The greatest Civil War general -- Living a troubled life -- 1861: seeking a chance to fight -- Winter 1862: capturing Forts Henry and Donelson -- Spring 1862: salvaging a victory at Shiloh -- 1862-3: Surviving frustration upon frustration -- May-July 1863: vanquishing Vicksburg -- Autumn 1863: saving Chattanooga -- Early 1864: planning a national campaign -- Summer 1864: Attacking Lee's Army -- 1864-5: Tightening the noose -- Early 1865: winning the war -- Grant's winning characteristics -- Appendix I: Historians' treatment of Grant -- Appendix II: Casualties in Grant's battles and campaigns -- Appendix III: The critical election of 1864: how close was it?