Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, First Edition, Two-Volume Set, Circa 1885-1886

Grant, Ulysses S. Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant. New York: Charles L. Webster and Co., 1885-1886. Two volume set. First edition. Octavo. Period green cloth boards with gilt medallions, titles, and “shoulder strap” design on the spine. 

This complete two-volume set of Ulysses S. Grant’s Personal Memoirs was published in 1885 and 1886, by Charles L. Webster and Company, New York. Volume I features a facsimile signature and dedication from Grant on the page adjacent to the copyright page. The inscription reads, “These volumes are dedicated to the American soldier and sailor...,New York City, May 23rd 1885.” This “shoulder strap” edition is artfully bound in period green cloth with gilt medallions and titles to the front boards and a gilt-decorated spine band that evokes the stars on an officer’s shoulder strap. The edition features engraved black and white illustrations and numerous maps, and fold-out facsimiles of the original terms of Lee's surrender, General Buckner's dispatch, and "Map of the Seat of War." 

Grant’s Memoirs recount his childhood and personal history, his military career during the Mexican-American War, and offer historical perspective to his role in the American Civil War. Mark Twain is partially credited with encouraging Grant’s memoirs, as he predicted the work to be a source of future financial success that would support Grant’s family after his death. Volume I was published posthumously in 1885, after Grant died in July of the same year.

Twain wrote in his personal autobiography of 1924: “I had been comparing the memoirs with Caesar's Commentaries… I placed the two books side by side on the same level.” Similarly, the book was applauded by individuals such as Gertrude Stein and Matthew Arnold during its time. “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). For some time, Grant's work was overshadowed by his critics. However, today's scholars now recognize Grant as one of the most influential and progressive leaders the country has seen, especially given that he was elected during one of the most difficult times in American history. 

Grant’s Memoirs were originally sold door-to-door by former Union soldiers. The books became a common household staple in support of Grant and his family, who received 75% of the net royalties from the work and managed to re-establish their fortune.

CONDITION:

Very good +. Green cloth boards, with gilt medallions and title on front boards, and gilt titles on spine. Shoulder strap binding. Toning and mild staining, occasional foxing. Some bumping. Complete with frontispieces and all illustrations, maps, tissue-guarded plates and fold out facsimiles. Pages clean.

Book Dimensions: 9 ½” H x 6 ¾” W x 1 ¾” (Vol I) 9 ½” H x 6 ¾” W x 2” (Vol II). 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.