Eminent Lives: The Presidents Collection CD Set: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ulysses S. Grant

by James Atlas, Paul Johnson, Christopher Hitchens

Eminent Lives in american political history

A perfect gift for your favorite history buff, or for your own collection, this audio set from the acclaimed Eminent Lives series is a must for anyone interested in the story of America.


George Washington: The Founding Father

Celebrated journalist and historian Paul Johnson paints a vivid portrait of George Washington as a young entrepreneur, masterly commander-in-chief, patient Constitution maker, and wise president.


Thomas Jefferson: Author of America

Internationally renowned writer and political commentator Christopher Hitchens explores the life of Thomas Jefferson within the context of America's evolution, bringing him to life as both a man of his time and as a visionary who could see beyond it.


Ulysses S. Grant: The Unlikely Hero

Legendary editor and bestselling author Michael Korda provides a shrewd but sympathetic portrait of Ulysses S. Grant's successes and failures -- both military and political -- as he guided America through a crucial juncture in its history.

Read by Sam Tsoutsouvas

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published February 7, 2006

About the author

James Robert Atlas was a writer, especially of biographies, as well as a publisher. He was the president of Atlas & Company, and founding editor of the Penguin Lives Series.
He was born in 1949 outside Chicago, and attended Harvard University, studying under Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop with the intention to become a poet. He later attended Oxford University and studied under Richard Ellmann as a prestigious Rhodes Scholar. Here, he decided that he wanted to become a biographer.

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an audio book collection which includes three informative books about three of our most famous presidents. The first book in the set is "George Washington," by Paul Johnson. It relates Washington's life as a young man who was determined to make something of his life, and following this theme describes how Washington continued to pursue his goals. His describes his life as a surveyor, general, and president, as well as delves into his personal and business life. I came away with a much better understanding of the man who was our first president. I feel that Washington's determination is the defining quality which was to make him a great man.

The second book in this set was, "Thomas Jefferson," by Christopher Hitchens. Of the three books in this set, this is the one that I found the least interesting. It did not have as many engaging stories about the subject as the other two books did. After listening to this story, I came away not caring for Jefferson as much as I might have. He is portrayed as often being a politically ambitious and selfish man, which he probably was. I do admire what he did for our country, his intelligence, and his love of books, however.

The third and final book, "Ulysses S. Grant," by Michael Korda, was my favorite book in this set. It was interesting, witty, and included many fascinating details about Grant. I found that this book held my attention from beginning to end with it's engaging stories about Grant and how he struggled to make something of himself. I also gained a greater respect for the man who led our country during such a trying period.

Something that I found interesting, was the fact that all three books related information about the attitudes of these great men toward both Native Americans and blacks. It was interesting to compare the three men to one another in this area. You might be surprised to discover which of these men were the most prejudiced or bigoted toward each race, and which were the most interested in aiding these people.

[Ward Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very surprised by this book for several different reasons. Anyone who knows me well knows that I revere Thomas Jefferson as perhaps our greatest President even though he was clearly a flawed man. I selected this book because of another one of my influencers, Christopher Hitchens. He wrote Jefferson's piece. It was well done and informative. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if he had read it. But honestly, surprise number one, I enjoyed it the least of the three. Going into the book I thought, that's the one I want to hear/read, Washing will be OK, but I could do without Grant. Proof that the things we are taught as children have a lasting impression. We were taught that Lee was the great gentleman general in history and Grant was a drunken bum. My respect for Washington increased and I learned some interesting things, but it was Grant that stole the show. I wasn't totally surprised by this because as a big fan of Mark Twain I knew a bit about Grant's final years. My lesson is to read with an open mind. Now I must track down a copy of Grant's Memoir.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here are just a few facts that I learned from this book written by three authors who give overviews of the lives of the three men. Nothing specific stands out in Paul Johnson's overview of Washington, but I plan to read one of his books later. Hitchens writes how Jefferson wanted a new type of university - a classical school without religious leaders at U of VA. Korda writes that Grant was America's greatest general and that he disliked swearing and off color jokes.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three very interesting biographies, each of which reveals the human side of its subject. The Jefferson biographer does not make Jefferson look any better than Chernow did in Alexander Hamilton, and in fact he criticizes historians roundly for the decades-long (centuries-long?) cover-up of the Sally Hemings relationships.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew a lot about Washington and Jefferson, but not a lot about Grant. I was looking forward to the section about him, but the narrator was so aweful that it was difficult to concentrate while he droned on and on. The author made SEVERAL references to later battles in later wars and to later generals and later presidents in such a vague off handed way, that unless you are a student of these issues, you don't have a clue what the author is talking about.

I came away with more knowledge of Grant, but instead of not knowing much about him, I now do not like him.

I did learn more about Washington, and like him less.

I did not think that I could like Jefferson less, but, alas, I do.

I gave the book three stars because it is not the authors faults that I find the personal characters of these men lacking, which stems more from my personal perspective of the qualities that I find necessary to have in the people that I admire and choose to surround myself with. Lol. FYI, I am a loner. Go figure.

[Mark Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to listen to the portion of this audio compilation about Grant, but I really loved both the George Washington book and the Jefferson book. I think I'm just getting to the point where American history is starting to interest me, so maybe this wouldn't be that fascinating to other readers. That being said, all of the ins and outs of politics at the beginning of the United States are really fascinating. I especially loved Christopher Hitchen's take on Thomas Jefferson. It was laudatory but complicated, and didn't shy away from the obvious contradictions and defects in Jefferson's character. Great stuff about religion in the early days of the US.

[Chris Aldrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly fabulous. Hitchens' writing on Jefferson is truly spectacular and gives a great deal of insight into Hitchens' inner thinking and philosophy. Paul Johnson is as good as ever, writing clearly and concisely on a generally non-biased view of American history. The three sections can be done independently of each other as none seems to have dire or direct interrelation to each other for the general reader.

[James Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book on key figures in American History. I would read more of this series. I enjoyed the Grant section, there was an interesting summary of a life of an ordinary American Hero, and how events shaped the man as much as he shaped events.

[Bonita Brin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read the Thomas Jefferson. I haven't read the other two yet.

[David Cubbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

very enjoyable.....Gives one a great idea about early America.

[Michelle Mormul · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Christopher Hitchens cracks me up!

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good collection about three very important Presidents. I learned something new about each man. It was very well done and very well put together. Highly recommended.