The Union Forever: Lincoln, Grant, and the Civil War

John Y. Simon was a giant in the field of Civil War-era history whose groundbreaking work on Grant was at the forefront of his generation's reevaluation of Grant's wartime acumen and his controversial presidency, earning him a lifetime achievement award from the Lincoln Forum in 2004 and a Lincoln Prize in 2005. In The Union Forever: Lincoln, Grant, and the Civil War, editor Glenn W. LaFantasie brings together some of Simon's most significant work on two towering figures of their era. The essays in The Union Forever explore the relationship between the two leaders and their influence on each other as well as their individual accomplishments and struggles. Simon illuminates Lincoln's emancipation policy and his struggles as commander in chief. Other essays explore General Grant's military career and leadership as well as the influence his wife had on his life. Drawing from Simon's most prominent work as well as his lesser-known writing, The Union Forever allows veteran scholars to revisit classic works and makes available to new generations of readers Simon's perspectives on America's greatest leaders during a time of crisis and change.

About the Author :
John Y. Simon (1933--2008), editor of the multivolume Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, was professor of history at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and executive director of the Ulysses S. Grant Association. Glenn W. LaFantasie, Richard Frockt Family Professor of Civil War History and director of the Institute of Civil War Studies at Western Kentucky University, is the author and editor of several books, including Twilight at Little Round Top. He is also a Contributing Writer on history and politics for Salon.com.

Review :
""John Y. Simon was a towering figure in Civil War scholarship, a world-renowned authority on U.S. Grant, and a Lincoln scholar of no mean distinction. His prose, like his personality, is scintillating." --Michael Burlingame, Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies, University of Illinois at Springfield, and author of Abraham Lincoln: A Life" -- " The Union Forever will be rewarding reading for anyone with an interest in the Civil War, and of particular value to specialists in Lincoln, Grant, and civil military relations. -- The NYMAS Review" -- The NYMAS Review ""Simon's writing is clear, succinct, and lively, and he delighted in exposing bogus evidence, dishonest testimony, and selfish political ambition. There is a great deal of provocative information here, and bringing it all together in one volume is a major contribution to the historiography of the Civil War." -- James A. Ramage, author of Gray Ghost: The Life of Col. John Singleton Mosby" -- "Everything needed to convince the reader of what made John Y. memorable, and even adorable, is safely ensconced in these pages." -- Allen Car Guelzo, Author of Fateful Lightning: A New History of the Civil War and Reconstruction, The Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society "For military historians, the collection is a mixed bag, but eminently readable an thoroughly enjoyable, it will appeal to CAMP's readership. -- The Journal of America's Military Past" -- Russel K. Brown, The Journal of America's Military Past "In conclusion, this book brings together the interesting essays by a historian who spent his life devoted to the study of the Civil War. Although much of this material has been published before, this book allows Simon's essays to be available to a broader audience. For those wanting a readable, interesting book on the two men who did the most to preserve the Union, this is it. -- Blue & Gray Magazine" -- Robert Grandchamp, Blue & Gray Magazine "In several essays, Simon cherishes the opportunity to set the record straight regarding myths about Lincoln and Grant... The Union Forever is an outstanding tribute to John Y. Simons, who was one of the nation's leading Civil War historians." -- Leonne M. Hudson, The Journal of Southern History "In The Union Forever, Professor Glenn LaFantasie of Western Kentucky University has brought together fifteen of John's finest essays. Seven deal with Lincoln, six with Grant, and two with Lincoln and Grant. Taken together, they provide the best and most concise distillation of the character of the two men who saved the Union. -- Civil War Book Review" -- John Edward Smith, Civil War Book Review "Simon offers a masterful portrayal of Grant's personal life. -- Northwest Ohio History" -- Zachery A. Fry, Northwest Ohio History "The volume performs a valuable service by making available essays from a wide range of publications (from museum brochures to the pages of Civil War Times Illustrated)..." -- Chandra Manning, Indiana Magazine of History "The Union Forever allows veteran scholars to revisit classic works and makes available to new generations of readers Simon's perspectives on America's greatest leaders during a time of crisis and change. -- McCormick Messenger" -- Bob Edmonds, McCormick Messenger "The Union Forever will be rewarding reading for anyone with an interest in the Civil War, and of particular value to specialists in Lincoln, Grant, and civil military relations." -- The NYMAS Review