The History Book Club discussion

**SPOILER ALERT**

This is a SPOILER thread so folks who are just reading this book for the first time should probably stay on the weekly non spoiler threads so that they do not encounter spoilers.

However, for those folks who have already read the entire book and who would like to have expansive or side discussions, this thread is that place.

This thread may and/or may not be moderated depending upon where the moderator is in their own reading,

However, at the very least at the end of the book, folks might want to add their comments as to how they liked the book here.

Jean Edward Smith

As people finish this book I am interested in knowing what your favorite biography of Grant is. This is the only one I have read, and I learned a lot. I liked the book but am wondering if other biographies are worth reading as well. I plan to read Grant's memoirs next year.

Garret, I have read that the memoirs are very worthwhile. Don't forget to cite when mentioning a book and author.

Smile!

Ulysses S. Grant

I heard this book was worthwhile Garrett:

Joan Waugh

I personally have not read the above.

And I think McFeeley won the Pulitzer for this one:

by William S. McFeely

But I think reading Grant's own words has to be the most powerful.

First of all, thanks Bentley for setting up this thread for us.

I loved McFeely's book and you are right about him winning the Pulitzer for it. It was awhile ago, but I remember it being much drier read than Smith's book. I enjoyed Smith's book more style wise.

McFeely puts in more content; it is a little denser and is also in the pro-Grant camp, but it is balanced. He covers more of the presidency if I remember correctly.

So, in different ways, I love both books.

William S. McFeely
Jean Edward Smith

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I watched a PBS documentary on Grant, Ulysses S. Grant: Warrior / President: American Experience. Despite being 4 hours long, it was a bit superficial! Nevertheless, it has a lot of great photos, film of many of the buildings and homes in the story of his life, and input from several historians that help give a broader perspective.

The website also has info, photos, political cartoons, timeline, bio, articles etc...

Garret wrote: "Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I watched a PBS documentary on Grant, Ulysses S. Grant: Warrior / President: American Experience. Despite being 4 hours long, it was a bit superficial! Nevert..."

Thanks, Garret for the link and insight on the documentary. It is a shame it wasn't as good as you might expect. I love the American Experience series.

Bryan wrote: "First of all, thanks Bentley for setting up this thread for us.

I loved McFeely's book and you are right about him winning the Pulitzer for it. It was awhile ago, but I remember it being much dri..."

No problem Bryan and this was a great read. I believe that folks are still catching up but I thoroughly enjoyed the book and you did a great job in moderating it.

Just a housekeeping note: I will be with my family for the Christmas holiday starting tomorrow night, and I will have patchy internet access. So, you might not hear from me until mid-week next week.

However, please keep reading and posting.

Also, I want to thank the participants for some great discussions.

Bryan wrote: "First of all, thanks Bentley for setting up this thread for us.

I loved McFeely's book and you are right about him winning the Pulitzer for it. It was awhile ago, but I remember it being much dri..."

I really liked Smith's book, and it's made me want to read more about Grant (especially his Presidency) and I'll probably try to get around to McFeely's book next. This is the first of our groups discussions that I've been able to follow on any kind of consistent basis and I truly enjoyed it. I'm planning on trying to be more consistently involved in the next Presidential discussion, coming up in February.
Thanks everyone!

by Jean Edward Smith

by William S. McFeely

Great, Steven, I look forward to your participation. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. It was a good book.