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Grant Unleashed: A Biography of Ulysses S. Grant—The Union General and U.S. President Who Won the American Civil War and Saved the United States

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Think you know Ulysses Grant? Here’s why his legacy is more relevant today than ever.Ever catch yourself musing over what it truly means to lead? Not just the glossy, parade-ground type of leadership, but the gritty, in-the-trenches kind that changes the course of history

Few characters in American history are as mysterious and transformative as Ulysses S. Grant. The general's wartime steadfastness and the president's stoicism conceal a story of courage, strategy, and humanity that resonates today.

Aeon History takes you on a journey through Ulysses S. Grant's life, from the intense battles of the Civil War to his time in the White House and everything in between.

Grant faced it all— personal struggles, leading a country torn in half, and standing up for people who were pushed aside. His life shows us what real bravery and humanity look like, even when things get tough.

Flip through this book to meet the real Ulysses S. Grant. You'll find a man who kept pushing forward, a leader who stood firm, and a person whose impact goes beyond his flaws, reminding us what it means to fight for a fairer world.

Inside, you'll

The depth of Grant's strategic brilliance— a masterclass in strategy and leadership that remains a gold standard in military academies.A candid look at Grant's challenges, from financial collapse to cancer, showing his tenacity and integrity.Grant's perspective on Reconstruction, including his attempts to restore the South and safeguard the rights of freed slaves.The little-known stories of Grant's presidency, dispelling myths and uncovering the challenges and successes of his administration.How Grant's legacy has evolved over time, from a contested figure to a celebrated champion of civil rights and unity.The impact of Grant's leadership on present American values, showing how his life's work continues to promote equality and justice.How Grant's reputation has risen, fallen, and risen again through modern American history.And much more.

Grant's life was far from perfect. His presidency was marred by controversies, and his personal life was fraught with challenges.

Yet, it's in these imperfections that you’ll find the most compelling lessons. This book doesn't just idolize a historical figure; it humanizes him, presenting a relatable story of perseverance, leadership, and the complex pursuit of justice.

Even if you think history isn't your cup of tea, or you've never dived into the Civil War era before, this narrative offers a fresh perspective on the significance of understanding our past to navigate our future.

It's a reminder that heroes are not born from perfection but are shaped through their struggles and their resolve to push forward, no matter the odds.

If you're intrigued by the resilience of the human spirit and the intricate dance of history that shapes our world, then this exploration of Ulysses S. Grant's life is a Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now!

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

38 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

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18 books

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5 stars
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9 (34%)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
282 reviews
July 11, 2024
You can also see this review, along with others I have written, at my blog, Mr. Book's Book Reviews.

Mr. Book just finished Grant Unleashed: A Biography Of Ulysses S. Grant—The Union General And U.S. President Who Won The American Civil War And Saved The United States, by Aeon History.

This was nothing more than a cursory look at the life of Ulysses S. Grant. The book was too short for its topic and left a lot to be desired. When a short book can be effective, this one was not. It seemed to be written as an introduction to Grant, aimed at an audience of those who don’t know anything about the subjects of him, the Civil War, Reconstruction and his presidency. Whether it would be effective or not for that audience, I do not know. But for anyone with knowledge of Grant and his place in history, there is not enough substance here.

I give this book a C. Goodreads requires grades on a 1-5 star system. In my personal conversion system, a C equates to 2 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).

This review has been posted at my blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews, and Goodreads.

Mr. Book originally finished reading this on July 11, 2024.

Profile Image for Joel Allen.
Author 1 book
June 8, 2024
A well-written, fair and balanced assessment of a remarkable and flawed man. One who’s determination, tenacity and strategic thinking made him a great general but whose political naiveté and trusting nature caused him innumerable problems as a two-term president. Even then, his heart seemed to be in the right place most of the time; he just didn’t have the political skills to achieve his goals much of the time.

The authors make the case that Grant is a great American – on par with Washington, Lincoln, etc. That does seem to me to be a bit of an exaggeration but on the other hand if Grant had not come to the fore in the Civil War, and picked of the fallen flag left my one incompetent Union general after another, who knows if the Union would have prevailed. So there is that.
Profile Image for Phil.
Author 1 book24 followers
November 21, 2025
The idea of a book produced by "a team of experienced writers, thorough researchers, and dedicated educators," as Aeon History presents itself, is new to me. The result is clear and straightforward but lacks flair; still, I appreciate the factual account of the general's life and leadership during the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Nearly 25 years ago, I enjoyed Jean Edward Smith's engaging biography of Grant, which led me to read this e-book. While the style feels like a term paper, I value the review of Grant’s achievements and legacy.

118 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2025
I have read many biographies of General Grant plus his own memoirs. I found this addition well balanced between Grant's accomplishments and his failings. Like so many in the public eye, that which was an asset in one arena of life, became a millstone in another arena. What stayed through his military career and his political career was summed up well in the conclusion of this biography: Grent's resilience in war and in peace. Recommended if a reader desires a shorter but balanced biography.
31 reviews
July 14, 2024
Brief overview

I don't know much about Grant and thus, was interested to read this book. So it's hard to compare this to other books about him. Plus, I don't know how much information is available on his life. So, it was an interesting read but I found it sometimes a little choppy and it jumped around on occasion from one topic to another.
Profile Image for Bruce Cline.
Author 12 books9 followers
August 3, 2025
Good, not great

But good should be good enough for a short biography that, of necessity, leaves out as much if not more than is included. There are a dozen or more much more detailed high quality biographies and, of course, his wonderful autobiography, but this slim volume is a fine introduction for those not willing to take on heftier volumes.
Profile Image for Wanda Torres.
Author 2 books2 followers
January 4, 2026
Self help and bios always take me longer. But this bio was well written. You can tell the person/ people who wrote this had a fondness for President Grant. That has been passed on to me. Grant would have been a better president had he not trusted the wrong people, is the conclusion I can draw after reading this. Well done.
19 reviews
July 30, 2024
Good fair biography of Grant

This presented a fair biography of a complex man. He made many brilliant decisions, but often unwise in others. A resilient man who always seemed to try his best & be fair to all people regardless of race or one time enemies.
Profile Image for Victoria Griffith.
Author 2 books2 followers
July 24, 2024
well researched

I love historical books, so I enjoyed reading this biography. The book is well researched and humanizes Grant, making it both informative and engaging.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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