Ulysses S. Grant had attended West Point but didn't exhibit any sterling qualities as a student. He served in the Army for a decade and ended up a clerk and alcoholic. For all intents and purposes Grant was an abject failure until March of 1861 which would change his life and make him one of the greatest generals of all time. Grant As Military Commander is an thorough analysis of Grant as a commander from the perspective of James Marshall-Cornwall, a general in the British Army, who explores Grants background, early campaigns, achievements and failures.

This book takes into consideration all aspects of Grants campaigns and personally visited the battle sites, studied Grants tactics and reports. The reader sees why Grant moved in a particular way and why he did a certain thing. The conduct of the war was much more than winning battles. Dealing with personalities and the logistical side of the house was even more challenging in a war that tore a nation apart.

Grant is viewed as a man who was able to deal with the personalities of his superiors and able to get what his Army needed even in the most dire situation. As a commander, Grant exceeded all expectations even from his former West Point classmate Robert E. Lee. This is a refreshing portrait of a military commander given from another perspective. The lessons learned from Grant's experiences are invaluabe in today's military as we deal with strategic, tactical and logistical problems not too far removed from this time.