This is the perfect adjunct to Grant's autobiography 'Memoirs'. The details and background that Chernow gives to fill out missing details in Grant's life is amazing. Chernow does give heavy emphasis to Grant's perceived or actual alcoholism. The author does use every possible word in the English language so be prepared with a dictionary while reading. As an example, he used the word 'adumbrating' which I at first was totally made up. It means 'foreshadowing' and I wonder why the author did not use it instead.

This is truly a masterpiece. Well researched, well written, and well executed. I highly recommend this book for all fans of US history.

Chernow delivers another solid biography. I was a big fan of his Hamilton biography because he gives you a solid sense of the subject's personality and drive. I really got to know more about Grant before his Civil War successes and the challenges he faced during Reconstruction. I also identified similarities between his personality and my own, giving me a greater sense of my own self. Maybe that's the highest compliment you can give a biography, when it breathes life into someone long gone and helps us understand folks that are still with us today.

Comprehensive bio of Grant. I found it compulsively readable-so much so that I had to finish the Civil War section in a weekend. Chernow's grasp of the subject matter is excellent. This bio of Grant will be the one others are judged by, as was the case with Chernow's Washington bio.

This highly readable biography of U. S. Grant gives one an appreciation for him that is not always easy to find in history books . The author does an awesome job in relating Grant's life story in an even-handed way. One learns of Grant's less than stellar prospects before the Civil War and how that conflict brought out the best in him as a leader and human being. The greatness of his presidency is also brought to life even while acknowledging his short comings. A thoroughly engrossing read!