Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant
1885/6 -- NYC: Charles L. Webster
Ulysses S. Grant. From alcoholic & failed businessman,
to Lieutenant General of the U.S. Army (a rank not held since George
Washington), to the Presidency, to scandal, decline, & bankruptcy. To a
dying man working furiously in his last days to finish the autobiography that
would restore his family's name and fortune. (Published by a brand new company
begun by Mark Twain!)
Grant's memoirs were an instant phenomenon, and still are today. A set of
these First Editions most recently got screen time in the 2020 movie
"Midway," in the hands of Admiral Yamamoto.
They're famous because they deserve to be. Grant's
encylopedic memory and open, engaging writing style made the book a
page-turner. It is a goldmine of Civil War history, fleshed out by many maps as
well as foldout copies of a couple of his hand-written letters. It set the bar
high for military autobiography and launched the brand-new Charles L. Webster
publishing house to unimagined heights.
CONDITION
VG+ Antiquarian. This set is lovely. The green cloth is rich, with only small rubs/smudges. The gilt shows slight wear and is still brilliant. Boards are straight, spines intact with lightly worn heads & tails, joints excellent. Light typical shelfwear to corners. Erasures at lower section of spines (see photos). Small ownership stamps on bottom fore-edges.
Inside, books are complete including all endpapers & tissue protectors. Vol II hinges original & intact, Vol I hinges professionally repaired (see photos). Remnants of card holders or bookplates on front pastedowns, small stamps on front endpapers. Textblocks tightly bound with nothing loose. Title pages show remnants of erasures (see photos). Pages are supple, handsome, and bright. All 3 foldouts excellent, the yellow-paper Appomattox facsimile has one small repair on back to a closed tear.
VALUATION
These books are always popular, and good-looking ones are increasingly rare. If you're in the market, you know how hard it is to find them and the crazy prices being asked. I love a set like this -- beautiful, presentable, something to be proud of; but not too precious to hold, open, read, and enjoy. Starting price is extra low. Good Luck & Happy Bidding!
***FREE SHIPPING!***
Vol 1 647pp
Vol 2 584pp
9 1/2" x 6 1/4"