Secondary sourceBook1872
The Life of Ulysses S. Grant
Joel Tyler Headley · 1872
An 1872 biography of Grant by Joel Tyler Headley, written during Grant's presidency.
An early biography of Grant written during his presidency, showing contemporary admiration for his career.
About this source
What it is
This is a biography of Ulysses S. Grant written by Joel Tyler Headley, published in 1872 while Grant was serving as U.S. president. Headley had previously written biographies of other military and naval figures.
Why it matters
Written during Grant's own lifetime and presidency, this book reflects the admiration many Americans held for him as a military hero turned political leader. As a secondary source composed soon after the events it describes, it shows how his story was being shaped and celebrated even before his presidency ended.
Look closer
- Why might an author choose to write about a sitting president's life?
- How might writing so close to the events affect what the author includes or leaves out?
- What does the choice of title and tone suggest about the author's attitude toward Grant?
This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Ulysses S Grant on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
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