In the spring of 1884 Ulysses S. Grant heeded the advice of Mark Twain and finally agreed to write his memoirs. Little did Grant or Twain realize that this seemingly straightforward decision would profoundly alter not only both their lives but the course of American literature. Over the next fifteen months, as the two men became close friends and intimate collaborators, Grant raced against the … spread of cancer to compose a triumphant account of his life and times—while Twain struggled to complete and publish his greatest novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.In this deeply moving and meticulously researched book, veteran writer Mark Perry reconstructs the heady months when Grant and Twain inspired and cajoled each other to create two quintessentially American masterpieces.
In a bold and colorful narrative, Perry recounts the early careers of these two giants, traces their quest for fame and elusive fortunes, and then follows the series of events that brought them together as friends. The reason Grant let Twain talk him into writing his memoirs was simple: He was bankrupt and needed the money. Twain promised Grant princely returns in exchange for the right to edit and publish the book—and though the writer’s own finances were tottering, he kept his word to the general and his family.
Mortally ill and battling debts, magazine editors, and a constant crush of reporters, Grant fought bravely to get the story of his life and his Civil War victories down on paper. Twain, meanwhile, staked all his hopes, both financial and literary, on the tale of a ragged boy and a runaway slave that he had been unable to finish for decades. As Perry delves into the story of the men’s deepening friendship and mutual influence, he arrives at the startling discovery of the true model for the character of Huckleberry Finn.
With a cast of fascinating characters, including General William T. Sherman, William Dean Howells, William Henry Vanderbilt, and Abraham Lincoln, Perry’s narrative takes in the whole sweep of a glittering, unscrupulous age. A story of friendship and history, inspiration and desperation, genius and ruin, Grant and Twain captures a pivotal moment in the lives of two towering Americans and the age they epitomized.
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This dual biography lets us look into the lives of two men who had a huge impact not only on their own era, but ours as well.
Great men!!! Great times and actions… whole new way to look at the same… Thanks you. A good writer here.
This book provided a wonderful biography of U.S. Grant as well as his relationship with Mark Twain and the resulting autobiography of Grant. Writing his biography kept Grant alive in his last years of suffering from cancer.
I really enjoyed this book because while its focus is on the relatively short period of time Grant and Twain were friends, it also includes a good background of both men (so if you don’t want to read long biographies of Grant and Twain but would like to learn something about them, this is the book for you!).
The story of Twain writing Huck Finn …
So interesting to read… makes me wish I could have met Twain and Grant in person!
Great look at both men.
Brings out an interesting relationship between Grant and Twain.
Wrote a review earlier. Good, Informative history of two great Americans of the early 20th century, Twain and U. S. Grant and thier collaboration in completing their seminal books Buck Finn and U.S. Giant’s 2 Volume Memoirs, finished on l y a few days before his death.
I found rhe book to be fairly easy to read and interesting. Delves lightly into the lives of both men at a specific time when they became acquaintances, businees partners regarding Grants memoirs, and friends. Was an interesting and timely intersection for each. Worth reading.
A unique look at two men who’s lives were strlckingly similar but who are rarely associated with one another. Great historical reading with insightful research and documentation. An interesting book for the history buff.
I enjoyed this book because it gave me a new view of the two main characters. As different as their personalities were, they became friends. The brief bio of Grant and Twain showed that they shared similar experiences though they followed completely different paths to their writing careers.
A wonderful account of the convergence of two great American personalities at a
critical time.
The fascinating connections between these men enhanced my understanding of their times and our nation’s history.
This book inspired me to read both Grant’s Memoirs and his biography. While it was non-fiction, it almost read like a novel. It gave both details and insight. In general, a very good read.
I didn’t like doing book reports as a kid, and I don’t like them very much now–but I do realize these reviews can be helpful to other readers. I’ll keep it brief. I am very much a Civil War buff, and Ulysses Grant has always fascinated me. He was a quiet, humble man (today we would characterize him as having low self esteem) as opposed to the …
Read in 2 sittings. Very informative. I always admired Twain and Grant. Loved the book !!
Tells the tale of the last years of Grant’s life as he attempts to recover from bankruptcy. Instills Grant”’s exceptional moral character and paints Sam Clemens (Mark Twain)in a light seldom seen.