History channel's adaptation of Ron Chernow's "Grant" will be shown starting on Memorial Day at 9 pm eastern.
quote:
"Grant" tells the unbelievable and quintessentially American story of a humble man who overcomes incredible obstacles, rises to the highest ranks of power and saves the nation not once, but twice. With a seamless blend of dramatic scenes, expert commentary and beautifully enhanced archival imagery, this three-part series uncovers the true legacy of the American hero who led our nation during its greatest test, the Civil War and Reconstruction.
OK, with the disclaimer that I find Grant, Sherman and Lincoln to be a fascinating triumvirate - Grant was ANYTHING but humble... And, I'm not sure, but if they are referring to his presidency as when he "save the nation"... They've clearly never read a history of his presidency...
Posts: 5738 | Location: Republic of Ice Cream, Miami Beach, FL | Registered: May 24, 2007
I could easily argue at least once, while CinC - his strategy lead to the fall of Atlanta in July 1864, which not only doomed the Confederacy, it kept McClellan out out of the White House in the next election, so his Copperheads could not sue for peace.
I'm interested in the 'twice' bit though. Might be an interesting watch.
Posts: 15031 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: October 15, 2007
And he was a raging alcoholic, who, regularly, wasn’t fit to command, by his own admission. By the time he was president, he was pretty much soused constantly.
Posts: 5738 | Location: Republic of Ice Cream, Miami Beach, FL | Registered: May 24, 2007
I’ve read Chernow’s biography of Grant. While unlikely that Lin-Manuel Miranda will make a rollicking musical of it, the book is solid, objective, but describes Grant as having done the best he could under extremely difficult circumstances—I’m talking his post-Civil War presidency. If done well, the History Channel show will be worth watching. And if it leads to a lot of people reappraising the Grant presidency (and the man), that would be very good IMO.
_________________________ “ What all the wise men promised has not happened, and what all the damned fools said would happen has come to pass.”— Lord Melbourne
Posts: 18068 | Location: One hop from Paradise | Registered: July 27, 2004
I read Chernows fantastic biography of John D Rockerfeller. Best Bio I've ever read. So I went out and got Hamilton -this was long before the musical. Could not read it, difficult and boring.
Later, when the guy did the screenplay, I recognized that he was as stocked on Hamilton as I was about Rockerfeller. Hopefully that Grant book is equally good, I'll look for it.
Originally posted by sjtill: I’ve read Chernow’s biography of Grant. While unlikely that Lin-Manuel Miranda will make a rollicking musical of it, the book is solid, objective, but describes Grant as having done the best he could under extremely difficult circumstances—I’m talking his post-Civil War presidency. If done well, the History Channel show will be worth watching. And if it leads to a lot of people reappraising the Grant presidency (and the man), that would be very good IMO.
I listened to the audiobook and I agree with your post, the nepotism, poor business decisions, are not glossed over. I also believe he lead the nation through reconstruction and post civil war healing better than expectations.
The battle of the wilderness was probably his worst defeat but he learned from it and high casualties did weigh on him.
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Posts: 4786 | Location: Home | Registered: April 27, 2009
