Unconditional Surrender: U. S. Grant and the Civil War (Hardcover)

by Albert Marrin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up-Marrin gives an interesting overview of the many phases of history through which Grant lived and places him within the context of his time. He presents the paradoxical aspects of his subject's life and is unflinching in recounting Grant's failures as a civilian and as president. The rumors of his drinking are fully disclosed, as are his triumphs in battle. Well-chosen and informative black-and-white photographs and reproductions add to the appeal of this handsome, oversized volume. An excellent bibliography is appended, as are detailed notes. A well-written, lively, and informative biography that fills a real need, and will be much appreciated by both history students and Civil War buffs.
Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 6-12. Part history, part biography, this is a fine study of Grant and his pivotal role in the Civil War. Marrin points out the many ironies of Grant's life: educated at West Point and a soldier by trade, he hated war; he seemed a failure until the war drew him from obscurity and brought his best qualities into prominence; repelled by the sight of blood since childhood, he led forces into the Battle of Shiloh, still remembered as a bloodbath; the leader of the Union army and a man who had freed his slaves, he once said he was not an abolitionist or even antislavery; anything but a politician, he became president of the U.S. Using these paradoxes to explore who Grant was and how he shaped events, Marrin creates a detailed and lively picture of the man and those who fought under him throughout the war. Well researched and vividly written, the book includes many quotations as well as photographs from the period. Source notes and a bibliography round out this very readable biography. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (April 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689318375
• ISBN-13: 978-0689318375
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #302,570 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best juvenile biography on Grant, September 2, 2000

By	Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

If you have a child or young teen who wants to explore the fascinating and misunderstood General Grant, then this is the premiere offering. Marrin has done an excellent job in illuminating Grant's complex life, but he does it in an interesting and understated way. The text is basically error-free and is enlivened with numerous photographs of Grant throughout his life. The choice of photographs is excellent.

The book is also conducive to reading out loud and that is an option if your child is still struggling with learning to read. Adults can also read and enjoy the text which is never condescending or hokey. Though the words are simple, the ultimate effect is highly competent.

This is the best juvenile biography on Ulysses S. Grant by a wide margin. Marrin has done an excellent job in introducing Grant to a young audience. I highly recommend it.