Most Americans today are unaware of how revered Grant was in his lifetime. Joan Waugh uncovers the reasons behind the rise and fall of his renown, underscoring as well the fluctuating memory of the Civil War itself.

The magnanimous general -- A great soldier might be a baby politician -- The most famous living American -- Historian of the Union cause -- Pageantry of woe: the funeral of U.S. Grant -- The nation's greatest hero should rest in the nation's greatest city -- Who's [really] buried in Grant's tomb?