[Fine Bindings] Grant, Ulysses Simpson, PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF U.S. GRANT, New York: Charles L. Webster, 1885-86. First edition, 2vols, beautiful dark blue rebound morocco leather hardcovers w/gilt titling and decor to spine, titles and volume numbers gilt on burgundy background, 8vo 9.0625x5.750?) Near Fine /n.a. Vol. I, 584pp.; Vol. II 647pp. Very light age toning, small amount of light sporadic staining to a few pages. Previous owner's signature on front free flyleaf. Books are protected by a blue cloth slipcase with photo of U.S. Grant pasted to side. Illustrated with numerous steel engravings, facsimiles and 43 maps, the often missing tipped in facsimile letter containing Grant's conditions for Lee's surrender is present. After an ineffectual term as president, ruined by bankruptcy and dying of throat cancer, Grant agreed to publish his memoirs to provide a measure of economic security for his family. Mark Twain agreed to serve as the publisher. Struggling to dictate his notes to a stenographer, Grant finished his memoirs shortly before his death in the summer of 1885. "It seemed to Twain, sitting quietly near him in his bedroom at Sixtieth Street, that Grant had fully regained the stature of a hero" [Kaplan, 273]. "Grant's memoirs comprise one of the most valuable writings by a military commander in history"[Eicher 492]. Written frantically while in a race with death, these recollections rank with the best of the civil war period." [Nevins, 59]. Here is your chance to own a piece of history, a solid segment of Captured Tyme - quite the distinctive set of books indeed!