Grant

Published in 2017, the biography aims to dismantle the historical myth that Grant was a brilliant general but a failed, alcoholic president. Chernow argues that Grant was actually a highly effective and morally courageous chief executive who championed civil rights for Black Americans and Native Americans.

Yes, the biography details Grant's service in the Mexican-American War, where he served under General Zachary Taylor. Chernow explores how this early military experience profoundly shaped Grant's strategic mind, despite his personal moral opposition to that specific war.

Chernow treats the alcoholism as a serious, lifelong battle rather than a punchline, meticulously documenting Grant's binges and periods of sobriety. He concludes that while Grant struggled with alcohol throughout his military career, he was mostly able to manage it during his two terms as president.

Chernow heavily contrasts Grant's pragmatic, aggressive military approach with the aristocratic background of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The book focuses heavily on their final showdowns in the Civil War and the generous surrender terms Grant offered at Appomattox Court House in 1865.