A vibrant, adventurous first novel from a writer of real power Set during the American Civil War of the 1860s, Campaigning with Grant is a daring, funny and highly original adventure through one of the most momentous events in American history, and also a bittersweet reminder of the nature of history, conflict, loyalty and love. Campaigning with Grant begins as a portrait of the famous Yankee General Ulysees S Grant, as told by the ghost of his staff officer, John A Rawlings, from his priveliged place in the 21st Century. As the story unfolds, Rawlins' character paints a funny, contemporary picture of the nature of war, heroes and loyalty from his collected memories and stories of his life as he followed Grant through the Civil War as his Chief of Staff. At once a clever and witty take on this incredible period of history and the foibles of the characters that inhabit it, Campaigning with Grant is also a reflection on the nature of deception: of the reliability of Rawlins' memories, the authenticity of the stories of others, Rawlins' dogged loyalty to Grant, Rawlins' father's endless lies, and the constantly shifting sands of history. Adventurous, insightful, innovative and at times breathtakingly beautiful, Campainging with Grant is a compelling first novel from a writer of great power.