Grant, Ulysses S. Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant. First Edition. Two Volumes. New York, Charles L. Webster & Company, 1885. 23 x 15 cm. Vol.1: 584 pages / Vol.2: 647 pages. Illustrated. Original deluxe three-quarter brown morocco, raised bands, circular gilt-stamped medallions on front and rear covers, marbled endpapers and edges. Very good condition. Sound bindings. Minor shelf wear, rubbing and bumping. Neat gift inscription to Library. Small library stamp (‘Peru Library’) on first blank of each volume. Occasional mild foxing. Internally bright and clean. A very nice set overall.

First edition of “one of the most valuable writings by a military commander in history,” illustrated with numerous steel engravings, facsimiles, and 43 maps, a very good copy in publisher’s deluxe binding.

After an ineffectual term as president, ruined by bankruptcy and dying of throat cancer, Grant agreed to publish his memoirs to provide a measure of economic security for his family. Mark Twain agreed to serve as the publisher. Struggling to dictate his notes to a stenographer, Grant finished his memoirs shortly before his death in the summer of 1885. “It seemed to Twain, sitting quietly near him in his bedroom at Sixtieth Street, that Grant had fully regained the stature of a hero” (Kaplan, 273). “No Union list of personal narratives could possibly begin without the story of the victorious general. A truly remarkable work” (New York Times). “Grant’s memoirs comprise one of the most valuable writings by a military commander in history” (Eicher 492). Dornbusch II:1986. Mullins & Reed 35.

• Keywords: Americas · Biography & Literary Criticism · Classical & Old Literature · Fine Bindings & Editions · History · History & Culture · Military · Politics · Reference
• Language: English
• First edition
• Inventory Number: 104352AB

Our price: EUR 600,--