Grant

[Steve]

I thought this review of Chernow's Grant might be of interest to some readers:

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2018/05/...lent-type/

[Rsmyth]

The problem with books on Grant is that if you read 5 of them you may think they were written about different people. The facts are the facts but when the authors delve into and try to decipher his personality they differ on such things as his drinking problem, politics, presidency and was he the greatest general in modern times. What I find fascinating is that his wife, Julia, brought slaves into the marriage and even took them with her as she followed her husband during the Civil War until finally releasing them half way through the war.

[LincolnMan]

(05-09-2018 07:46 AM)Rsmyth Wrote:  The problem with books on Grant is that if you read 5 of them you may think they were written about different people. The facts are the facts but when the authors delve into and try to decipher his personality they differ on such things as his drinking problem, politics, presidency and was he the greatest general in modern times. What I find fascinating is that his wife, Julia, brought slaves into the marriage and even took them with her as she followed her husband during the Civil War until finally releasing them half way through the war.

Kind of true in regards to Lincoln also. That's why it is wise to read as many books as one can about a subject to obtain a balanced view-hopefully.

[RJNorton]

The History Channel's miniseries entitled Grant begins during the evening of Memorial Day.

[davg2000]

This series is the sort of thing which a network calling itself the "History Channel" should do way more often. Instead of the dubious "history" of "Pawn Stars," "American Pickers," "Forged in Fire," various UFO offerings, etc., "Grant" is a solid depiction of the great man's life. The acting has been good, and general's story is discussed by various Grant experts, among them Ron Chernow and Allen Guelzo. If you watch, though, record it to watch later. I understand that the History Channel has to make money, but the ratio of commercials to content is excruciating, something like four minutes of ads to seven minutes of program. I'm going to watch the whole thing, but I will fast forward through the commercials.

[RJNorton]

Vicki and I began watching last night. Dave, I agree with what you said about the commercials. I am really impressed with the acting. We loved the scene during the Mexican War where Grant strapped himself to one side of his horse and raced through enemy fire using the horse as a shield. He was sent on a mission to get more ammunition.

[J. Beckert]

(05-27-2020 05:41 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  Vicki and I began watching last night. Dave, I agree with what you said about the commercials. I am really impressed with the acting. We loved the scene during the Mexican War where Grant strapped himself to one side of his horse and raced through enemy fire using the horse as a shield. He was sent on a mission to get more ammunition.

I think it was a well done documentary. Grant has be maligned many times and I really felt this showed the human side of the man. Warts and all.

[Dennis Urban]

The number of commercials almost caused me to stop watching several times but I persevered. Having read the book, I wanted to see how true it was to the written word. Booth stopping the Grant carriage to peer inside should have been true to the actual daylight event. The actual event was in a different style open carriage and was even more dramatic than that depicted in the film. That scene could have begun with Booth giving the letter to Matthews, then Matthews noticed the carriage and pointed it out to Booth. Booth confirmed it was Grant and realized Grant would not be at the theatre thus he came armed for one kill shot.

[ReignetteC]

I have especially enjoyed the commentary that seeps throughout the series. The depth of expertise is well noted.

With regard to Lincoln's funeral, one of the commentators said that "Only days after coming back from Appomattox . . . now Grant is tasked with planning the funeral of a man who not only had been his president . . . ."

Is that correct? Was Grant in charge of planning Lincoln's funeral?

[RJNorton]

I do not think Grant was in charge. He may have had some input, but I believe I have read that the funeral arrangements were made by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and the Congressional Committee on Obsequies.

[LincolnMan]

I did not see the series. I’m judging from the comments it was worth seeing. Did it give Grant an accurate portrayal of his alcohol use?

[RJNorton]

(07-05-2020 08:41 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Did it give Grant an accurate portrayal of his alcohol use?

Bill, as I recall, the miniseries discussed Grant's drinking, but that this habit should not "define" his life and accomplishments.

[LincolnMan]

Well that’s good. Hopefully I’ll be able to catch it in the future-and hopefully it will be shown at an earlier hour. I get up at 5-staying up until 11 is challenging.