Grant Takes Command

By: Bruce Catton

Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins

Length: 25 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A thrilling account of the final years of the War Between the States and the great general who led the Union to victory.

This conclusion of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Bruce Catton's acclaimed Civil War history of General Ulysses S. Grant begins in the summer of 1863. After Grant's bold and decisive triumph over the Confederate Army at Vicksburg - a victory that wrested control of the Mississippi River from Southern hands - President Abraham Lincoln promoted Grant to the head of the Army of the Potomac.

The newly named general was virtually unknown to the nation and to the Union's military high command, but he proved himself in the brutal closing year and a half of the War Between the States. Grant's strategic brilliance and unshakeable tenacity crushed the Confederacy in the battles of the Overland Campaign in Virginia and the Siege of Petersburg.

In the spring of 1865, Grant finally forced Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, thus ending the bloodiest conflict on American soil. Although tragedy struck only days later when Lincoln - whom Grant called "incontestably the greatest man I have ever known" - was assassinated, Grant's military triumphs would ensure that the president's principles of unity and freedom would endure.

In Grant Takes Command, Catton offers listeners an in-depth portrait of an extraordinary warrior and unparalleled military strategist whose brilliant battlefield leadership saved an endangered Union.

©1968, 1969 Little, Brown and Company, Inc. (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Great book

Catton does an excellent job putting the listener alongside Grant as he grows into his new role

Grant takes command

This was a great book I've read a lot about Grant and this book took that knowledge 1 step further could not put it down

Excellent book!

I found this book to be an excellent listen (read). It was well researched and provided a look and an understanding of the personalities of Generals Grant, Lee, Sherman, Sheridan, Halleck, Jackson, Hood, Hill, Johnson, etc., and of President Lincoln as well as a clear picture of the war from Grant's perspective. Please do not be dissuaded from listening to this important work by those who do not like the narrator. Yes, the narrator did mispronounce some names and places, but the story is so absorbing and well told, that any annoyances from mistakes from the narrator are quickly forgotten and left as a leaf that flows down a stream.

Fantastic Writing, Poor Narration

Any additional comments?

The Narrator makes it difficult to listen to this masterpiece. That's unfortunate, but I powered through the constant mispronounced names and places because the story is gripping and the author is famous for his historical accuracy and masterful storytelling. That said, be warned that many of the Narrator's mistakes are cringeworthy.

Great book .. very well done.

I have read much of the confederates. This is the first in depth story I've read from the union viewpoint. I will read more. Too many great moments to choose a single one to relate but the respect for both sides and the honest perspective presented in respect to the south and that flawed cause made this an easy read regardless of ones sympathy. I found much here that both Union and Confederate admirers could point to with pride. But I also found so much to regret on both sides.. Great narration.

After This You Won't Take Grant For Granted

Great follow up companion to Catton's other book on Grant. Detailed stories with the personalities of those involved. You will not only learn history, but also be able to draw your own conclusion as to whether US Grant was an alcoholic or his drinking was exaggerated by his enemies and perpetuated by writers due to laziness or their belief that it made a better story.

General Grant goes to war

This is more than a history of Grant, it the whole Union Army lay bear with all its ugly warts... Grant shines through and Lincoln see this gem of a man in the Western Theatre and calls him East to Command the Union Army and what a excellent choice.

Great work of Historical Strategy

A wonderful glimpse into the character of the man who had the arduous task of subduing the Confederate rebellion. A look into his mindset and how it transformed into his grand, and somewhat controversial strategy in completing this task.

Incredible

One of the finest Civil War pieces of literature ever. Clear writing, great structure and it was easy to follow the order of battle, where some works of war non-fiction get bogged down here. Probably the best narrator I've ever listened to. He captured the mood of each scene.

Read it

Great book. I would recommend starting with Bruce Catton's trilogy on the Civil War first if you have not read that. His series on Grant would be a good follow up. Catton doesn't have the southern slant of Foote's excellent work. I thought the narration was also great. I do listen to my books on 2x or 2.5 speed though, and it was perfectly clear at that speed