Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

By: Ulysses S. Grant

Narrated by: Robin Field

Length: 29 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Among the autobiographies of great military figures, Ulysses S. Grant’s is certainly one of the finest, and it is arguably the most notable literary achievement of any American president: a lucid, compelling, and brutally honest chronicle of triumph and failure. From his frontier boyhood, to his heroics in battle, to the grinding poverty from which the Civil War ironically rescued him, these memoirs are a mesmerizing, deeply moving account of a brilliant man told with great courage as he reflects on the fortunes that shaped his life and his character. Written under excruciating circumstances—Grant was dying of throat cancer—and encouraged and edited from its very inception by Mark Twain, it is a triumph of the art of autobiography.

Grant was sick and broke when he began work on his memoirs. Driven by financial worries and a desire to provide for his wife, he wrote diligently during a year of deteriorating health. He vowed he would finish the work before he died, and one week after its completion, he lay dead at the age of 63.

Publication of the memoirs came at a time when the public was being treated to a spate of wartime reminiscences, many of them defensive in nature, seeking to refight battles or attack old enemies. Grant’s penetrating and stately work reveals a nobility of spirit and an innate grasp of the important fact, which he rarely displayed in private life. He writes in his preface that he took up the task “with a sincere desire to avoid doing injustice to anyone, whether on the National or the Confederate side.”

Public Domain (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“The best [memoirs] of any general’s since Caesar.” (Mark Twain)

“One of the most unflinching studies of war in our literature.” (William McFeeley, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Ulysses S. Grant)

Very detailed, ends shortly after Lincoln assassin

I expected the book to include Grant's presidency, so was disappointed that the book ended before that. Very impressed with Grant's character, especially his pragmatism & humility in victory. He deeply mourned Lincoln's death & wrote that the Reconstruction years would have been very different had he lived.

The Perfect Book!

I've read quite allot on Grant, so I thought I would attempt his Personal Memoirs. I thought it would be arduous, but I found an amazingly written book that kept my interest on almost every page. This book provided insight into the personality of a great man with a good sense of humor. The narrator did such an amazing job that i found myself thinking it was Grant himself.

Excellent!

Essential listening for the student of the civil war- and understanding war. The narrator really helped me imagine that Grant was speaking.

a very relevant and worthwhile title

perhaps a bit dry if you are not writing a thesis on the specifics of action, movement and theory. however, the texture does provide a wonderful feeling of knowing the historical character that was this incredible man. i found it painfully relevant to american current events and is absolutely worth while if you have the patience and the time for it. i laughed, i cried, its good. its very good.

My favorite audiobook of all time

I have several thousand audiobooks. I choose this one as my favorite.

The story here starts out fantastic and interesting as Grant outlines his early life. But in not too long, we're in the civil war, where Grant outlines his incredible campaign. He didn't get promoted due to connections or wealth or schmoozing, he got promoted due to one incredible success after another. He could also capitalize on failure.

This is jaw-dropping material, all the way through. More amazing, Grant was dying as he wrote this, in incredible pain. Mark Twain was helping in the end, and remarked at how Grant managed more incredible writing in one day that Twain himself could ever hope for. Sadly, Grant died soon after wrapping up the civil war in his memoirs.

Robin Field captures Grant perfectly.

Love the book

Love the book narration was excellent. I wish he wrote a biography of his Presidency love to have read/listen to that

Captivating First Hand Report

An interesting and detailed account of the military life of General U S Grant. Grant is a gifted writer, and conveys this history, rich in details and self-reflection, that only a seasoned commander could deliver. A noble, enjoyable, and enriching history.

Fascinating account

It was interesting to hear it from Grant’s perspective. To see how history has try to change many facts to fit a narrative, but he penned the truth 138 years ago. The truth, as far as who was responsible for what and why the Civil War was really fought is all in this book. He was a very ordinary humble man who did great things, and truly treated people right, which made him a great leader. I’m thankful for his life and service to this great country.

Grants tell it like it is memoir

Grant’s writing style is so economical and clear. He paints a picture, in military style, that keeps your heart pounding for the next line.

I enjoyed it!!

I learned a tremendous amount about Grant. He was able to maneuver through the quagmire of the Civil War. He was a great American.