Grant (Book Notes)

Grant by Ron Chernow is an exhaustive biography of Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general who later became the 18th president of the United States. Chernow presents a richly detailed and compelling narrative that re-evaluates Grant’s life, casting him in a more favorable light than many previous historical accounts. The biography portrays him as a complex figure - at once modest and fiercely determined, deeply flawed yet remarkably resilient.

The book traces Grant’s journey from his humble beginnings in Point Pleasant, Ohio, to his rise as the Union Army’s most successful general, leading the North to victory during the Civil War. Chernow explores Grant’s military genius, his ability to command loyalty from his troops, and his clear-eyed strategic vision. However, Chernow also delves into the darker aspects of Grant’s life, including his early failures in business, his battle with alcoholism, and his struggles with self-confidence.

After his military triumphs, Grant entered the political arena, becoming the 18th president of the United States (1869–1877). Chernow examines Grant’s presidency in detail, challenging the traditional view of his administration as one marred by corruption and ineptitude. Instead, the biography highlights Grant’s efforts to heal the wounds of a nation torn apart by civil war, his staunch support for Reconstruction, and his courageous fight for the rights of freed African Americans. Grant's administration’s fight against the Ku Klux Klan and his push to protect civil rights are emphasized as key, though often overlooked, accomplishments.

Chernow also explores the personal side of Grant’s life, focusing on his close relationship with his wife, Julia, and his deep sense of personal honor. The biography concludes with Grant’s post-presidential years, including his financial troubles and his final act of heroism: writing his memoirs while dying of throat cancer. His memoirs, completed just days before his death in 1885, are now considered one of the great works of American literature.

Book Notes:

• Chernow’s greatest strength lies in his ability to humanize Ulysses S. Grant. For much of history, Grant was viewed as a failure in civilian life who stumbled into greatness on the battlefield. Chernow takes great care to show that Grant’s success was not accidental. The biography emphasizes his humility, tenacity, and moral clarity, especially in his fight for civil rights during Reconstruction. This nuanced portrayal offers a fresh perspective, making Grant more relatable and sympathetic to readers.
• Chernow does not shy away from Grant’s shortcomings. His struggles with alcoholism are a major theme, particularly how he managed to control his drinking during the war and presidency but fell victim to it during other periods of his life. The book also explores Grant’s naïveté in politics, which contributed to the scandals and corruption that plagued his presidency. Chernow, however, reframes these flaws within the larger context of Grant’s good intentions and deep commitment to equality, giving a fair assessment of both his virtues and weaknesses.
• The level of detail in Grant is staggering. Chernow is known for his exhaustive research, and this biography is no exception. He draws from a wide range of sources, including military records, personal correspondence, and Grant’s own memoirs, to create a richly textured portrait of the man and his times. The book not only chronicles Grant’s military and political career but also provides valuable insight into the social, political, and economic conditions of 19th-century America.
• One of the most significant contributions of Chernow’s biography is its re-evaluation of Grant’s presidency. For years, historians criticized Grant as a weak and ineffectual president, largely due to the scandals that occurred during his administration. Chernow acknowledges the corruption but argues that Grant’s achievements, particularly in terms of civil rights and Reconstruction, deserve greater recognition. The book portrays Grant as a president ahead of his time, committed to racial equality and justice in an era of deep-seated racism.
• Chernow’s writing is engaging and accessible, making the dense historical material easy to digest. He has a gift for narrative flow, making the book read almost like a novel. Whether describing the chaos of the Civil War or the quiet moments of Grant’s private life, Chernow’s prose is vivid and captivating, bringing historical events and figures to life.
• At over 1,000 pages, Grant is a substantial commitment. While Chernow’s storytelling is compelling, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming at times. Readers looking for a more concise account of Grant’s life may find the book’s length daunting. The detailed descriptions of military campaigns, in particular, may feel tedious to readers who are less interested in Civil War strategy.
• Despite Chernow’s exhaustive research, some readers may feel that Grant’s inner life remains elusive. While Chernow does his best to illuminate Grant’s thoughts and emotions, the general’s famously stoic and reserved nature makes it difficult to get a full sense of his personality beyond his public life.

SUMMARY: Grant is a monumental biography that succeeds in reshaping the legacy of one of America’s most misunderstood figures. By meticulously examining Grant’s life - from his early struggles to his battlefield brilliance, and from his presidency to his final years - Chernow provides a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of a man who was both a flawed individual and a true American hero. The book’s re-evaluation of Grant’s presidency, particularly his commitment to civil rights, is one of its greatest contributions, offering readers a more balanced and comprehensive understanding of his role in American history. While the length and density of the book may be challenging for some, those interested in the Civil War, American politics, or presidential history will find Grant to be a deeply rewarding and insightful read.

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