man and his accomplishments.

The book stands out for its thorough examination of Grant’s military career, from his early struggles to his meteoric rise as the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War. Chernow skillfully captures Grant’s strategic genius, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his unwavering determination to secure victory. Through insightful analysis and vivid descriptions, the reader gains a deep understanding of Grant’s military tactics and his impact on the outcome of the war.

Additionally, Chernow delves into Grant’s presidency, exploring the challenges he faced in navigating the post-war political landscape. The author highlights Grant’s commitment to civil rights and his efforts to protect the rights of African Americans during a tumultuous era in American history. Chernow presents a balanced assessment of Grant’s presidency, acknowledging both his successes and the controversies that surrounded his administration.

However, some readers may find the book overly detailed and exhaustive, which could potentially overwhelm those seeking a more concise narrative. Furthermore, while Chernow offers valuable insights into Grant’s personal life and struggles, there are moments where the narrative becomes dense and overly focused on minor details, detracting from the overall flow of the book.

Overall, Grant is a remarkable biography that illuminates the life and legacy of Ulysses S. Grant. Chernow’s meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and balanced analysis make this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Grant’s character and the pivotal role he played in shaping American history.