Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S.Grant

A soldier's reflections on war and leadership

Ulysses Grant author James M McPherson editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:24th Jun '99

Should be back in stock very soon

Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S.Grant cover

Ulysses S. Grant's memoirs offer a unique perspective on his life as a soldier, showcasing his determination and legacy during challenging times.

In Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, the former president and Civil War general recounts his life during a tumultuous period marked by both personal struggles and national conflict. Facing terminal cancer and financial difficulties, Grant undertook the task of writing his memoirs to ensure his family's financial security. This endeavor not only provided a means of support for his loved ones but also solidified his legacy in American literature. His memoirs reveal the profound insights and experiences of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.

The narrative is characterized by Grant's straightforward style, showcasing his intelligence, determination, and humility. As he reflects on his military career, he offers an unvarnished look at the realities of war, making his accounts some of the most respected in American literature. The memoirs are particularly notable for their clarity and directness, allowing readers to engage with the complexities of battle and leadership in a manner that feels both personal and immediate.

Acclaimed by notable figures such as Mark Twain and Gertrude Stein, Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant stands out as a significant contribution to the genre of memoir writing. Through his candid reflections, Grant not only recounts his experiences as a soldier but also provides valuable lessons on resilience and integrity in the face of adversity.

"The best [memoirs] of any general's since Caesar."  —Mark Twain

"A unique expression of the national character . . . [Grant] has conveyed the suspense which was felt by himself and his army and by all who believed in the Union cause. The reader finds himself . . . on edge to know how the Civil War is coming out."   —Edmund Wilson

 “Perhaps the most revelatory autobiography of high command to exist in any language. . . . If there is a single contemporary document which explains ‘why the North won the Civil war,’ that abiding conundrum of American historical inquiry, it is the Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.” —John Keegan

“Well observed, often humorous, invariably charming, penetrating and lucid . . . On every page, his narrative has the simple directness of the finest English prose, inspired by the King James Bible on which he had been raised. The overall effect is both intimate and majestic.” The Guardian

ISBN: 9780140437010

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 29mm

Weight: 465g

704 pages