Born in the Ohio River Valley, Ulysses S. Grant was raised in a time when men were taught to be tough. His dad encouraged a military training in order to give the young man direction and discipline. Finding his calling, Grant fought in the Mexican War learning much from Generals Scott and Taylor. Returning to the St. Louis area where he married into the Dent family, Grant found himself unsuccessful as a gentleman farmer. Finding even less success at his father's store in Illinois, he once more joined the military at the outbreak of the Civil War. When he found success at Vicksburg, Lincoln moved to give him charge of the Potomac crusade. He won. As President Grant became extremely popular and successful although there were hints of scandal. He became the first President to attempt a third term in office. Later his historic memoirs would prove sufficient to provide for his widow after cancer had taken its toll. The outpouring of grief was only surpassed by that for Lincoln. At the time of his death it was reported that Grant was the most popular person in the world. Now historian Keith Pruitt takes readers on an introductory journey of one of the pivotal characters of American history.