The Best Writings of Ulysses S. Grant (World of Ulysses S. Grant)

Famous for his military acumen and for his part in saving the Union during the American Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant also remains known for his two-volume memoirs, considered among the greatest military memoirs ever written. Grant's other writings, however, have not received the same acclaim, even though they show the same literary skill. Originally published in the thirty-two volumes of The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, the letters and speeches are the major source of information about Grant's life and era and have played a key role in elevating his reputation to that of the leading general of the Civil War and the first of the modern presidents. In this collection, editor John F. Marszalek presents excerpts from Grant's most insightful and skillfully composed writings and provides perspective through introductory comments tying each piece to the next. The result is a fascinating overview of Grant's life and career. In sixteen chronological chapters, selections from Grant's letters and other writings reveal his personal thoughts on the major events of his momentous life, including the start of the Civil War, the capture of Vicksburg, Lincoln's reelection, Lee's surrender, his terms as president, the Panic of 1873, and his bouts of mouth and throat cancer. Throughout, Grant's prose reveals clearly the power of his words and his ability to present them well. Although some historians have maligned his presidency as one of the most corrupt periods in American history, these writings reinforce Grant's greatness as a general, demonstrate the importance of his presidency, and show him to be one of the driving forces of the nineteenth century. With this compendium, Marszalek not only celebrates the literary talent of one of America's greatest military figures but also vindicates an individual who, for so long, has been unfairly denigrated. A concise reference for students of American history and Civil War enthusiasts as well as a valuable introduction for those who are new to Grant's writings, this volume provides intriguing insight into one of the nineteenth century's most important Americans. Ulysses S. Grant Before The Civil War: I Have Been Quite Unfortunate Lately -- The National Conflict Begins: We Are Now In The Midst Of Trying Times -- Grant's Biggest Mistake: They Are A Curse To The Army -- Grant Captures Vicksburg: White Flags Will Be Displayed Along Your Lines -- Victories Make Grant Commanding General: An Army Never Was Whipped As Badly As Bragg Was -- The Institution Of Never-ending War: It Is Proposed To Have Co-operative Action Of All The Armies -- Lincoln Is Reelected: Congratulate The President -- Grant Receives Lee's Surrender: The Hopelessness Of Further Resistance -- Postwar Commanding General: I Dread Going Back To Washington -- The Military Hero Is Nominated For President: Let Us Have Peace -- Grant Becomes President: The Choice Has Fallen Upon Me -- Grant's First Term: An Occupation Uncongenial To Me -- The Panic Of 1873 And Other Second-term Problems: Matters Are Worse In New York Than Yesterday -- The Grants Tour The World: I Have Now Been Absent From Home Nearly Two Years -- A Charlatan Bankrupts The Ex-president: Financially, The Grant Family Is Ruined -- Grant's Death From Cancer: I Am Unable To Converse Even In A Whisper. John F. Marszalek. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Mode Of Access: World Wide Web. This Book, The Inaugural Volume In Our New World Of Ulysses S. Grant Series, Demonstrates The Intricacies Of Grant's Life And Career And The Extent Of His Literary Ability Through His Letters And Other Writings. Both A Concise Reference For Grant Scholars And Civil War Enthusiasts And A Valuable Introduction To Those New To Grant's Writings, This Volume Provides Intriguing Insight Into One Of The Nineteenth Century's Most Important Americans.