Ulysses S. Grant initially had no interest in a career in the military, having reluctantly accepted an appointment at West Point largely because of pressure from his father. Despite having little interest in military studies and ranking in the bottom half of his graduating class, Grant became a resilient and aggressive commander, earning a reputation as a general who expected nothing less than “unconditional surrender” from the enemy.
Ulysses S. Grant: A Biography takes an in-depth look at one of the most well-known figures to emerge from the American Civil War, the famed Union commander and 18th President of the United States who has become an iconic part of our nation’s history.
The book provides a balanced overview that encompasses all the major events of Grant’s life as well as his ancestry, portraying him as a common man who endured defeats and setbacks instead of a flawless noble hero. It accurately chronicles his life as it took place and tells a story of perseverance that illuminates Grant’s successes as a testimony to determination and pluck rather than the result of luck or raw talent. This work will be especially helpful to high school and college-age audiences, and can be enjoyed by anyone interested in the Civil War period.
