New Canaan Library's video: NCL Presents: Author Talk: Allen J Ottens Speaking on General John A Rawlins: No Ordinary Man

Join us for a live webinar September 23 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm from author Allen J. Ottens, who will discuss his book General John A. Rawlins: No Ordinary Man. His carefully researched book explores the life and career of General Rawlins, a forgotten military man who was Ulysses S. Grant’s assistant adjutant general during the war and secretary of war during Grant’s presidency. Overlooked in Grant’s two-volume memoir, Ottens brings Rawlins to history’s forefront, revealing the man who played a pivotal role in Grant’s relatively small staff – serving as the doubter, the one who questioned every military move, and the man who offered crucial critique to Grant’s Union-saving success. A fascinating discussion of history for those interested in leadership, the Civil War or Ulysses S. Grant. Allen J. Ottens is Professor Emeritus of Counselor Education and Supervision, Northern Illinois University. He worked as a psychologist at several university counseling centers. He is also a past president of the Manuscript Society. He has had a lifelong interest in the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln.