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A review by sam2085
Grant by Ron Chernow
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.