American Ulysses

A Life of Ulysses S. Grant

By: Ronald C. White

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 27 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

A major new biography of the Civil War general and American president, by the author of the New York Times bestseller A. Lincoln. The dramatic story of one of America's greatest and most misunderstood military leaders and presidents, this is a major new interpretation of Ulysses S. Grant. Based on 7 years of research with primary documents, some of them never tapped before, this is destined to become the Grant biography of our times.

©2016 Ronald C. White. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Archetypal Hero

For an Australian with only modest knowledge of US history, I have found that Lincoln's stature cast the humble Ulysses S Grant into the shadows. This book is an outstanding corrective, patiently erasing the caricature of a struggling shopkeeper with alcohol problems who rose to great heights. Grant's greatness lay firstly in his integrity, humility and empathy, but found its greatest expression in his vision, decisive leadership and tenacity. He is a man who might have found satisfaction in becoming Mayor of Galena, but was propelled by circumstance into a grand arena that provided the occasion for him to exercise all his talents, and allowed him to serve his country mightily. This is an extraordinary story, compellingly told, and superbly narrated. I could not recommend it highly enough.

Great book of heroic person.

I saw the ratings and bought this book, not really sure if I would enjoy it. After many months of looking at it and feeling guilty, I decided I should at least an attempt to start the endeavor. What a pleasant and enlightening journey this book took me into the life of U.S.Grant. Strongly recommend this book.

A lovely listen, both historical and fresh

If you could sum up American Ulysses in three words, what would they be?

Profile of humility

What did you like best about this story?

The way in which classic American history is interwoven with lesser-known details and perspectives (both individual and societal), as told through a single life story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The very end made me cry.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No--I liked taking it bit by bit, a slower pace for a life's-long narrative.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend!

Extremely good biography of a great man.

Great detail and completeness from ancestors to descendants. He made the difference at many times in his life.

Very interesting I learned a lot!

This book covers substantial more than I thought about Grant's life. It even goes back to when his family first came to America. I enjoyed it very much!!

A tribute to a hero.

This biography proves why Grant's face belongs on the face of our twenty dollar bill.

Nice to see Grant back on the pedestal

Nice to see Grant back on the pedestal where he belongs. I was not sure that I wanted to spend 27 hours on this book, but it was worth every minute. The attention to detail and what the Northwest Territory was like during the era among the other places and times really drew me into Grant's story. If jealous Union generals who saw Grant as a lucky upstart had not gotten in his way, Grant would have ended the Civil War within a year. #Grantbio #CivilWarbio #Historicalbio #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

amazing book

amazing book , my understanding of this topic has indeed been expanded. trully great listen.

A real American hero

What an amazing story. The narrator is captivating and this is a story for the ages. Grant has been somewhat forgotten, but in this age of uncertain leadership, it’s great to get the blueprint for a selfless hero that can bring our nation together. A must read (listen)

Focusing The Lens Properly On Ulysses S. Grant

Would you consider the audio edition of American Ulysses to be better than the print version?

I cannot say. I did not read the book. I listened to the audio. But, it would have to be assumed that the information contained within both are the same, and so I would endorse both.

What other book might you compare American Ulysses to and why?

I cannot think of another book, but it would have to be a book about a man (or woman) who had failed at life early on, and then, by extraordinary circumstances, turned that life around, only to face more hardships, but, through strength of character and noble conduct, made it successfully to the finish line, and, in doing so, occupying the hearts of his fellow countrymen.

What does Arthur Morey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Morey gives the reading good pacing and articulation, with a no-nonsense delivery. He speaks at a volume that, unlike some narrators (I will withhold names), does not require constant adjustment of the volume (congratulations to Mr. Morey and the production team for that). Since I did not read the book, I will simply state that having this on audio was critical for my ability to get through the book. The book is NOT boring, but it is long. My time is limited so listening at every opportunity (e.g., while driving my car) was essential to my ability to complete the book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The man who saved a nation.

Any additional comments?

I am glad that I took the time to read (listen to) the book. I am in my sixth decade, and it is a shame, in my opinion, that I was not taught about this great leader, when I was in school. Without his leadership, there very well might not be a United States as we know it. Think about that...and, then think about World War II. Hitler would have, most likely, won. I am grateful to US Grant for his service to our nation.