Was Mark Twain Involved in Writing Ulysses S. Grant's Memoirs?

The question of whether Mark Twain wrote or edited Ulysses S. Grant's Memoirs has persisted for many years, particularly because of the Memoirs' high literary quality and Twain's reputation as a master craftsman in literature.

Did Twain Write or Edit the Memoirs?

Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, is often credited with providing advice and editorial guidance to Ulysses S. Grant on his autobiography, the Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant. However, most scholars now believe that Twain was not responsible for the actual writing of the book. Having read the Memoirs, Twain himself didn't see any significant similarities between Grant's work and his own, further supporting the notion that Grant was the primary author.

Grant's Writing Talent and the Publishing Process

Ulysses S. Grant was an excellent writer by nature. His ability to convey his experiences in a clear and compelling manner is evident throughout the Memoirs. While Twain did provide editorial input, it was minimal, and Grant's natural talent played a critical role in the success of the book. Grant was not only a seasoned military general and the 18th President of the United States, but also understood the art of writing his own story.

Twain, on the other hand, was deeply engaged in multiple projects at the time, including work on his own writings and family affairs. He did, however, have his wife, Olivia, assist in certain aspects of the editing process, particularly focusing on grammatical accuracy and eloquence. The collaboration between Grant and Twain likely involved several entities, including Grant's son and his favorite editor, William Dean Howells.

Historical Context and Grant's Situation

At the time Grant was writing his memoirs, he was in the final stages of his battle with cancer. This made him somewhat inhibited in expressing himself and led to a hesitance towards self-aggrandizement. Also, being flat broke added to his financial need for a successful book. Nevertheless, the fact that Grant was a Civil War Hero and President of the United States guaranteed the book's success.

Controversies and Research

Some people have debated whether Mark Twain's involvement may have been more significant than previously acknowledged. However, no substantial evidence has been found to support the notion that Twain wrote a significant portion of the Memoirs. Frank Varney's research, for example, in his book General Grant and the Rewriting of History, suggests that Grant's memoirs may have been highly edited and restructured to meet the expectations of a Victorian audience rather than to accurately reflect his personal experiences.

It is important to note that even primary sources such as memoirs can have inaccuracies and biases. Grant's own selective memory and the possible influence of other editors and contributors might have affected the fidelity of the Memoirs. As such, critical analysis and scholarly research continue to shed light on the processes involved in creating these historical documents.

Conclusion

While Mark Twain likely provided some editorial guidance and assistance in the publication of Ulysses S. Grant's Memoirs, the bulk of the writing was undoubtedly done by Grant himself. The legacy of these works remains a testament to Grant's natural talent as a writer and to the collaborative nature of historical documentation.

For further reading, you might investigate Frank P. Varney's work General Grant and the Rewriting of History, which explores the editing process and the potential distortions in Grant's memoirs.