Books of the Day: Grant and Lee

Many proclaim these times to be an era of gloom and doom in America, but surely the internal debates and challenges the nation faces are as nothing when compared to July 4, 1865- 150 years ago.

The Civil War was not yet three months ended. The South was prostrate, under military rule; the North was governed by a new President, his substance unknown.

Two men who played leading roles in the times- and times to come- are the subjects of today's books of the day: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee.

Freeman, Douglas Southall, R.E. Lee: A Biography (Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1934-35; reissued, 1962). ISBN 684-10180-7. Pulitzer Prize Winner; still an

outstanding work in an age when nobody writes on this scale anymore. Even less appreciated is the gargantuan output and influence of Douglas Southall Freeman, of which the Lee biography is but a part. Henry Bemis’ birthday profile of Freeman is here.

Four volumes, hardcover, price clipped dust jackets, very good condition. Octavo, 646 pp (I); 621 pp (II); 569 pp (III); 619 pp (IV). HBB price $100.

Grant, Ulysses S., Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant, Volume 2 (Charles L. Webster Co., 1st ed., 1886). Hardcover, no dust jacket, green boards with gilt titling and Grant medallion on cover. Tissue guard with frontispiece illustration; 32 engraved illustrations and maps. Good condition; one signature (pp. 275-86) separated from topstitching. HBB price: $99.

For more information about any listed book, or more photos, please contact Lindsay at henrybemisbookseller@gmail.com. Henry Bemis Books is also happy to entertain reasonable offers on items in inventory. Shipping is always free; local buyers are welcome to drop by and pick up their purchases at our location off Peachtree Road in Northwest Charlotte if they like. #RareBooks #HenryBemisBooks #USGrantMemoirs #MarkTwain #DouglasSouthallFreeman #RobertELee #History