The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, Part 3

Wilderness Campaign, Appomattox, Death of Lincoln (Unabr.)

By: Ulysses S. Grant

Narrated by: Peter Johnson

In his own captivating words, General Ulysses S. Grant describes the Wilderness Campaign, the almost anti-climactic surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. His depiction of the most crucial and hardest-fought battles of the Civil War, the near-disasters, and the bloody triumphs reveals a highly intelligent, profound, thinking man. Grant wrote his memoirs as he lay dying of cancer and completed the manuscript only a week before his death.Public Domain (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The best [memoirs] of any general's since Caesar." (Mark Twain, publisher of The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant)

Get inside Grant's head as the War concluded.

Not unlike the personal memoirs of many generals and admirals throughout history, Grant's memoirs from the War Years (Parts 2 and 3) recall his thoughts at the time, whether before, during or after the many famous battles of the Civil War, including the dramatic conclusion at Appomattox. Viewed through his eyes and personally written by him in his last months of life, it has a fantastic level of detail and insight and is a valuable addition to the substantial literature on this true American hero. Derided as a drunk and a failure in business and politics by some, he was in fact Lincoln's and the Union's last hope for ultimate victory and his integrity and humanity never failed. His leadership and strategy in creating that victory speak for themselves about this humble and courageous military genius.

Excellent Reading of One of the Most Important Books in US History

Peter Johnson’s Reading of The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant is second to none. Truthfully, my only complaints are that it was divided into three parts, each requiring a separate purchase when it could easily have been condensed to a single work (even the original printed book was published in only two volumes) and that the recording is divided into “chapters” (more correctly “tracks”) based apparently on length, as they do not correspond at all to the actual chapters as Grant wrote them. Otherwise, it is thoroughly enjoyable.

Not just for history buffs

It was interesting to hear the life story of Ulysses S Grant in his own words. The narrator does a great job of bring the President's words to life. There are some minor references to violence, of course, and some period-expected racially awkward language. Therefore this might not be appropriate for very young children. However, I highly recommend this book for older children, teens, and adults.

Best Presidential Memoir

Grant’s memoirs have the reputation of being the best of presidential memoirs. Now I know why. His clear, concise recitation of the facts is backed up with documentation. His views are candid. This provides a valuable point of view to a critical chapter in American history. It is too bad that his memoirs stopped with the conclusion of the Civil War. It would have been nice to know his views on Reconstruction and his years as President.

Underrated military commander, president , writer

I've long wanted to read U..S. Grant's military memoirs . Brilliantly written by a man dying of cancer... A humble man who came from obscurity to lead his army to victory and become president in a few short years. Narration was well done.. My understanding and admiration of U.S. Grant , the man, already great, have been greatly increased by this top-notch presentation. 5 stars+