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United States. Army -- Biography Books
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Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete
"Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Complete" by Ulysses S. Grant is an autobiography written in 1884-1885. Racing against terminal throat cancer and financial ruin from a Ponzi scheme, the former president and Civil War general chronicled his military campaigns through the Mexican-American War and Civil War. Mark Twain intervened to publish the work, creating an innovative marketing campaign that transformed Grant's final act into one of the nineteenth century's bestselling books, saving his family from destitution while establishing an enduring literary legacy.
William T. (William Tecumseh) Sherman
Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete
"Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete" by William T. Sherman is a historical account created during the late 19th century. The text offers a personal perspective on the American Civil War from the viewpoint of one of its prominent military leaders, General Sherman, while also providing insights into his early life, military career, and reflections on the conflicts in which he participated. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Sherman's recounting of his life experiences, emphasizing his role as a witness to pivotal events in American history rather than presenting a comprehensive history of the Civil War. Sherman describes the lack of satisfactory historical documentation available to the public shortly after the war's conclusion, expressing an intent to share his memories and observations to assist future historians. He discusses his formative years, the background of his family, and the influences that shaped his character, establishing a personal connection with readers that enhances the understanding of his military strategies and decisions in later chapters.
Philip Henry Sheridan
Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan, General, United States Army — Complete
"Personal Memoirs of P. H. Sheridan, General, United States Army — Complete" by Philip Henry Sheridan is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book details the life and military career of General Sheridan, emphasizing his experiences during pivotal moments in American history, particularly the Civil War. Sheridan's narrative aims to provide an authentic recount of his contributions to the nation while maintaining humility about his role and avoiding personal glorification. The opening of this memoir introduces readers to Sheridan's early life, starting with his ancestry and family background. He describes his parents' immigration to America from Ireland, his childhood in Ohio, and the challenges his family faced as settlers. The text outlines his educational experiences and his ambition to become a soldier, culminating in his appointment to West Point. Sheridan also touches on his military training, including hazing and competition with peers, which sets the stage for his future achievements in the army. As a whole, the beginning of the memoir establishes the foundations of Sheridan's character and aspirations, blending personal anecdotes with historical context to provide insight into his formative years.
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Army Life in a Black Regiment
"Army Life in a Black Regiment" by Thomas Wentworth Higginson is a historical account written in the late 19th century that chronicles the experiences of the First South Carolina Volunteers, the first regiment of formerly enslaved African-Americans mustered into the U.S. Army during the Civil War. The narrative is anchored in Higginson's reflections as he assumes command of this unique regiment, and it delves into the challenges and triumphs of training and leading a group of men who had the time only begun to transition from slavery to soldiering. The opening of this work sets the scene as Higginson receives the unexpected offer to lead the first regiment comprised almost entirely of enslaved men, navigating his own apprehensions and expectations about their capabilities. He reflects on the societal perceptions of black soldiers, the rigor of military discipline needed to mold them into effective fighters, and the cultural richness of their backgrounds. As the narrative unfolds, Higginson begins to appreciate the soldiers' quick adaptability to military drills and their vibrant spirit, which combines both camaraderie and resilience. The early entries of the camp diary provide glimpses into camp life, revealing the soldiers' personalities, struggles, and the evolving dynamics of a regiment grounded in hope and the pursuit of freedom.
Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
Project Gutenberg Edition of The Memoirs of Four Civil War Generals
"Project Gutenberg Edition of The Memoirs of Four Civil War Generals" by Grant et al. is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work provides a collection of memoirs from four prominent generals of the American Civil War: Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, Philip Sheridan, and John A. Logan. It offers insights into their personal experiences, military strategies, and reflections on the war, making it a valuable resource for those interested in American history and military affairs. The opening of the memoirs introduces the structure of the book, detailing the contents, which are organized into separate volumes for each general. Ulysses S. Grant begins by reflecting on his early life, including his ancestry and experiences at West Point, giving readers an understanding of his background prior to the Civil War. Each chapter outlined in the content summary hints at a comprehensive narrative that combines personal anecdotes with significant historical events, setting the stage for the generals' accounts, their military careers, and their views on the intense struggles of the Civil War.
Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant — Volume 2
"Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant — Volume 2" by Ulysses S. Grant is an autobiography written in 1884-1885. The work chronicles Grant's military career during the Mexican–American War and Civil War, written as the dying president battled terminal throat cancer and personal bankruptcy from a Ponzi scheme. Published by Mark Twain after Grant's death, the memoirs became a 19th-century bestseller through an unprecedented marketing campaign. Critics have praised Grant's lean, intelligent prose and his candid depiction of battlefield struggles and internal Army conflicts.
Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant — Volume 1
"Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant — Volume 1" by Ulysses S. Grant is an autobiography written in 1884-1885. Racing against terminal throat cancer and financial ruin from a Ponzi scheme, the dying president chronicles his military career through the Mexican-American War and Civil War. Mark Twain, recognizing his friend's exploitation by publishers, intervened to secure better terms and orchestrated an unprecedented marketing campaign using Union veterans as door-to-door salesmen. The result became one of the nineteenth century's bestselling books.
Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
Memoirs of the Union's Three Great Civil War Generals
"Memoirs of the Union's Three Great Civil War Generals" by Ulysses S. Grant et al. is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work consists largely of personal reflections and recollections by Ulysses S. Grant, as well as contributions from fellow generals William T. Sherman and Philip H. Sheridan. The memoirs cover significant events of their military careers, particularly during the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. The opening of the memoirs presents Grant's preface, where he reflects on the motivations and challenges he faced while writing his memoirs. He discusses his initial reluctance to enter into public writing, the circumstances that led him to change his mind—including a request from a magazine editor during a period of financial difficulty—and his concern about fairness to his fellow soldiers, both Union and Confederate. Grant emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in recounting his experiences and expresses a desire to avoid doing injustice to anyone, acknowledging the limits of his memory in narrating the vast complexities of the Civil War. The narrative begins with his ancestry and early life, setting the stage for his eventual rise to prominence as a key military figure.
William T. (William Tecumseh) Sherman
Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Volume II., Part 4
"Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Volume II, Part 4" by William T. Sherman is a historical account reflecting on the Civil War era, specifically during the late 19th century. This volume details Sherman’s military campaigns, particularly his famous "March to the Sea" from Atlanta to Savannah in late 1864. The narrative is likely to focus on military strategies, the organization of troops, and the impact of this destructive campaign on both the Southern landscape and the war's progress. The opening of this volume sets the stage for Sherman's military operations as he breaks communication with the rear, mobilizes his forces, and embarks on a strategic path toward Savannah. It introduces the structure of his army divided into two wings commanded by experienced generals, demonstrating his attention to detail in troop organization and logistics. As the campaign progresses, Sherman describes the challenges of foraging, the destruction of enemy resources, and the morale of his men as they embark on this significant mission, all while highlighting encounters with locals, illustrating the human side of war amidst the calculated military maneuvers.
William T. (William Tecumseh) Sherman
Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Volume I., Part 2
"Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Volume I., Part 2" by William T. Sherman is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book details Sherman's personal recollections and observations from the Civil War, specifically from 1861 to 1862, including major events and characters involved in the conflict. It offers insights into the military strategies, challenges, and political dynamics of the time, shaped by Sherman's firsthand experiences and reflections. At the start of the memoir, Sherman addresses the delicate nature of recounting the Civil War, indicating that truths about the conflict can be contentious and sensitive due to its emotional weight. He describes his initial military assignments following the outbreak of war, his interactions with significant military figures, and the preparations leading to the First Battle of Bull Run. The beginning of the memoir sets the stage for future challenges and battles, as Sherman navigates the chaos of war, potential political repercussions, and the complexities of army organization amidst the backdrop of a divided nation.
Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Part 1.
"Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Part 1." by Ulysses S. Grant is an autobiography written in 1884-1885. Racing against terminal cancer and financial ruin, the former president and Civil War general chronicles his military career through the Mexican-American War and Civil War. Written in his final year while battling throat cancer and bankruptcy from a Ponzi scheme, Grant's memoirs became a 19th-century bestseller through Mark Twain's innovative marketing. The work is celebrated for its honest, lean prose and candid depiction of military and political battles.
Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) Grant
Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Part 6.
"Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Part 6." by Ulysses S. Grant is an autobiography written in 1884-1885. Racing against terminal throat cancer and financial ruin from a devastating Ponzi scheme, the former president and Civil War general chronicles his military career. With Mark Twain as publisher, the memoirs became a nineteenth-century bestseller through an unprecedented marketing campaign. This final volume captures Grant's candid reflections on war, written as a desperate effort to secure his family's future.
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