A General Who Will Fight: The Leadership of Ulysses S. Grant

Laver (Citizens More Than Soldiers) takes an in-depth look at Ulysses S. Grant's military success in his latest historical study. He argues against popular explanations of Grant's success, like those that merely attribute his victory to the Federal's army wealth of men and resources. Instead, Laver shows how Grant's inherent leadership skills were fundamental to his rise to U.S. commanding general. He studies each of Grant's battles in minute detail, and then analyzes them for Grant's mistakes and accomplishments. Unfortunately, Laver's analyses aren't as elaborate as his detailed historical facts, as he depends primarily on vague words and ideas such as Grant's "analytical determination", which results in each battle analysis sounding the same instead of building from the last. Laver also studies Grant's professional relationships, such as his insecure one with General Henry W. Halleck, his superior for most of his early career during the war, and his friendship with a supportive President Lincoln. This book is best for military buffs and historians; Laver's writing style and use of incredible detail will prove dry for the average reader. (Dec.)