The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace

Grant is one of the most underrated heroes of American history. He is usually remembered as a drunk, a butcher, or an incompetent, who had one of the most corrupt presidential administrations ever. There's a grain of truth in some of these — Grant did have a drinking problem earlier in his life; his final push to end the Civil War resulted in appalling casualties; and many of the men he picked for his administration betrayed his trust. (No evidence about the incompetence, except with money: he was a brilliant general and a wonderful writer.)

But Grant remains a hero: personally honest, a devoted husband and father, a courageous soldier, a brilliant strategist, and totally committed to Lincoln's vision for ending the war. H. W. Brands demonstrates his remarkable virtues in chapter after fast-moving chapter. Even his presidency gets more positive attention than usual: among other things, he broke the power of the Ku Klux Klan in the postwar south.

And of course there's the inspiring story of his battle with bankruptcy and cancer and his struggle to complete his memoirs before succumbing to the final assault. Their subsequent publication (by Mark Twain) ensured the prosperity of his family for many years after his death.

H. W. Brands tells the story as much as possible in the words of the participants. Every biographer of Grant will quote from the same letters and journals and memoirs; but usually these are snippets interspersed with summary and interpretation. Brands is more generous in his quotations, presenting whole paragraphs and even groups of paragraphs. The result is an exceptionally vivid account. Brands has captured him in motion.

Stephen Hoye narrates briskly and with a lot more passion than is usual in nonfiction. It's an audiobook I plan to return to again and again.

Maybe if that friend didn't know anything or hadn't read much about Grant and the Civil War. Probably not if they have any knowledge on the subject. I would heartily recommend Mr. Brands other books though.

I actually had to push through to the finish. It did reinforce my strong opinion of Grant. If there was one fresh angle it would be a more balanced and higher opinion of his presidency, common opinion seems to portray it as too corrupt and not a very profitable presidency. He did a lot for Civil Rights and to keep reconstruction on some form of forward momentum, to keep politicians from erasing the positives gained from the Civil War.

I'm not sure, I'd have to give the sample a listen because I didn't really enjoy how he did this book. He delivers absolutely every single sentence like its the most important thing you've ever heard and in an over-the-top dramatic fashion with pauses every 10 words and tailing off on the last couple words. I was pretty disappointed and distracted by his reading, maybe he'd do a fiction story better.

Maybe I just knew too much about the subject already because I'd probably rather have spent the time on another book. It might be worth the investment if you are new to Grant though.

Don't let my review keep you from trying Brands other books, he is a great author and I actually wish he'd narrated the book, he's very interesting to listen to.

This would have probably been a more enjoyable listen if I hadn't already read the Grant biography by Jean Edward Smith. Smith's bio on Grant is superior to Brands' book. Both books offer a new look at Grant's time in war and peace that show his genius but honestly also recount his flaws.

Near the top of the books I have listened to so far.

The best thing about the book is that the author relays a full picture of Grant as a person and what made him tick.

The pace of the book was just right. It kept me engaged without moving too fast.

Grant, the man behind the myth.

Highly recommended to anyone.

Very interesting story about a remarkable man. Well presented with excellent understanding of the subject.

Before I picked this book, I knew nothing of Grant. Though very long book, the reading is excellent.

Personal details about Grant. Great general but poor biz man. Clearly there are no super-humans who are good at everything.

Yes, I wish I could listen to it all in one sitting...

Great, but somehow, I believe it can be abridged.

Unless the friend is a serious Grant scholar- no. The book contains far too little of Brands astute insights and analysis and far too much "cut and paste" from Grant's Memoirs, Sherman's Memoirs, speeches, letters and newspaper articles of the period.

Using source material to make key points is helpful but droning on and on from letters and speeches is unnecessary.

The 10% that contained Brands insights and analysis.

No, never.

No

Yes if they have 27 hours to listen.

The whole story was memborable as I knew nothing of his life.

A genuinely caring and calm voice. much as l you would have imagined a great leader to sound.

When he talked about meeting Lincoln and how much he respected him.

Made me want to learn more about the civil war time period and what followed for the country.

NO.
TOO MANY AUDIBLE BOOKS YET TO HEAR.

ALL OF H. W. BRANDS WORKS; HE LIVES AND TEACHES HERE IN AUSTIN.

MAKES IT MORE INTERESTING.

NO.
I DO A LOT OF WORK ON MY LAWNS AND GARDENS; WHILE I WORK, I LISTEN.

WAITING FOR THE NOVEMBER CROP OF NEW MYSTERY THRILLERS.