Understanding Ulysses S. Grant: Portrait of a Warrior

By: Elizabeth D. Samet, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Elizabeth D. Samet

By the time of his death on July 23, 1885, Ulysses S. Grant was an icon in the historical memory of the United States. Just a few decades later, however, constant criticism of his military and political leadership had tarnished his reputation.

Today’s historians have a far more balanced assessment of Grant as a Union Army general and an American president—and that appraisal is at the heart of Understanding Ulysses S. Grant: Portrait of a Warrior. Rich in anecdotes that bring the man to life, this Audible Original takes you from Grant’s formative years as a shy boy from Ohio and then a soldier in the Mexican-American War to his eventual command of the Union Army during the Civil War and his post-presidential world tour as a symbol of a new American identity. Throughout, Professor Elizabeth D. Samet leverages recent academic insights to shed new light on Grant’s many triumphs (and failings), and to create a fascinating, well-rounded portrait of a complicated warrior, leader, American, and human being.

Theodore Roosevelt maintained that Grant was among the “mightiest” US presidents, in a league with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Was he right? Decide for yourself.

©2022 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC

Fascinating history of General Grant

This is an interesting and informative history of General Grant. Some of this I was already familiar with from books by Shelby Foote and Bruce Catton, but Grant’s life after the Civil War was something that I wasn’t familiar with, and which I found interesting. I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about the Civil War from an excellent historian.

Excellent brief synopsis of Grants professional life

I think the author does a great job of presenting his professional life during and after “The Rebellion” . He is under appreciated in American history . His flaws and naïveté make him that much more interesting. After all this time his legacy has been altered from one generation to another . Sometimes depending on political views of the time . But what remains true is that Lincoln’s constant churning of his generals eventually brought the right man to the top

Informative & Entertaining Course

This course nicely outlines several chapters in US Grants life, providing historical context to him as a soldier, general, and politician. Enough biographical information is provided for listeners to get a firm understanding of his views on the civil war itself as well as the reconstruction period which followed. It’s a comparatively short course but covers the subject matter well.

Awesome Story

Loved hearing the real story of Grant’s character and values. A great man. Super interesting and enjoyable piece.

Succinct but true

A wonderful, but brief account of a truly remarkable man. Rob Chernow’s book being I feel the best biography. Where are the men like this today?