I received a copy of Joan Waugh’s U. S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth several months ago and put it in the “pile” and promptly moved on. Yet 2 weeks ago for some reason I picked it up and looked at it. This turned into actual reading and I am pleased to have done so.
Waugh’s book is exceptional, beautiful, and poignant. Grant has indeed existed within American pantheon as both a “hero” and a “myth.” Indeed, numerous American characters have enjoyed the blessings of heroism and the pitfalls of myth.
I will say here and now that I have never read a Grant biography (all the way through) until Waughs, and I will most likely not read another. And I do not feel compelled to do so. Waugh’s delicate and touching narrative of Grant’s final months and days was truly wondrous and brought me nearly to tears.
Waugh gives as honest portrayal and history of Grant that could be asked, I think. Was Grant a God to be admired on a pedestal, no. Was he a drunk? No. A butcher, nadda. How about, was he a terrible and thoughtless President, no. But he certainly had his faults. My God, he was human. I cannot imagine a better or more even presentation of Grant than Waugh’s book. I loved this book.
Photo Credit: General U. S. Grant, one month before his death, writing his Memoirs at Mt. McGregor, June 27, 1885. Grant would died on July 23, 1885. The former general and President was nearly bankrupt at this point and wrote his memoirs in hopes of leaving something behind for himself and his family. This photo to me is poignant and powerful.
I hadn’t focused on this book. Your post certainly whets the appetite. Thanks for the heads up!
Grant was an important figure in the drama surrounding the impeachment of his predecessor, Andrew Johnson. I learned this from a book called “Impeached” by my friend and college classmate David O. Stewart. Stewart is a fan of Grant, though not necessarily for his role in the Johnson saga.
It is a good read and I really enjoyed it.