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#613368 in Books Osprey 2012-11-20 2012-11-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.88 x .26 x 6.78l; .45 #File Name: 184908733464 pagesReference Book
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. "Unconditional Surrender" Grant...By HMS Warspite"Ulyssess S. Grant" is a new entry in the Osprey Command series on battlefield leaders. Author Mark Lardas' account takes the reader in brisk workmanlike fashion through Grant's unpromising Ohio boyhood; education at West Point; heroism in the Mexican War; his departure from the Army under a cloud; his unsuccessful civilian years; his return to the Army for the Civil War; and his rise to greatness as Commander of all Union forces. The text is supplemented with lots of period photographs and illustrations; along with a nice selection of maps. For those used to seeing Grant in black and white photographs; illustrations showing Grant's red hair and beard may be a minor relevation.On the basis of his Civil War victories; Grant is identified as the greatest U.S. general officer since George Washington; but Lardas is careful not to paint his subject as perfect. Far from it; the narrative acknowledges a sometimes costly learning curve throughout Grant's Civil War service; as he makes mistakes but learns from them. Grant stands out in this account for his low-key commonsense leadership style; his remarkable persistance in the face of adversity; and his refusal to be distracted from his objectives by obstacles; mishaps; and the failures of subordinates. Grant is also shown to have an effective grasp of Army politics during the Civil War. Lardas acknowledges Grant's problems with alcohol and his uneven postwar career.At the end of this brief account; the reader may be left with the question of how Grant; who is supposed to have failed at many things in life; was such a successful battlefield leader. Other authors have wrestled at great length with that question; which won't be answered in this account. Lardas notes General Sherman's characterization of Grant as something of a mystery; perhaps even to himself. "Ulyssess S. Grant" is highly recommended as a good introduction to the man; and perhaps the mystery.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An entertaining biography of one of America's greatest generalsBy Carl W.This book is the latest in Osprey's Command series; which has covered numerous other world military leaders through the ages. The style is informal and entertaining to read; and if not a deeply scholarly treatment of Grant; provides a very useful overview of his career; with helpful maps and illustrations. It is fascinating to see; looking at Grant's early career; the utter improbability of his achieving future greatness; in sharp contrast to his great opponent Robert E. Lee; who from the beginning seemed destined for success. Even the name that he used for the rest of his life was the result of an error that the Army refused to correct! But in the end; Grant had what so many other contemporaries lacked - an indomitable will to win battles; and; as it turned out; sufficient skill to make it happen again and again; even if the cost in casualties was often very high.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Harold D.Outstanding
