By John Reeves, author of Soldier of Destiny: Slavery, Secession, and the Redemption of Ulysses S. Grant.
The birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant, 1822
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ulysses S. Grant. Below are seven essential books to commemorate this important milestone in American history:
1. The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant
Grant’s memoirs might be the finest that have ever been written by a president. 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. It has classical force.”
A 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. Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also.” The writing here is remarkable for its clarity.
The recent edition of Grant's memoirs from the team at the Grant library at Mississippi State is now THE gold standard. Every Grant enthusiast must own this edition.
2. Grant by Ron Chernow
Many readers might learn about Grant for the first time by reading Ron Chernow’s excellent biography of the United States general. Currently our most successful biographer, Chernow is a fine writer, who presents a sensible and balanced view of Grant. For more on this compelling book, you can read my review of it.
3. Grant by William McFeely
The late William McFeely won the Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Grant. It’s well-written and based on impressive archival research.
Lovers of Grant might be disappointed, however. McFeely is extremely critical of the general and two-term president. He writes, “I am convinced that Ulysses S. 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. Alas, McFeely never proposes what alternatives were available to Grant. Was it really possible for Grant to defeat Lee, while keeping casualties down?
4. A Personal History of Ulysses S. Grant by Albert D. Richardson
Published in 1868, the journalist Albert Deane Richardson wrote one of the earliest and best biographies of Grant. A contemporary of the general during the Civil War, Richardson interviewed hundreds of Grant’s associates and family members. This book is particularly strong on Grant’s private life. Sadly, Richardson was eventually killed by a jealous husband of a woman he was having an affair with.
5. Ulysses S. Grant: His Life and Character by Hamlin Garland
Garland was a popular 19th century writer who wrote a one-volume account of Grant’s life. The book was based on extensive interviews with soldiers and family members who knew Grant well. These interviews, conducted many years after the events in question, are handled carefully by Garland. Anyone who wants to study Grant seriously should read Garland’s biography.
6. U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth by Joan Waugh
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. The second half is about how we remember him. This work seems particularly relevant right now as we try to reevaluate Civil War personalities.
7. Captain Sam Grant by Lloyd Lewis
This is the best account of Grant’s early life, covering his youth and pre-Civil War Army career. There’s also excellent material here on Grant’s father, Jesse Root Grant. This outstanding narrative concludes with Colonel Grant taking command of his regiment in 1861.
John Reeves is the author of A Fire in the Wilderness: The First Battle Between Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. He’s also currently working on a biography of Ulysses S. Grant.