Grant was from a middle class family. Grant went to West Point and graduated. He served in the Mexican War. Financially he struggled after the Mexican War and there were rumors of alcohol problems. Then the Civil War broke out and Grant went to the governor of Illinois and offered his services. In 1864 Grant became the commander of all the union armies. Lee also went to West Point where he did very well. Lee was offered command of the union armies but Lee sided with Virginia and the south. Originally Joe Johnson was the head of the confederacy. But when Johnson was hurt Lee took over and orchestrated a lot of victories against very tough odds. But in the end Lee surrendered to Grant.
This was well written and showed the contrasts and likenesses of both generals. But I did get confused at times. Also it dragged for me at times. But I did enjoy this and I recommend this book.

I think this would be a good book for anyone whether you are a civil war buff, or just someone who wants to get an over view of the commanders. This book goes back into the early life of both men, and all the way to their deaths. What I liked about this book is you get to see how during the war each man had to deal with critiques. Robert E. Lee were men from the Carolinas because they thought he came to fight for the South to late. He was also looked down upon by some because of being from Virginia. Grant always had to deal with people brining up his drinking which really for the most part was not true. You get a good sense of how they both worked well with certain Generals, and for Grant he also worked well with the navy especially Admiral Porter who helped with the Vicksburg campaign. The author also shows you how they picked there staff these are some things that other books I read don’t even touch on. He does go into some of the problems each had with men not carrying out orders when given, especially during battle. Lee very seldom did anything about it, where Grant would get that person transferred somewhere else. You also get a look at how Lee really looked for Stonewall Jackson for leadership of the troops, and how his death many believed along with Johnston at the battle of Shiloh really changed the course of the entire war that is another book. You get a look at Lee’s surrender which I have read many different accounts on, and this one is a little different. In the book the author speaks of Lee’s home of Arlington and having to leave it. A side note the Arlington cemetery the land was once the property of General lee’s and his family, it was confiscated by the government during the war and not returned, just a little tid bit of info. Overall a very good book.