Claim: Ulysses S. Grant wrote a book.

The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant is an autobiography by Ulysses S. Grant , the 18th President of the United States , focused mainly on his military career during the Mexican -- American War and the American Civil War , and completed as he was dying of cancer in 1885 . The two-volume set was published by Mark Twain shortly after Grant 's death .   Twain created a unique marketing system designed to reach millions of veterans with a patriotic appeal just as Grant 's death was being mourned . Ten thousand agents canvassed the North , following a script that Twain had devised ; many were veterans who dressed in their old uniforms . They sold 350,000 two-volume sets at prices from $ 3.50 to $ 12 -LRB- depending on the binding -RRB- . Each copy contained what looked like a handwritten note from Grant himself . In the end , Grant 's widow Julia received about $ 450,000 , suggesting a gross royalty before expenses of about 30 % .   The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant has been highly regarded by the general public , military historians , and literary critics . Positive attention is often directed toward Grant 's prose , which has been praised as shrewd , intelligent , and effective . He portrayed himself in the persona of the honorable Western hero , whose strength lies in his honesty and straightforwardness . He candidly depicts his battles against both the external Confederates and his internal Army foes .