![]() But that caricature does not do justice to the realities of Grant's term in office, as Josiah Bunting III shows in this provocative assessment of our eighteenth president. But his presidency is another matter-the most common word used to characterize it is "scandal." Grant is routinely portrayed as a man out of his depth, whose trusting nature and hands-off management style opened the federal coffers to unprecedented plunder. Grant is routinely described in glowing terms-the man who turned the tide of the Civil War, who accepted Lee's surrender at Appomattox, and who had the stomach to see the war through to final victory. Grant.The underappreciated presidency of the military man who won the Civil War and then had to win the peace as wellĪs a general, Ulysses S. He’s also currently working on a biography of Ulysses S. John Reeves is the author of A Fire in the Wilderness: The First Battle Between Ulysses S. This outstanding narrative concludes with Colonel Grant taking command of his regiment in 1861. There’s also excellent material here on Grant’s father, Jesse Root Grant. This is the best account of Grant’s early life, covering his youth and pre-Civil War Army career. This work seems particularly relevant right now as we try to reevaluate Civil War personalities. The second half is about how we remember him. ![]() Waugh asks the important question, “Why did Grant’s star shine so brightly for Americans of his own day, and why has it been eclipsed so completely for Americans since at least the mid-twentieth century?” The first half of this book is about Grant’s life and accomplishments. Grant: American Hero, American Myth by Joan Waugh Anyone who wants to study Grant seriously should read Garland’s biography.Ħ. These interviews, conducted many years after the events in question, are handled carefully by Garland. The book was based on extensive interviews with soldiers and family members who knew Grant well. Garland was a popular 19th century writer who wrote a one-volume account of Grant’s life. Grant: His Life and Character by Hamlin Garland Sadly, Richardson was eventually killed by a jealous husband of a woman he was having an affair with.ĥ. This book is particularly strong on Grant’s private life. A contemporary of the general during the Civil War, Richardson interviewed hundreds of Grant’s associates and family members. Published in 1868, the journalist Albert Deane Richardson wrote one of the earliest and best biographies of Grant. Was it really possible for Grant to defeat Lee, while keeping casualties down?Ĥ. Alas, McFeely never proposes what alternatives were available to Grant. Grant had no organic, artistic, or intellectual specialness.” McFeely also believes Grant was a butcher who didn’t value the lives of his men highly enough. He writes, “I am convinced that Ulysses S. ![]() McFeely is extremely critical of the general and two-term president. Lovers of Grant might be disappointed, however. It’s well-written and based on impressive archival research. The late William McFeely won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Grant. For more on this compelling book, you can read my review of it. Currently our most successful biographer, Chernow is a fine writer, who presents a sensible and balanced view of Grant. Many readers might learn about Grant for the first time by reading Ron Chernow’s excellent biography of the United States general. Every Grant enthusiast must own this edition. The recent edition of Grant's memoirs from the team at the Grant library at Mississippi State is now THE gold standard. Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also.” The writing here is remarkable for its clarity. It has classical force.”Ī poet has described Grant’s writing as “fatless prose.” Upon taking command of the Union Army, Grant wrote General Meade, “Lee’s army will be your objective point. One historian, who has been critical of Grant, said of the memoirs, “There is conciseness, totality, and strength, but what is perhaps most striking is the timeless quality of the prose. Grant’s memoirs might be the finest that have ever been written by a president. Below are seven essential books to commemorate this important milestone in American history:ġ. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ulysses S.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |