Book Review of
The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant In War and Peace
Ulysses Grant emerges in this masterful biography as a genius in battle and a driven president to a divided country, who remained fearlessly on the side of right. He was a beloved commander in the field who made the sacrifices necessary to win the war, even in the face of criticism. He worked valiantly to protect the rights of freed men in the South. He allowed the American Indians to shape their own fate even as the realities of Manifest Destiny meant the end of their way of life. In this sweeping and majestic narrative, bestselling author H.W. Brands now reconsiders Grant’s legacy and provides an intimate portrait of a heroic man who saved the Union on the battlefield and consolidated that victory as a resolute and principled political leader.
Grace's Review
Ulysses Grant was a great soldier, but a not as good of a president. He definitely did save the Union by building up the Northern army with his confidence and leadership skills. While this book goes into great depth into his presidency and his career as a solider, it only gives a glimpse of his childhood. It does discuss his accomplishments and failures throughout his military career. It likewise does the same with his presidency and how he tried to help the Reconstruction of the South. This book is a little drawn out, but it does a decent job of pointing out both the good and the bad of Ulysses Grant.