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The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant: The Complete Annotated Edition Hardcover – October 16, 2017

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 820 ratings
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“This fine volume leaps straight onto the roster of essential reading for anyone even vaguely interested in Grant and the Civil War. The book is deeply researched, but it introduces its scholarship with a light touch that never interferes with the reader’s enjoyment of Grant’s fluent narrative.”―Ron Chernow, author of Grant

Ulysses S. Grant’s memoirs, sold door-to-door by former Union soldiers, were once as ubiquitous in American households as the Bible. Mark Twain, Gertrude Stein, Henry James, and Edmund Wilson hailed them as great literature, and countless presidents, including Clinton and George W. Bush, credit Grant with influencing their own writing. Yet a judiciously annotated edition of these memoirs has never been produced until now.

The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant is the first comprehensively annotated edition of Grant’s memoirs, clarifying the great military leader’s thoughts on his life and times through the end of the Civil War and offering his invaluable perspective on battlefield decision making. An introduction contextualizes Grant’s life and significance, and lucid editorial commentary allows his voice and narrative to shine through. With annotations compiled by the editors of the Ulysses S. Grant Association’s Presidential Library, this definitive edition enriches our understanding of the pre-war years, the war with Mexico, and the Civil War. Grant provides essential insight into how rigorously these events tested America’s democratic institutions and the cohesion of its social order.

The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant is a work of profound political, historical, and literary significance. This celebrated annotated edition will introduce a new generation of readers of all backgrounds to an American classic.

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  1. Print length
    816 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press
  4. Publication date
    October 16, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    6.37 x 1.78 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0674976290
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0674976290
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“As the first fully annotated edition of Ulysses S. Grant’s Personal Memoirs, this fine volume leaps straight onto the roster of essential reading for anyone even vaguely interested in Grant and the Civil War. The book is deeply researched, but it introduces its scholarship with a light touch that never interferes with the reader’s enjoyment of Grant’s fluent narrative. John F. Marszalek and the folks at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library are building a formidable array of books illuminating many aspects of the general’s life.”―Ron Chernow, author of Grant

“A richly annotated new edition… What gives this peculiarly reticent book its power? Above all, authenticity. If Grant’s voice is never confessional, it almost never rings false… Grant’s style is strikingly modern in its economy.”―T. J. Stiles, New York Times

“[This] new edition, the most thoroughly annotated ever produced, provides the general reader and scholar alike with detailed access to the general’s early life and military career.”―David W. Blight, New York Review of Books

“If Mark Twain called Grant’s Memoirs ‘a great, unique and unapproachable literary masterpiece,’ The Complete Annotated Edition is its ‘unique’ companion. Renowned Civil War historian John Marszalek and his team of editors are owed our gratitude. Their annotated edition will increase appreciation among both longtime admirers and a new generation discovering why Grant is winning his deserved place among American leaders.”―Ronald C. White, author of American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant

“Grant’s style is direct and plain, but it has a kind of quiet music to it, the indescribable quality of an authentic voice. There is a level of intimacy that no amount of confessional writing could guarantee. Grant’s assessment of the Civil War and the decisions that went into its waging is mostly brisk and engaging, but what really compelled me through the book were the psychological insights on nearly every page―both of the prominent men whom Grant encountered and of the masses of people whose desires and fears he recognized, sympathized with, and often exploited. Grant’s ability to be empathetic and ruthless in the span of a few sentences―coolly calculating the costs of losing lives against the benefits of pushing on; testing what Southerners could bear and what would make them break―is consistently on display. Whatever Grant hides in his memoir is less than what he reveals. He was a man who could cringe at the cruelty of a bullfight but was willing to send men into certain slaughter to gain a riverbank, a man who understood both dignity and disgrace.”―Louisa Thomas, New Yorker

“Of the many editions of the memoirs, I recommend the annotated edition published by Harvard University Press overseen by John F. Marszalek, director of the U. S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State, for its invaluable notes identifying almost every personage mentioned by Grant, expanding on incidents and events Grant glosses over and even correcting his occasional misstatements.”―Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times

“[R]espect for Grant can only be reinforced by reading…The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant. This is the best presidential memoir written, once earning praise from no less than Mark Twain… Grant wrote in a clear and logical style, much as he issued orders, which brings the day-to-day challenges and tremors of war to his readership with never a suggestion of embellishment.”―Stephen Loosley, The Australian

“A brilliant new annotated version.”―Steve Donoghue, Open Letters Monthly

“The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant provides leadership lessons that can be obtained nowhere else…Ulysses Grant in his Memoirs gives us a unique glimpse of someone who found that the habit of reflection could serve as a force multiplier for leadership.”―Thomas E. Ricks, Foreign Policy

“Ron Chernow’s Grant has been a national bestseller, deservedly so, but we think that the new edition of The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant, edited and annotated [by] John F. Marszalek[,] should share that spotlight. Possibly the best presidential memoir written, annotations by Marszalek with David Nolen and Louis Gallo illuminate and contextualize the memoir for the modern reader.”―Lyn Roberts, Literary Hub

“[Grant’s] memoirs, presented at last in an impressive scholarly edition by John F. Marszalek, were the fruit of a last triumphant battle…Grant’s own words restore him to the pantheon of great soldier-presidents. He stands alongside Washington, Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower, a select company to which he has always rightfully belonged.”―Nigel Jones, History Today

“A worthy capstone to compliment the now completed thirty-two volume The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant…Marszalek, et. al., have done a thorough job in annotating Grant’s text…Readers of this well-constructed and highly recommended edition of Grant’s Memoirs will not fail to appreciate the man’s modesty, but they should also keep in mind that under that modesty lay a cold-blooded willingness to keep right on.”―Larry A. Grant, Civil War Book Review

“The most copious annotated edition of Grant’s indispensable memoirs to date… It’s been said that if you’re going to pick up one memoir of the Civil War, Grant’s is the one to read. Similarly, if you’re going to purchase one of the several annotated editions of his memoirs, this is the collection to own, read, and reread.”―Library Journal

About the Author

John F. Marszalek is W. L. Giles Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus, and Executive Director and Managing Editor of the Ulysses S. Grant Association’s U. S. Grant Presidential Library, at Mississippi State University.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press; Annotated edition (October 16, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 816 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0674976290
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0674976290
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.83 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.37 x 1.78 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 820 ratings

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  1. Ulysses S. Grant

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  2. Louie P Gallo

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    Louie P. Gallo is the assistant editor at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Museum. He previously worked at the National McKinley Birthplace Museum and Memorial in Niles, Ohio. He was the co-editor of "The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant: The Complete Annotated Edition," published by Harvard University Press in 2017. He was also a co-author of "Hold on With a Bulldog Grip: A Short Study of Ulysses S. Grant," published by University Press of Mississippi in 2019.

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
820 global ratings
The best edition of an American literary and history classic
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The best edition of an American literary and history classic
The definitive edition of Grant’s masterpiece memoirs, fully annotated by able scholars who know their subject well.
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Top reviews from the United States

Edward Ortiz
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Wartime Commander
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2023
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The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant: The Complete Annotated Edition was a captivating read, offering a unique perspective on Grant's formative years in Ohio, his West Point military academy experience, service in the Mexican-American War, and primarily, the American Civil War. While occasional references to his presidency are present, they are minimal.

The book's strengths lie in Grant's personal and conversational writing style, making it feel like a friendly discussion. Additionally, the annotated edition, featuring over a thousand notes and references, significantly enhances the narrative by supporting, correcting, and expanding on Grant's accounts. Despite its length of 767 pages, the book is engaging, evidenced by the 31 pages of notes I took in my reading journal, showcasing the depth of my learning experience.

Grant's memoirs not only provide historical events but also offer invaluable leadership lessons. The principles of selfless service, as illustrated during the siege of Fort Donelson, where General Sherman, despite his seniority, offered unwavering support to General Grant, demonstrate a remarkable leadership trait (Page 218). Grant's emphasis on character and the notion that efficient service stems from those who do not actively seek leadership positions is another noteworthy lesson (Page 470). Additionally, the importance of competence, confidence, and intellect is exemplified through General Sheridan's clear and confident strategy during the third Battle of Winchester or Battle of Opequon (Page 616).

The inclusion of historical commentaries and highlights enhances the reader's understanding of Grant's perspectives. For instance, his opposition to the annexation of Texas and the subsequent war is expounded with an editorial historical note on the colonization and introduction of slavery (Page 33). The description of the Free-Soil Democracy in St. Louis, evolving into the Republican party, and Grant's brief association with the Know-Nothing Party which resulted in his opposition to secret, oath-bound political parties calling them dangerous, is illuminated, providing historical context (Page 148).

The book concludes powerfully with Grant attributing the cause of the Civil War to slavery and highlighting the resilience of American republican institutions against all monarchical European expectations (Pages 756-757).

In summary, The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant stands out as an exceptional book. Grant's compelling narration, combined with insightful annotations, makes the book not only enjoyable but also a valuable resource for those researching the Mexican-American and American Civil Wars. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking Grant's perspective on the war.
9 people found this helpful
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FinnishFlash
5.0 out of 5 stars Best memoir I’ve ever read
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
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First off, the man was simply amazing for his time and second and most important, this memoir(even being as old as it is) exceeds any memoir I’ve ever read. I’ve read a ton of them and this is so well written and interesting that it’s #1 for me. If you’re a civil war enthusiast then I consider it a “must read”!
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Steve Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars A greatly under appreciated American hero.
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2024
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Grant’s memoirs have been held in high regard since the day they were published right after his death in 1885. I now know why. It is a remarkably well written story of a man’s life for whom greatness was thrust upon him, and he was ready for it when it happened. My only regret is that he stopped at the end of The Civil War and was unable to tell the story of his presidency. His failing health undoubtedly was the reason for this but our understanding of the period suffers as a result, just as our understanding of “the rebellion” benefits from his memoirs.

U.S. Grant was a great American. His memoir is a great read.
5 people found this helpful
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Seth Foley
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024
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It is nothing short of incredible to read about this man’s life in his own words. This is a must read for anyone who loves military history.
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Laura G. Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars My Dad Is Loving It
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
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Having caught the last hour of the History Channel's documentary entitled Grant, I immediately ordered the memoir.

My 90-yr-old dad loves history, and said the book is "outstanding." I cannot wait to discuss it at length with him.
4 people found this helpful
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P. Hampel
4.0 out of 5 stars Really needed maps
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2023
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The writing is excellent & easily understood. Grant is able to get across the essence of most events, particularly about his personal life, with just the right amount of verbiage.
For me, without at least some maps, the battle/campaign descriptions don't work. The logistics parts I can follow. The tactical actions not so much.
I'll look for a source of maps and try again.
4 people found this helpful
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Ken Lawrence
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Great Read Wish I'd Read it Sooner
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2019
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Grant's magnificent memoir while he was dying of throat cancer is an incredible read and a must for any Civil War buff. It's such a shame Lee never wrote his own version. While admittedly self-serving at times, Grant's writing is extremely accessible and relatable. His recollection of detail, for the most part, is exceptional. Grant shows a very self-effacing side too in the book, nearly killed by his own horse twice, almost captured by Confederates and unable to change his underwear due to lost luggage.

There's a lot to read between the lines of Grant's writing as well. One gets the sense of how much manpower the Union commanded and how better provisioned they were. Grant too benefited from much more command and control over his troops and their movements than did his Confederate counterparts. The Confederates lost the west as much due to their own disorganization of command as from Grant's strategy. Grant himself admits he should not have won the pivotal Battle of Missionary Ridge so easily were it not for a trainwreck of Confederate incompetence.

The annotations add quite a bit although they sometimes steer into too much biography of minor figures. In other instances, they point out inaccuracies in Grant's recollection or add context to Grant's descriptions. Oddly enough, the book provides fodder for both those believing Grant is underrated historically as a general and those who argue he was a kind of a butcher who just bludgeoned the Confederates with overwhelming force. Overall, a fascinating piece of writing by an extraordinary and interesting man who is not all shy about throwing people under the bus.
30 people found this helpful
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Joueur
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, even greater man.
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2024
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I loved everything! Get this book for the Ulysses fan in your life!
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Raquel
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabuloso
Reviewed in Spain on March 8, 2021
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Súper interesante. En inglés.
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Raquel
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabuloso
Reviewed in Spain on March 8, 2021
Súper interesante. En inglés.
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Amazon Kunde
5.0 out of 5 stars Wissenschaaftliche Standardausgabe par excellence
Reviewed in Germany on July 25, 2018
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Über den berühmten "unconditional surrender" Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) muss wohl kaum noch groß etwas gesagt werden. Als General im amerikanischen Bürgerkrieg und nachmaliger Präsident der Vereinigten Staaten (2x) war er zumindest im 19. Jahrhundert allseits bekannt. Nach den Schrecken des Bürgerkriegs bemühte er sich nicht nur darum den ehemaligen Sklaven die Bürgerrechte zu verschaffen, sondern auch darum, den Norden mit dem Süden auszusöhnen ("Let us have Peace").

Die vorliegenden Memoiren Grants (beendet im Todesjahr 1885) umfassen den Zeitraum von 1822-1865. Sie reichen damit inhaltlich und thematisch lediglich von Grants Geburt bis zum Ende des Bürgerkriegs. Nichtsdestotrotz, oder gerade deswegen is jede menge Action angesagt. Obwohl Grant nach Abschluss an der Militärakademie West Point eigentlich einen Lehrauftrag ergattern wollte, war er bald mittendrin im eigentlichen Soldatengeschäft. So kämpfte er bereits vor 1861 im Amerikanisch-Mexikanischen Krieg. Im Bürgerkrieg 1861-1865 kämpfte er auf verschiedenen Schauplätzen (Vicksburg, Chattanooga etc.) bis er schließlich zum Oberkommandierenden aller Unionstruppen ernannt wurde und 1865 seinen Rivalen Robert E. Lee von der Konföderation nach der Eroberung Richmonds abfangen und entscheidend schlagen konnte.

Grants Memoiren kommen in solider Bindung und mit einem wissenschaftlichen Anmerkungsapparat daher, um Grant, wo er sich in manchen Fällen (haupts. Datumsangaben) einmal geirrt haben sollte, zu korrigieren. Man darf bei einem solchen Werk jedoch nicht vergessen, dass Grant damit sein Bild für die Nachwelt hinterlassen wollte und er deshalb verständlicherweise auf manche unangenehmen Details verzichtete (Armeeaustritt wg. Alkoholismusvorwürfen, etc.)

Was ich mir von editorischer Seite her noch gewünscht hätte, sind Karten zu jedem/r Feldzug/Schlacht. Die Herausgeber erwähnen zwar, warum sie diese wegließen, ich finde ein paar Karten hätten das ganze Werk jedoch übersichtlicher gestaltet. Wer kennt schon Orte wie "Appomattox Court House"? Ansonsten eine solide Ausgabe und auch ohne Schutzumschlag ein echter Hingucker in der privaten Bibliothek.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Reviewed in Australia on November 6, 2021
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The book arrived in a timely fashion and was in excellent condition.
I'm enjoying the clarity of thought in the written word of USG.
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Aleksejs Vesjolijs
5.0 out of 5 stars Good quality and fast delivery
Reviewed in Germany on June 21, 2020
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Very good and fast delivery. Book received as expected and in good condition. Very satisfied, thanks!
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ALAN JACKSON
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2018
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Excellent service.Thank you.
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