Book description
The #1 New York Times bestseller and New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2017
"Eminently readable but thick with import . . . Grant hits like a Mack truck of knowledge." --Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic
Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Chernow returns with a sweeping and dramatic portrait of one of our most compelling generals and presidents, Ulysses S. Grant.
Ulysses S. Grant's life has typically been misunderstood. All too often he is caricatured as a chronic loser and an inept businessman, or as the triumphant but brutal Union general of the Civil War. But these stereotypes don't come close to capturing him, as Chernow shows in his masterful biography, the first to provide a complete understanding of the general and president whose fortunes rose and fell with dizzying speed and frequency.
Before the Civil War, Grant was flailing. His business ventures had ended dismally, and despite distinguished service in the Mexican War he ended up resigning from the army in disgrace amid recurring accusations of drunkenness. But in war, Grant began to realize his remarkable potential, soaring through the ranks of the Union army, prevailing at the battle of Shiloh and in the Vicksburg campaign, and ultimately defeating the legendary Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Along the way, Grant endeared himself to President Lincoln and became his most trusted general and the strategic genius of the war effort. Grant's military fame translated into a two-term presidency, but one plagued by corruption scandals involving his closest staff members.
More important, he sought freedom and justice for black Americans, working to crush the Ku Klux Klan and earning the admiration of Frederick Douglass, who called him "the vigilant, firm, impartial, and wise protector of my race." After his presidency, he was again brought low by a dashing young swindler on Wall Street, only to resuscitate his image by working with Mark Twain to publish his memoirs, which are recognized as a masterpiece of the genre.
With lucidity, breadth, and meticulousness, Chernow finds the threads that bind these disparate stories together, shedding new light on the man whom Walt Whitman described as "nothing heroic... and yet the greatest hero." Chernow's probing portrait of Grant's lifelong struggle with alcoholism transforms our understanding of the man at the deepest level. This is America's greatest biographer, bringing movingly to life one of our finest but most underappreciated presidents. The definitive biography, Grant is a grand synthesis of painstaking research and literary brilliance that makes sense of all sides of Grant's life, explaining how this simple Midwesterner could at once be so ordinary and so extraordinary.
Named one of the best books of the year by Goodreads * Amazon * The New York Times * Newsday * BookPage * Barnes and Noble * Wall Street Journal
The #1 New York Times bestseller and New York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2017 “Eminently readable but thick with import . . . Grant hits like a Mack truck of knowledge.” —Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Chernow returns with a sweeping and dramatic portrait of one of our most compelling generals and presidents, Ulysses S. Grant. Ulysses S. Grant's life has typically been misunderstood. All too often he is caricatured as a chronic loser and an inept businessman, or as the triumphant but brutal Union general of the Civil War. But these stereotypes don't come close to capturing him, as Chernow shows in his masterful biography, the first to provide a complete understanding of the general and president whose fortunes rose and fell with dizzying speed and frequency. Before the Civil War, Grant was flailing. His business ventures had ended dismally, and despite distinguished service in the Mexican War he ended up resigning from the army in disgrace amid recurring accusations of drunkenness. But in war, Grant began to realize his remarkable potential, soaring through the ranks of the Union army, prevailing at the battle of Shiloh and in the Vicksburg campaign, and ultimately defeating the legendary Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Along the way, Grant endeared himself to President Lincoln and became his most trusted general and the strategic genius of the war effort. Grant’s military fame translated into a two-term presidency, but one plagued by corruption scandals involving his closest staff members. More important, he sought freedom and justice for black Americans, working to crush the Ku Klux Klan and earning the admiration of Frederick Douglass, who called him “the vigilant, firm, impartial, and wise protector of my race.” After his presidency, he was again brought low by a dashing young swindler on Wall Street, only to resuscitate his image by working with Mark Twain to publish his memoirs, which are recognized as a masterpiece of the genre. With lucidity, breadth, and meticulousness, Chernow finds the threads that bind these disparate stories together, shedding new light on the man whom Walt Whitman described as “nothing heroic... and yet the greatest hero.” Chernow’s probing portrait of Grant's lifelong struggle with alcoholism transforms our understanding of the man at the deepest level. This is America's greatest biographer, bringing movingly to life one of our finest but most underappreciated presidents. The definitive biography, Grant is a grand synthesis of painstaking research and literary brilliance that makes sense of all sides of Grant's life, explaining how this simple Midwesterner could at once be so ordinary and so extraordinary. Named one of the best books of the year by Goodreads • Amazon • The New York Times • Newsday • BookPage • Barnes and Noble • Wall Street Journal
Dropkick
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Midnight Rider
With ListenBook Pro, I can customize the tone of the sound to match my preferences – it's a fantastic touch. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. 🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing.
The Flying Mouse
ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient.
LocKz
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption – a fantastic way to measure my progress. I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Gold Dahlia
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. This app has transformed my daily routine into moments of literary delight. 🎶📚 Enriching my environment with the power of storytelling – audiobooks infuse my home with literary magic. 🎧🏠 Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
Sloth
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail.
The Shield Toronto
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊 With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
SereneScribe
ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Demolition Queen
Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. 📖📱 Beautiful layout and easy access to chapters. Really impressed with ListenBook.
Wonder Lady
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Patton Digger
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
CyberScribe
From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats.
Pocket Muzzie
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant – it's that good! This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧
PepperBurst
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience.
Dr. Cocktail
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become effortless, regardless of the source. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations.
Irish Dze
💼 Making work hours enjoyable – audiobooks turn my tasks into learning opportunities and moments of joy. 💻📖 Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use.
Lskeee
I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. 👩🍳 Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! 🍳🎧 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process.
Blackfire
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. 🔥 Elevating my reading routine to new heights – this app is a real page-turner! 📚🚀 ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Z-Boy
Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
High Heel Goddess
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch – it's like having a personalized reading.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience