Grant

by Ron Chernow
Grant cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 149
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781788541589
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2017-11-02
  • Reviews: 4

Ulysses S. Grant's journey from a struggling individual to a pivotal figure in American history is a tale of resilience and transformation. Before the Civil War, Grant's life was marked by failure and poverty, but his leadership during the war catapulted him to national prominence. This biography, written by the acclaimed Ron Chernow, delves into Grant's modest and principled character, revealing how he defied expectations and changed the course of history. /n/n Chernow's meticulous research and engaging narrative provide a comprehensive look at Grant's military genius and his subsequent presidency. The book highlights Grant's impact on the nation and his enduring legacy, offering readers a deeper understanding of one of America's most compelling leaders.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2025-12-13
exceptional 5.00

The book is praised for its incredible research and clear writing, transporting the reader into history in a unique way. It is considered one of the best biographies ever read by the reviewer.

This Reddit review highlights the exceptional research and clear writing in Ron Chernow's biography of Ulysses S. Grant. The reviewer is impressed by how the book transports them into history, providing a unique and engaging perspective on Grant's life. They consider it one of the best biographies they have ever read, praising its depth and the way it brings history to life. The reviewer also appreciates the comprehensive coverage of Grant's life, from his military career to his personal struggles and achievements.

Quick quotes

    What an incredibly well-researched and clearly written book.

    Chernow's writing put me there into history in a way nothing else ever has.

    It will take time to read but it is worth every minute.

acwrt.org.uk · 2020-12-24
critical 3.00

This critique finds Chernow's biography engaging but presents a critical perspective on its portrayal of Grant, particularly regarding the narrative's handling of civil rights issues and the depth of analysis.

The review acknowledges Ron Chernow's storytelling skill and the charm of the biography but takes a critical stance on some aspects, especially the treatment of Grant's involvement in Black civil rights. It suggests that while the biography is compelling, it may gloss over or simplify certain complexities and controversies in Grant's life and administration. The critique encourages readers to consider these limitations alongside the book's strengths, viewing it as an interesting but not definitive account of Grant's legacy.

Quick quotes

    Ron Chernow tells a charming story in his recent biography of Ulysses S. Grant.

    He seems especially compelling in discussing the fight for Black civil rights, though some complexities are underexplored.

    The book is engaging but invites a critical eye toward its narrative choices.

The Pump Don’t Work · Patrick Treardon · 2019-01-09
confusing 2.00

The book is described as an enervating and confusing mess of incidents, quotations, conversations, and repetitions. The reviewer finds it overwhelming and lacks a clear narrative flow.

Patrick Treardon finds Ron Chernow's biography of Ulysses S. Grant to be a chaotic and confusing read. He criticizes the book for its lack of a coherent narrative, describing it as an overwhelming mess of incidents, quotations, conversations, and repetitions. Treardon suggests that the sheer volume of information makes it difficult to follow and appreciate the story of Grant's life. Despite the extensive research, the reviewer feels that the book could have benefited from a more structured approach to present Grant's life and achievements more clearly.

Quick quotes

    Here, though, in Grant, Chernow has given the reader an enervating and confusing mess of incidents, quotations, conversations and repetitions.

    The book is overwhelming and lacks a clear narrative flow.

    The sheer volume of information makes it difficult to follow and appreciate the story of Grant's life.

Literary Review · Richard Carwardine · 2018-09-06
eloquent 4.50

This review praises Ron Chernow's eloquent and comprehensive biography for contributing significantly to the rehabilitation of Ulysses S. Grant's historical reputation, highlighting the book's depth and narrative voice.

Richard Carwardine appreciates how Chernow's biography brings a compelling and eloquent voice to the complex figure of Ulysses S. Grant, helping to reshape popular and scholarly views that had long undervalued Grant's significance. He notes that Chernow's work adds to the ongoing reassessment of Grant, portraying him as a multifaceted leader whose military and presidential contributions are given full and nuanced treatment. The biography is seen as a major contribution to historical literature, blending scholarship with readability in a way that invites both experts and general readers to engage deeply with Grant's life and legacy.

Quick quotes

    Ron Chernow's Grant brings an eloquent voice to the ongoing work of rehabilitation.

    The biography adds significant depth and narrative richness to understanding Grant as both a military leader and president.

    Chernow's work is a major contribution to the ongoing reassessment of Grant's place in history.

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