In 1900, Teddy Roosevelt said that the three greatest American presidents were George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Washington and Lincoln continue to share the top two spots in most presidential rankings, but Grant’s reputation has diminished over the years. In American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald White argues that history has judged Grant unfairly and looks at what made him a brilliant general and a passionate defender of equal rights in post-Civil War America.  Event: Ronald White will be discussing his new book with General (Ret) David Petraeus at the 92nd Street Y (Lexington Avenue at 92nd St. in Buttenwieser Hall) on December 13th at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit their website.