Full and fair biography

Americans know the key importance of Grant to the USA, not just as the civil war general but as an effective president and as a role model to future generations who have been inspired by his modesty, honesty and courage. The book is very well read by Arthur Morey. And the author, Ronald White, does justice to his subject giving as much coverage to his life before and after the civil war as to his role in the war itself. White clearly admires Grant and his admiration shines through the work, engaging the readers attention. Only in a couple of chapters was it hard to follow who was who and what was going on, one of these being an account of foreign relations during his presidency. The chapters on the civil war are quite easy to follow as the narrative focusses on Grants own experience and his relations with fellow officers rather than detailed descriptions of battles. Very likely there is much in this book that you won't know already. One such story for me was the invitation to dinner that Grant received from Bismark. Grant the famous war hero and ex-president arrives at Bismarks palatial home on foot, on his own and plainly dressed. Not what the great German and his servants were expecting!

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6 people found this helpful

They don't make them like Grant anymore.

Alongside Grant's greatness as a military leader, this wonderful biography catalogues his greatness as a president, and as a human being. Courageous, compassionate, loyal, highly intelligent, with unimpeachable integrity. He rose from relative poverty and obscurity to overcome the many challenges that life threw his way. That he hated war, never wanted to join the military, and never wanted to become a politician, let alone President, yet his sense of duty to his country and a higher calling led him to become one of the greatest generals and American Presidents the world has ever seen. My respect for him grew with every page, right down to the courage and dignity he showed at the end. What a man. One of those figures from history you wish you could go back in time and meet.

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Masterpiece!

Riveting Biography!
Every spare minute was listening to it right up to the end.
Although, I bought the book to follow the military story; I was just as entranced with the story of his Presidency and the years following.
Highly recommend it!

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Magnificent

Why use several words when one will do - magnificent!!!!!

Highly recommend and that’s coming from an Englishman

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2 people found this helpful

Utterly, utterly stupendous

Not just the incredulous story of an American colossus, but an exploration and explanation of, the human, the humane and the history of his times. I was enthralled from beginning to end; listened to it in about six sessions as I painted my model soldiers every evening, and at the end, as moisture blurred my vision compelling me to put down my paint brush, I resolved to listen to this again and to persuade as many of my friends as possible to enrich their understanding of the world, and the quality of this man, with this masterpiece.
To all involved in this piece of work, thank you so very, very much.
Mick the Hick.

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Enthralling tale of the life of an American hero

Brilliant book. Captivating the way through. Narrated beautifully. Whets the appetite for further reading in the man and subject.

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Excellent in every respect.

One of the best biographies I've read for many years. A pure joy to listen to!

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1 person found this helpful

Beautifully crafted book

Excellent, and long overdue, reappraisal of Grant. Especially detailed sections on the Presidential Years and Grant's later life. Highly recommended.

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Fantastic biography, and well read

Fantastic biography. Would highly recommend to anyone even marginally interested in his life or times

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Great General, great President, modest man

As the authur states in his final paragraph, this biography is meant to make Grant more accessible to modern audiences. With loving invites into Grant as a father, husband and friend, as well as the stoic statesman and general that we are more familiar with, it succeeds wonderfully. A great read!

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