72 pages • 2 hours read
Ron ChernowGrant
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Grant by Ron Chernow details the life of Ulysses S. Grant, born in rural Ohio, attending West Point, and serving in the Mexican-American War. He rejoined the army during the Civil War, distinguishing himself and achieving victory for the Union. As president, Grant aimed to protect African American rights during Reconstruction but faced significant challenges. After his presidency, Grant faced financial ruin but secured his family's future by writing his memoirs before dying of throat cancer. The book addresses themes of alcoholism, violence, and entrenched racism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ron Chernow's biography, Grant, is widely praised for its comprehensive research and engaging narration. Many commend Chernow's success in redefining Ulysses S. Grant’s public image, offering new insights into his presidency and personal life. However, some reviewers find the book's length excessive, citing occasional repetitive content. Overall, Chernow’s work is seen as a significant, well-crafted contribution to historical literature.
Who Should Read Grant?
A reader who enjoys Grant by Ron Chernow typically appreciates richly detailed biographies and American history. Fans of David McCullough's John Adams and Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals will find Chernow's meticulous research and compelling narrative style engrossing. These readers value deep dives into historical figures' complexities and legacies.