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kdawn999's review against another edition
5.0
A tremendous history full of incredible parallels to today’s political divides. My elementary and secondary education (developed by school boards in Southern states) provided predominantly negative talking points on Grant during the Civil war and a scant nothing on his commitment to reconstruction. Rather than framing him as the military genius the world at the time saw him as, my education framed him as a problematic drunk who only won because of Union resources. He was a champion of voting rights for blacks and all ethnic minorities during his presidency and after that. Another storyline I had never been taught about was the development of the clan and their blatant attacks (murders) of blacks and political opponents exercising ANY voting rights. The bloodiness was more than I ever knew before. They also helped foment literal insurrections of state legislatures in the South. If you are an American, you need to supplement your history.
sam_vimes_75's review against another edition
3.0
Chernow does a wonderful job of showing us Grant's faults as well as his remarkable intelligence. He gives equal weight to all key moments in Grant's life from the early failed business attempts to his post-Presidential years. It would be enough to note that alcoholism was a significant factor in Grant's life and address the issue only when it the accusation was genuine and affected Grant's decisions; however, Chernow addresses *every* accusation of drunkenness--sometimes valid and most often not--to the point that the flow of the biography is interrupted every few pages, even on the last page, with this single issue. It is remarkable that, despite this, I came away from the biography with a heartfelt appreciation for all that Grant did in the context of his time, especially with regard to Reconstruction. After reading it, I've immediately picked up Grant's own memoirs and am currently enjoying the beauty of his simple yet very intelligent prose.
ttodd86's review against another edition
4.0
Chernow's Grant biography is of course a very well done look at the Civil War general and two-term president. While I found it to be a more enjoyable read than some of Chernow's other work, it is also hampered by instances where Chernow turns more Grant apologist than biographer. As others have noted, there is an obsession in this book regarding Grant's drinking. Many stories are retold and then discounted as unsubstantiated rumor started by one of Grant's opponents or something that was unlikely to occur. Often, when discussing a key event there is a reference to the unlikelihood Grant was drinking during this time. In terms of narrative flow, perhaps a better way to handle this would have been to focus a specific section or chapter on the drinking and then leave it alone in the following chapters. The second major issues revolves around the corruption within Grant's own administration. The U.S. during this period was rife with corruption throughout government and the private sector so it is not unexpected that Grant's administration would have issues. Chernow, however, presents Grant as completely oblivious to many events and a victim to his faith that people are good. There is no way to know today what Grant knew about various events and relationships, but it is difficult to square the naive president with the general who led the Union to victory in the Civil War.
sam2085's review against another edition
5.0
Grant is one of the more underrated presidents in American history, and Chernow brings the proper attention to his accomplishments and personality. The reader is persuaded that Grant was a humble person who almost effortlessly was consistently honest and honorable. Grant strategized intelligently to save the Union, end slavery, and ensure true citizenship for African-Americans. Importantly, Grant should be faulted for his failure to stop white genocide against Native Americans or expand suffrage to women. The author does a fine job illustrating these points.
Of special interest is Grant’s presidency. He momentarily crushed the Klan, supported Black voting rights, took political heat for enforcing those rights, and was an early advocate of public schools. Grant’s failures in administration can often be reduced to his inability to detect dishonesty among his close advisors. One lesson to draw for naturally honest and trusting leaders is to be especially discerning in whom one selects for delegates tasks and advice.
The only areas for improvement are a future addition that removes some of the lengthier, adjective-heavy descriptions of the faces of minor characters and a little greater specific context on the culture generally and political events specifically would be nice.
Of special interest is Grant’s presidency. He momentarily crushed the Klan, supported Black voting rights, took political heat for enforcing those rights, and was an early advocate of public schools. Grant’s failures in administration can often be reduced to his inability to detect dishonesty among his close advisors. One lesson to draw for naturally honest and trusting leaders is to be especially discerning in whom one selects for delegates tasks and advice.
The only areas for improvement are a future addition that removes some of the lengthier, adjective-heavy descriptions of the faces of minor characters and a little greater specific context on the culture generally and political events specifically would be nice.
lazy_raven's review against another edition
2.0
Wow. This was a slog to get through. I opted for the audiobook and got halfway through before I realized it was 48 hours long. Dont get me wrong it was very informative. To the extent of every war correspondence, news paper headline, and political accusation. It could have been 3 books Grant the man, Grant the General, and Grant the President. Also if he were still alive his password would be 1234.
jobyrne's review against another edition
Fascinating, but really long. Listened to this in the audiobook format and I definitely zoned out through some of the battles.
marieintheraw's review against another edition
4.0
Far more fascinating than I would have assumed it could have been based on the page length. Plus my expectations were adjusted due to my previous readings of Chernow, who flows based on contextual importance at times not always in sequential order, but always brings it around in the end.