The memoir has been highly regarded by the public; military historians and literary critics. Grant portrayed himself in the persona of the honorable Western hero; whose strength lies in his honesty and straightforwardness. He candidly depicted his battles against both the Confederates and internal army foes. Twain called the Memoirs a "literary masterpiece." Given over a century of favorable literary analysis; reviewer Mark Perry states that the Memoirs are "the most significant work" of American non-fiction. "Man proposes and God disposes." There are but few important events in the affairs of men brought about by their own choice. Although frequently urged by friends to write my memoirs I had determined never to do so; nor to write anything for publication. In preparing these volumes for the public; I have entered upon the task with the sincere desire to avoid doing injustice to anyone; whether on the National or Confederate side; other than the unavoidable injustice of not making mention often where special mention is due. Mark Twain writes: I had been comparing the memoirs with Caesar's Commentaries... I was able to say in all sincerity; that the same high merits distinguished both books—clarity of statement; directness; simplicity; unpretentiousness; manifest truthfulness; fairness and justice toward friend and foe alike; soldierly candor and frankness and soldierly avoidance of flowery speech. I placed the two books side by side upon the same high level; and I still think that they belonged there.
#1795001 in Books History Press 2009-11-20 2009-11-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .60 #File Name: 1596295929160 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful!By CustomerExtremely interessting since my great great uncle is the artist described in this book!!!8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A Little Known Civil War Artist and ReporterBy Robert ReddI think we sometimes forget just how advanced our world has gotten. We can hear about; see photos of; or watch live video or events happening around the world. Just turn on CNN; Fox; or fire up your computer and news of the world is yours for the asking. It wasn't so easy during the 19th century. People had to rely on newspapers which could be notoriously slow and behind. That was especially true when it came to news from overseas locations. Such was the case of the Civil War as England and France were desperate for news.To try and satisfy the cravings of it's readers the Illustrated London News sent war correspondent Frank Vizetelly to the States to cover the war. Vizetelly began covering the war from the Union side and travelled with various regiments until being barred by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Beginning in July 1862 Vizetelly began travelling with various Confederate brigades and began calling the war the "War Between the States".Vizetelly was present at many important sites and battles including Fredericksburg; Second Manassas; Charleston; Chickamauga; Belle Isle Prison; and others. For Vizetelly the problem was not having access to the war but rather getting his reports and artwork home. As the Union blockade continued to strangle the Confederacy blockade runners were the only way for Vizetelly to file his reports. While many made it through many others did not with those either being intercepted or sunk. While the Illustrated London News was able to publish 133 of his engravings many were also used in Union newspapers. This was due to art being confiscated from blockade runners or also due to copying from the ILN.After the war Vizetelly continued his reporting and after a brief "retirement" he was drawn to the Sudan to report on the Mahdist's insurrection against Egyptian rule. It is believed Vizetelly was killed during a massacre of British soldiers at the Battle of Kashgil in November 1883.Douglas Bostwick has written a very interesting and easily read book. Due to it's size this is a quick read and an excellent introduction to the subject. The brief bibliography will lead interested readers to other related titles. I was not familiar with Frank Vizetelly but after reading the book and seeing many examples of his art I have a true appreciation for what he was able to do. This book is part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Series being issued by The History Press. Be sure to check their website for more titles. I personally look forward to discovering more of their work.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A quick; fun and informative readBy James W. DurneySmall books have a special set of delights unique to them. Unlike their huge detailed conspicuous footnoted brothers; another special set of delights; they are quick enjoyable reads. This book is one of the better small histories I have read.Frank Vizetelly is not a common Civil War name but his illustrations are instantly recognized. This book introduces the man behind these illustrations. At the same time; the reader gets a glimpse of 1860s journalism and the cutthroat competition between the illustrated weekly papers. Toss in a look at living in the Confederacy; problems in sending material to England and being a war correspondent to spice the story. The result is a quick; fun and informative read that will please Civil War readers; students of journalism and history buffs.The author has a clear narrative style that easily links Vizetelly's dispatches together. We get just enough of the author to place Vizetelly within the war and cover the problems he faces. However; Vizetelly's dispatches and illustrations tell the story. In 1860; four newspapers featured topical woodcut engravings. The Illustrated London News dispatched an experience war correspondent to cover the war in America. His reporting upset Washington and denied his accreditation. These circumstances caused him to cross into the Confederacy providing us with "pictures" of the Civil War from that viewpoint. He became a Southern supporter and at Chickamauga carried messages for Longstreet during the battle. Very well liked and trusted; he had access to the CSA high command. This extended to traveling with Jefferson Davis after the fall of Richmond and "loaning" him money to aid his escape.The best part of the book might be the woodcuts. This is the war in the South as seen by a sympathizer of their cause. They range from portraits of Lee; Jackson and Stuart to battlefields and slave churches. Highly detailed; they stopped my reading to look at them and view the war as he saw it.
