Ulysses S. Grant Book

Masterful biography of US Grant, arguably, along with Abraham Lincoln, the best known American of the 19th century. Grant was certainly the hero of the American Civil War, as far as the world was concerned. There are two aspects of his generalship, up to 1865, which this book covers, that I will comment upon.

Author and historian Brooks D. Simpson writes as clearly as Grant does (have read Grant's best selling memoirs so I know this), and explains two periods of the Civil War I had never understood well until I read this book.

First, the 1864 Overland Campaign. Brought East to defeat Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, and promoted to Lt. General, Grant had much to overcome in order to accomplish his task. Fraught with challenges, the Army of the Potomac failed, time and again, to get the better of Lee. Grant had to navigate politics, less than talented officers, and being newly in command, and he did this in just over a year, until the war ended in April 1865. It was a difficult balancing act, and Simpson explains all of this in a way I understood easily, and so will you.

Second, Grant's pursuit of Lee in March-April, 1865. Appomattox, and surrender, was not a forgone conclusion at first, and the weeks' long pursuit is explained in a way which is clear, and complex at the same time. A short afterward at the end of the book includes Grant's activities after the surrender, for a few months into the new administration, and an analysis of why Grant succeeded as a Civil War commander. Much appreciated.

Simpson is working on part two of Grant's biography, the period after 1865 until his death. I can't wait to read it. Enjoy part one, and learn about the real Grant, flaws and all. A truly remarkable story of American ingenuity, persistence and success. Highly Recommended.