"Calhoun’s work deserves to educate the public as to how a general can ride a wave of popular support to change the nation while avoiding demagoguery."—The History
"Calhoun traces Grant’s transformation from a celebrated general to an emerging politico who shrewdly survived the period when Andrew Johnson’s presidency was rendered irrelevant. The hefty goal of interrogating the well-established historical negatives of Grant’s presidency demands nothing less than the diligent methodology of a disciplined investigator—and Calhoun delivers."—Congress & the Presidency
"Calhoun, one of the most gifted historians of the Gilded Age, turns his attention to the Grant administration with a meticulously researched, shrewdly argued, and elegantly written contribution."—Journal of Southern History
"Calhoun breaks the mold of works that have explored Grant’s presidency. He has produced a meticulously researched biography, rich in detail and endnotes, which does the Grant administration ample justice."—Reviews in History
"Calhoun’s massive study of Grant’s presidency is a masterpiece of historical investigation and writing. Essential."—Choice
"With sound research and skillful writing, Calhoun offers a balanced treatment of the Grant administration that will likely be definitive for many years."—Library Journal
“A magnificent contribution to the study of the Grant presidency. It is a beautifully written and the most thorough study of the Grant administrations. What emerges is a staunch defense of Grant against the charges of corruption leveled by previous historians, and, a massive documentation of Grant’s steadfast commitment to the rights of black freedmen.”—Michael F. Holt, author of By One Vote: The Disputed Presidential Election of 1876
“Eminent historian Charles Calhoun’s new book takes Grant’s presidency beyond the superficial corrupt label it has been dismissed with into a more accurate place of importance. Without soft peddling the difficulties of Grant’s time in the Executive Mansion, Calhoun’s new book demonstrates just how important a president this quiet man was. Well-researched and well-written, this book is a must read for scholars and others interested in gaining accurate insight about a major American leader.”—John F. Marszalek, Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History and executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Mississippi State University
“Once deemed one of the nation’s worst presidents by scholars and pundits alike, Ulysses S. Grant’s reputation as a politician and chief executive has improved during the past three decades. Now comes Charles W. Calhoun’s comprehensive overview of the eighteenth president’s administration, examining both its achievements and shortcomings with discerning insight. At last Grant can claim fair treatment in this judicious study.”—Brooks D. Simpson, author of The Reconstruction Presidents
"This extraordinary history helps restore the reputation of a genuine American hero. This volume, the first to cover the Grant presidency in over two generations, is a window on eight years of success and attempts to reconcile sections of a country still at war with itself. The author is fair in portraying Grant as energized, patriotic, and loyal—sometimes too loyal. Far from being a corrupt administration, Grant’s strengths as a leader have a profound positive effect on American culture in civil liberties for African Americans, the American economy, and diplomacy. This is a must read for all who cherish the American republic."—Frank J. Williams is the President of The Ulysses S. Grant Association and Presidential Library and the retired Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court
10/01/2017
Despite several recent biographies of Ulysses S. Grant (1822-85), none have concentrated exclusively on his eight-year presidency. Calhoun (history, East Carolina Univ.; Benjamin Harrison) remedies this with a wide-ranging examination of the former general's administration. This work presents a substantial chronological and topical analysis covering not only major events of the era, such as Reconstruction, but other issues of the time: currency, corruption, patronage, and foreign affairs. Grant emerges not as a military general out of his element but rather a capable administrator who understood that his greatest challenges would emerge from both expected matters and unanticipated concerns. The former included ongoing Reconstruction in the South in the face of stiff resistance. While foreign affairs and banking provided ongoing problems, corruption scandals emerging both outside and within Grant's circle of advisors and family created some of his most difficult challenges. VERDICT With sound research and skillful writing, Calhoun offers a balanced treatment of the Grant administration that will likely be definitive for many years. Its straightforward organization and greatest strength make it accessible to both interested general readers and professional historians.—Charles K. Piehl, Minnesota State Univ., Mankato
