Grant

Grant by the esteemed Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow is a deeply engrossing and comprehensive exploration of one of America's most compelling figures, Ulysses S. Grant. Known primarily as a Union general during the Civil War and the 18th President of the United States, Grant's life is a tapestry of contradictions and extraordinary achievements countered by notable setbacks and personal struggles. In this masterful biography, Chernow meticulously peels back the layers of myth and misconception to reveal a portrait of Grant that is both enlightening and profound.

Before rising to prominence, Ulysses S. Grant experienced numerous personal and professional failures, including unsuccessful business ventures and an ignominious departure from the army, clouded by persistent rumours of alcoholism. However, the advent of the Civil War became the transformative period that propelled Grant into national prominence. Demonstrating remarkable strategic acumen and unparalleled resolve, he led pivotal victories at the Battle of Shiloh and the Vicksburg campaign, culminating in the decisive defeat of the Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Through his wartime achievements, Grant won the trust and admiration of President Abraham Lincoln and was hailed as the strategic mastermind who helped preserve the Union.

With his military success paving the way to the presidency, Grant's tenure as the commander-in-chief was underscored by significant challenges and controversies. While his administration was marred by scandals involving close associates, Grant's enduring legacy lies in his commitment to promoting justice and equality for black Americans during the Reconstruction era. His valiant efforts to dismantle the Ku Klux Klan and his unwavering support for civil rights earned him the respect of icons like Frederick Douglass, who lauded him as a fair and wise protector of African Americans.

Even after enduring personal financial ruin post-presidency due to a fraudulent Wall Street scheme, Grant displayed remarkable resilience by collaborating with author Mark Twain to write his memoirs. These memoirs are celebrated as among the finest in the genre, offering a candid insight into his life and times. Grant is not just a biography but a sweeping, dramatic portrayal that spans the breadth of a tumultuous and influential era in American history.

Throughout the book, Chernow deftly interweaves Grant’s lifelong battle with alcoholism and examines its impact on his personal and professional life. Yet, he emerges as a figure of unwavering determination and quiet dignity, embodying a unique blend of ordinary and extraordinary characteristics. Chernow's narrative is rich with historical detail and provides an intimate look at Grant’s complexity, reinforcing the view that despite his flaws, he remains a pivotal figure in American history.

Recognised as a definitive work, Grant has garnered significant acclaim, being named one of the best books of the year by respected sources such as The New York Times, Amazon, and The Wall Street Journal. It is a remarkable synthesis of comprehensive research and captivating storytelling that redefines Ulysses S. Grant for a new generation, highlighting both his monumental strengths and poignant adversities.