New York: Charles L. Webster & Company, 1885-1886. First printings. Black & White Engraved Plates, Maps, Facsimiles. Cloth over boards. Octavos. 584 & 647 pages.

The greatest American military memoir, written by the financially ruined Grant in a race with death, and published with the savvy assistance of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). Luckily for us (and his family's finances) Grant finished writing just 4 days before his death from throat cancer in July 1885. By February 1886 Twain was able to present Julia Grant with the largest publishing royalty in U. S. History to that time--$200,000.

Covers Grant's early life, military service in California, and his rise to Commander of all Union Armies in the Civil War. Twain did not write (or help write) Grant's book, as some have claimed, but he did see it as a literary masterpiece. Most subsequent critics concur.

Well illustrated, including maps, portraits, fold-out facsimile documents, etc., including the terms of Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Errata for volume I printed at end of volume II.

There is an early prior owner name neatly pencilled in each volume, indicating that the two volumes are an original set. Many of the sets being offered are comprised of odd volumes married together at a later date.

Ref. DORNBUSCH, Vol. II, #1986; EICHER #492; MULLINS, UNION BOOKSHELF #35; NEVINS, CWB Vol. II, p. 59.

Bound in dark green cloth over boards with spines and upper boards titled in gilt, black and gilt four star shoulder board ornaments to spines, gilt medallions to upper and lower boards, decorative endpapers. Shallow bumps to spine ends of both volumes, and fore corners of upper board on Volume I. There are a few light rubs to exteriors. Some splitting to endpapers at front and rear of Volume I, but hinges remain sound. Short tear at inner margin of one fold-out. Very good to near fine overall. A better than usual set of this important military memoir.

Item #1698

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