History (Biography Reviews) - Essay Example

In describing his earlier campaigns, I have had recourse to much fuller material than in the latter portions. The reports of many subordinate commanders, Union and Confederate, have been published, and there are even critical commentaries upon these, which guard the historian against error. 1 The book gives presents only the military career of Grant although there are some parts that touch upon his personal life such as Chapter II which gives a background of his childhood and Cadet Life. Somehow, there is a good rationale for covering only Grant’s exploits since he is a very private person .

Although there are times where his ethics have been questioned, that has happened after the war. Like any individual who has been popular, there is always an inclination for politics. The book’s sequence of events is arranged chronologically with the sequence of events beginning with the start of the war. However, the author’s main purpose was not really to go into much detail of the war as expressed in the Preface. His writings were mainly focused on the plans made by the General, the way the plan was executed as well as the results of his campaign.

Perhaps, the author’s motive is to show the readers the General’s plans and his achievements. Unfortunately, the author cannot discuss completely the topics without getting into many details such as dates and names of people involved. The book was almost a journal that reported the daily battles of the subject. This makes the biography very authentic since it was written during the time that it happened. Moreover, the author personally knew the subject which makes the book a good primary source.

The author’s main point of view is that Grant was a successful General as he said “Grant is the first soldier of the age, and the most distinguished American of the Regenerated Republic”2 . The biography is recommended for readers who are interested in a detailed narration of military