Most Americans are unaware of how revered Ulysses S. Grant was in his lifetime, then often considered to be equal in stature to George Washington. Author Joan Waugh uncovers the reasons behind the rise and fall of his renown in her book, U.S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth.

Today, Grant’s monuments are rarely visited, his military reputation is overshadowed by that of Robert E. Lee, and his presidency is permanently mired at the bottom of historical rankings. Waugh traces the shift in reputation, illuminating the role of memory in American history.

The book will be available for sale.