Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged - Hardcover
They met in person only four times, yet these two men—Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee—determined the outcome of America's most divisive war and cast larger-than-life shadows over their reunited nation. They came from vastly different backgrounds: Lee from a distinguished family of waning fortunes; Grant, a young man on the make in a new America. Differing circumstances colored their outlooks on life: Lee, the melancholy realist; Grant, the incurable optimist.
Then came the Civil War that made them both commanders of armies, leaders of men, and heroes to the multitudes of Americans then and since who rightfully place them in the pantheon of our greatest soldiers. Forged in battle as generals, these two otherwise very different men became almost indistinguishable in their instincts, attributes, attitudes, and skills in command.
Each the subject of innumerable biographies, Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee have never before been paired as they are here. Exploring their personalities, their characters, their ethical and moral compasses, and their political and military worlds, William C. Davis, one of America's preeminent historians, uses substantial, newly discovered evidence on both men to find surprising similarities between them, as well as new insights and unique interpretations on how their lives prepared them for the war they fought and influenced how they fought it.
Crucible of Command is both a gripping narrative of the final year of the war and a fresh, revealing portrait of these two great commanders as they took each other's measure across the battlefield with the aid of millions of men.
Then came the Civil War that made them both commanders of armies, leaders of men, and heroes to the multitudes of Americans then and since who rightfully place them in the pantheon of our greatest soldiers. Forged in battle as generals, these two otherwise very different men became almost indistinguishable in their instincts, attributes, attitudes, and skills in command.
Each the subject of innumerable biographies, Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee have never before been paired as they are here. Exploring their personalities, their characters, their ethical and moral compasses, and their political and military worlds, William C. Davis, one of America's preeminent historians, uses substantial, newly discovered evidence on both men to find surprising similarities between them, as well as new insights and unique interpretations on how their lives prepared them for the war they fought and influenced how they fought it.
Crucible of Command is both a gripping narrative of the final year of the war and a fresh, revealing portrait of these two great commanders as they took each other's measure across the battlefield with the aid of millions of men.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
William C. Davis is the author or editor of more than fifty books in the fields of Civil War and Southern history, as well as numerous documentary screenplays. A three-time winner of the Jefferson Davis Award, given for book-length works in Confederate History, he was senior consultant for the A&E Network's 52-episode documentary series Civil War Journal. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and serves on several other consultative bodies. He lives in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Review:
"There are many volumes contrasting Lee and Grant, but William C. Davis has gone far beyond the typical wartime comparisons. This beautifully written and wonderfully entertaining study falls right into line with his other excellent works, and the side-by-side comparisons of the lives and growth of Lee and Grant offer far more than the usual examination of Civil War strategy. This is a surprisingly fresh addition to any Civil War library." Jeff Shaara, New York Times bestselling author of Gods and Generals
"William C. Davis brings a vast familiarity with events and personalities of the Civil War to this engaging portrait of the conflict's two great military figures. With keen analysis and descriptive flair, Davis creates a narrative that plays out against an epic story. Even readers familiar with the basic outline of the generals' lives will read this book with pleasure and profit." Gary W. Gallagher, author of The Union War
"This refreshingly new comparative study rises above overworked analyses of strategy and tactics and concentrates on character and personality. For those who like their history human, here is the starting point for an accurate understanding of what Lee and Grant meant to each other as well as to the nation they molded." James I. Robertson, Jr., author of Stonewall Jackson
A Main Selection of The History Book Club
Advance praise for Crucible of Command
"Dual biographies are famously difficult to pull off, but William C. Davis has done it with panache. His research in previously unexploited sources reveals new information and insights on both Grant and Lee. With narrative skill that shifts the focus back and forth between the two generals, Davis builds the tension as their careers converge toward the climax at Appomattox. Here we have something genuinely new in Civil War scholarship." James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the New York Times bestseller Battle Cry of Freedom
"Magical and magisterial, William C. Davis's transportive joint biography truly brings these iconic warriors vividly to life., tracing their inevitably linked stories so compellingly that readers will be forgiven if they find themselves on the edge of their seats as the narrative hurtles toward an outcome they thought they already knew. Using primary sources with his customary commitment to originality, Davis manages to interpret the data both judiciously and jauntily. Frankly, I could not put this seductive book down." Harold Holzer, author of Lincoln and the Power of the Press
Washington Times, 4/21/15
For serious historians of the Civil War, William C. Davis is the ultimate go-to source for reliable information on a conflict that spawned a staggering amount of mythology At hand is a thick and very readable volume that culminates a life of serious research into all aspects of the war, including personalities, strategies and politics. Mr. Davis, fortunately for all of us, is a stickler for original and contemporaneous sources, rather than long-after-the-fact memoirs The most avid of Civil War buffs will relish the revealing details in a book rich in authenticity and readability.”
Military Heritage, July 2015
[Davis] approaches Grant and Lee in a new way Worth reading.”
Michigan War Studies Review, 7/8/15
An intimate portrayal of two notoriously reticent individuals. Davis writes in an engaging narrative style and has a knack for keen, succinct descriptions of battlefield tactics A good choice for both specialists and general readers.”
Publishers Weekly, 1/26/15
[Davis] draws a multi-dimensional portrait of each man, succinctly capturing their particular skills, and uncovers some little-known facts This meticulously researched, well-written book greatly enriches our understanding of each of these extraordinary figures and of the terrible war in which they fought.”
Roanoke Times, 1/25/15
A one-volume parallel account of the lives of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee the two key players who prosecuted the Civil War, brought the war to its inevitable conclusion and defined the peace that would follow Davis is able to include the battles without alienating the casual reader of military history or boring the seasoned Civil War student Reader-friendly prose The use of fresh, primary sources distinguishes this work from that of the romantic rhapsodists and caustic critics whose careers are focused on perpetuating the myths that surround the lives of these two West Point graduates. Crucible of Command gives us the opportunity to learn the lessons of history so we can more easily avoid repetition.”
Milwaukee Shepherd-Express, January 6, 2015
Compares and contrasts the most prominent opposing generals, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee...[An] enjoyable double-biography.”
Wall Street Journal, 3/7/15
Brilliant and balanced Davis's meticulous drive for facts and suspicion of historical agendas add credibility to his narrative. His voice is sharp and opinionated, peppered with compliments and criticism, with virtually every assertion supported by a detailed citation. Smoothly written and accessible, the book is also a history buff's dream, brimming with arrow-filled battle maps and dotted with familiar characters and controversies Scrupulously evenhanded Mr. Davis's narrative is well-paced, and the smash-cut transitions from one theater of war to another are smoothly handled Despite his careful analysis, Mr. Davis avoids professorial dryness, and colorful personal details of both men emerge.”
Winner of The American Civil War Museum's 2014 Jefferson Davis Award
Masterful interweaving of Lee's and Grant's complex and somewhat tortuous journey to their Civil War eminence” in a way that helps us understand both men better” within a wonderfully understandable context of military history.”
Miami Sun News, 1/26/15
Combining all the elements one could wish in what is essentially a dual biography and a military history of the Civil War as it impacted the careers of its two leading generals, this work of extraordinary scholarship deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in American history in particular and the art of war in general.”
Bookviews blog, February 2015
The fascination with the American Civil War has generated many books and there's always room for one more, especially if it is as good as Crucible of Command.”
Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2/8/15
A revelatory portrait of both men.”
Civil War News, Feb/Mar 2015
Very readable and informative Davis succeeds in his goal of providing personal insights into the lives and command styles of both generals.”
Civil War Times, April 2015
The latest and the best dual biography Crucible of Command reads fresh. Davis seems to have made very little use of secondary sources, approaching his subjects with a bold, sometimes irreverent, outlook Partisans of both commanders will find much to admire in Crucible of Command.”
Kirkus, February 24, 2015
1 of 12 titles named This Winter's Best Bets.”
Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/15
One of Davis' chief contributions in this accessible, well-written study is to show how thoroughly politicized the war was A fresh look at the sources and a careful eye to leadership and character places this book high atop the list of recent Civil War histories.”
Booklist, 1/1/15
A solid pick for the Civil War collection.”
January Magazine, 1/13/15
A magisterial dual biography that rises far, far above the average. Davis balances fact and research with searing action and penetrating personality. This very entertaining history is much more than the sum of its parts.”
InfoDad, 1/15/15
Exhaustively researched Attractive reading for the historically inclined.”
Harold Holzer, The Daily Beast, 11/6/14
A real page-turner.”
Dennis Showalter, BookBurst.com
Davis is not only a leading authority on the Civil War. He is among the most successful Read more writers of intellectually solid history for general audiences Articulate, provocative, and persuasive, this will appeal to a wide audience of specialists and general readers.”
Denver Post, 1/11/15
Shows the Civil War generals as complex men.”
Kirkus Reviews e-newsletter, 1/20/15
Best Books Out This Week.”
Civil War Book Review, Summer 2015
Based virtually entirely on contemporary primary sources, an unusual authorial choice that probably contributes to the immense readability of its lively, uncluttered prose An ambitious and well-executed book by a distinguished Civil War historian, which although it covers extremely well-trodden historiographical ground, does so in a somewhat fresh and distinctive way.”
H-Net, October 2015
The book's value lies in the author's approach and the comprehensiveness of the result A deeply researched and useful book Both lay readers and scholars will enjoy this excellent book A valuable addition to the shelf of any military historian. Crucible of Command will take an important place in the corpus of books about the two giants of the Civil War.”
Blue & Gray magazine, Vol. XXXII, #1
Davis has coupled two of history's most interesting generals in a book that is difficult to put down [An] excellent dual biography [Davis'] writing style is smooth and fluid, possibly the best in the craft.”
"William C. Davis brings a vast familiarity with events and personalities of the Civil War to this engaging portrait of the conflict's two great military figures. With keen analysis and descriptive flair, Davis creates a narrative that plays out against an epic story. Even readers familiar with the basic outline of the generals' lives will read this book with pleasure and profit." Gary W. Gallagher, author of The Union War
"This refreshingly new comparative study rises above overworked analyses of strategy and tactics and concentrates on character and personality. For those who like their history human, here is the starting point for an accurate understanding of what Lee and Grant meant to each other as well as to the nation they molded." James I. Robertson, Jr., author of Stonewall Jackson
A Main Selection of The History Book Club
Advance praise for Crucible of Command
"Dual biographies are famously difficult to pull off, but William C. Davis has done it with panache. His research in previously unexploited sources reveals new information and insights on both Grant and Lee. With narrative skill that shifts the focus back and forth between the two generals, Davis builds the tension as their careers converge toward the climax at Appomattox. Here we have something genuinely new in Civil War scholarship." James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the New York Times bestseller Battle Cry of Freedom
"Magical and magisterial, William C. Davis's transportive joint biography truly brings these iconic warriors vividly to life., tracing their inevitably linked stories so compellingly that readers will be forgiven if they find themselves on the edge of their seats as the narrative hurtles toward an outcome they thought they already knew. Using primary sources with his customary commitment to originality, Davis manages to interpret the data both judiciously and jauntily. Frankly, I could not put this seductive book down." Harold Holzer, author of Lincoln and the Power of the Press
Washington Times, 4/21/15
For serious historians of the Civil War, William C. Davis is the ultimate go-to source for reliable information on a conflict that spawned a staggering amount of mythology At hand is a thick and very readable volume that culminates a life of serious research into all aspects of the war, including personalities, strategies and politics. Mr. Davis, fortunately for all of us, is a stickler for original and contemporaneous sources, rather than long-after-the-fact memoirs The most avid of Civil War buffs will relish the revealing details in a book rich in authenticity and readability.”
Military Heritage, July 2015
[Davis] approaches Grant and Lee in a new way Worth reading.”
Michigan War Studies Review, 7/8/15
An intimate portrayal of two notoriously reticent individuals. Davis writes in an engaging narrative style and has a knack for keen, succinct descriptions of battlefield tactics A good choice for both specialists and general readers.”
Publishers Weekly, 1/26/15
[Davis] draws a multi-dimensional portrait of each man, succinctly capturing their particular skills, and uncovers some little-known facts This meticulously researched, well-written book greatly enriches our understanding of each of these extraordinary figures and of the terrible war in which they fought.”
Roanoke Times, 1/25/15
A one-volume parallel account of the lives of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee the two key players who prosecuted the Civil War, brought the war to its inevitable conclusion and defined the peace that would follow Davis is able to include the battles without alienating the casual reader of military history or boring the seasoned Civil War student Reader-friendly prose The use of fresh, primary sources distinguishes this work from that of the romantic rhapsodists and caustic critics whose careers are focused on perpetuating the myths that surround the lives of these two West Point graduates. Crucible of Command gives us the opportunity to learn the lessons of history so we can more easily avoid repetition.”
Milwaukee Shepherd-Express, January 6, 2015
Compares and contrasts the most prominent opposing generals, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee...[An] enjoyable double-biography.”
Wall Street Journal, 3/7/15
Brilliant and balanced Davis's meticulous drive for facts and suspicion of historical agendas add credibility to his narrative. His voice is sharp and opinionated, peppered with compliments and criticism, with virtually every assertion supported by a detailed citation. Smoothly written and accessible, the book is also a history buff's dream, brimming with arrow-filled battle maps and dotted with familiar characters and controversies Scrupulously evenhanded Mr. Davis's narrative is well-paced, and the smash-cut transitions from one theater of war to another are smoothly handled Despite his careful analysis, Mr. Davis avoids professorial dryness, and colorful personal details of both men emerge.”
Winner of The American Civil War Museum's 2014 Jefferson Davis Award
Masterful interweaving of Lee's and Grant's complex and somewhat tortuous journey to their Civil War eminence” in a way that helps us understand both men better” within a wonderfully understandable context of military history.”
Miami Sun News, 1/26/15
Combining all the elements one could wish in what is essentially a dual biography and a military history of the Civil War as it impacted the careers of its two leading generals, this work of extraordinary scholarship deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in American history in particular and the art of war in general.”
Bookviews blog, February 2015
The fascination with the American Civil War has generated many books and there's always room for one more, especially if it is as good as Crucible of Command.”
Richmond Times-Dispatch, 2/8/15
A revelatory portrait of both men.”
Civil War News, Feb/Mar 2015
Very readable and informative Davis succeeds in his goal of providing personal insights into the lives and command styles of both generals.”
Civil War Times, April 2015
The latest and the best dual biography Crucible of Command reads fresh. Davis seems to have made very little use of secondary sources, approaching his subjects with a bold, sometimes irreverent, outlook Partisans of both commanders will find much to admire in Crucible of Command.”
Kirkus, February 24, 2015
1 of 12 titles named This Winter's Best Bets.”
Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/15
One of Davis' chief contributions in this accessible, well-written study is to show how thoroughly politicized the war was A fresh look at the sources and a careful eye to leadership and character places this book high atop the list of recent Civil War histories.”
Booklist, 1/1/15
A solid pick for the Civil War collection.”
January Magazine, 1/13/15
A magisterial dual biography that rises far, far above the average. Davis balances fact and research with searing action and penetrating personality. This very entertaining history is much more than the sum of its parts.”
InfoDad, 1/15/15
Exhaustively researched Attractive reading for the historically inclined.”
Harold Holzer, The Daily Beast, 11/6/14
A real page-turner.”
Dennis Showalter, BookBurst.com
Davis is not only a leading authority on the Civil War. He is among the most successful Read more writers of intellectually solid history for general audiences Articulate, provocative, and persuasive, this will appeal to a wide audience of specialists and general readers.”
Denver Post, 1/11/15
Shows the Civil War generals as complex men.”
Kirkus Reviews e-newsletter, 1/20/15
Best Books Out This Week.”
Civil War Book Review, Summer 2015
Based virtually entirely on contemporary primary sources, an unusual authorial choice that probably contributes to the immense readability of its lively, uncluttered prose An ambitious and well-executed book by a distinguished Civil War historian, which although it covers extremely well-trodden historiographical ground, does so in a somewhat fresh and distinctive way.”
H-Net, October 2015
The book's value lies in the author's approach and the comprehensiveness of the result A deeply researched and useful book Both lay readers and scholars will enjoy this excellent book A valuable addition to the shelf of any military historian. Crucible of Command will take an important place in the corpus of books about the two giants of the Civil War.”
Blue & Gray magazine, Vol. XXXII, #1
Davis has coupled two of history's most interesting generals in a book that is difficult to put down [An] excellent dual biography [Davis'] writing style is smooth and fluid, possibly the best in the craft.”
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherDa Capo Press
- Publication date2015
- ISBN 10 0306822458
- ISBN 13 9780306822452
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages688
- Rating
Buy New
Learn more about this copy
US$ 15.10
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. . Seller Inventory # 52GZZZ00C0G4_ns
Buy New
US$ 15.10
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: > 20
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. . Seller Inventory # 5AUZZZ000WQD_ns
Buy New
US$ 15.10
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. 1.9. Seller Inventory # 0306822458-2-1
Buy New
US$ 24.95
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 1.9. Seller Inventory # 353-0306822458-new
Buy New
US$ 24.96
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0306822458
Buy New
US$ 21.63
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0306822458
Buy New
US$ 25.87
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0306822458
Buy New
US$ 29.33
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 2
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Brand New!. Seller Inventory # VIB0306822458
Buy New
US$ 52.91
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee - The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Brand New. 448 pages. 9.25x6.25x2.25 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # 0306822458
Buy New
US$ 41.99
Convert currency
Stock Image
Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee--The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged
Published by
Da Capo Press
(2015)
ISBN 10: 0306822458
ISBN 13: 9780306822452
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Brand New Copy. Seller Inventory # BBB_new0306822458
Buy New
US$ 53.88
Convert currency