Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
The inspiration for the Netflix series Death by Lightning – now streaming! • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The extraordinary account of James Garfield's rise from poverty to the American presidency, and the dramatic history of his assassination and legacy, from the bestselling author of The River of Doubt.
"Crisp, concise and revealing history.... A fresh narrative that plumbs some of the most dramatic days in U.S. presidential history." —The Washington Post
James Abram Garfield was one of the most extraordinary men ever elected president. Born into abject poverty, he rose to become a wunderkind scholar, a Civil War hero, a renowned congressman, and a reluctant presidential candidate who took on the nation's corrupt political establishment.
But four months after Garfield's inauguration in 1881, he was shot in the back by a deranged office-seeker named Charles Guiteau. Garfield survived the attack, but became the object of bitter, behind-the-scenes struggles for power—over his administration, over the nation's future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care.
Meticulously researched, epic in scope, and pulsating with an intimate human focus and high-velocity narrative drive, The Destiny of the Republic brings alive a forgotten chapter of U.S. history.
Look for Candice Millard’s latest book, River of the Gods.
"Crisp, concise and revealing history.... A fresh narrative that plumbs some of the most dramatic days in U.S. presidential history." —The Washington Post
James Abram Garfield was one of the most extraordinary men ever elected president. Born into abject poverty, he rose to become a wunderkind scholar, a Civil War hero, a renowned congressman, and a reluctant presidential candidate who took on the nation's corrupt political establishment.
But four months after Garfield's inauguration in 1881, he was shot in the back by a deranged office-seeker named Charles Guiteau. Garfield survived the attack, but became the object of bitter, behind-the-scenes struggles for power—over his administration, over the nation's future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care.
Meticulously researched, epic in scope, and pulsating with an intimate human focus and high-velocity narrative drive, The Destiny of the Republic brings alive a forgotten chapter of U.S. history.
Look for Candice Millard’s latest book, River of the Gods.
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Readers say **Destiny of the Republic** is a compelling, well-written account that illuminates President Garfield’s life, assassination, and the era’s...
This nonfiction account of President Garfield’s assassination is so well written that it kept my interest throughout. The author weaves together the story of Garfield’s election, the politics behind it, the assassin’s life, Alexander Graham Bell’s inventions, and the medical “attempts” to save Garfield’s life. Highly recommend- would make a great book club pick.
Very interesting and readable nonfiction book. Learned a lot of James Garfield and Alexander Graham bell. Planning on reading other books by this gifted author.
What I liked: A well written account of a minor president and the Country’s modernization during the post Civil War era. None of this was covered when I was in school. What I disliked: For the time period covered in the book, the medical establishment’s lack understanding of basic hygiene is shocking.
This books teeters on the line between presenting a complex historical portrait and, at the same time, clearly identifying a bad guy—namely, Dr. D. Willard Bliss. Unfortunately, the balance seems to have been impossible to strike, and the book finally devolves into a character attack. Bliss was certainly no hero, and there is plenty to criticize in his involvement with the case. But things are never so simple, and most of the rest of the book displays its author’s attempts to show that. The assassin, for example, as well as Alexander Graham Bell and President Garfield himself—all receive fairly well-rounded portrayals. These are some the best parts of the book. But any time Dr. Bliss appears—and he dominates the last half of the book—the reader will know just what to expect. This may not be inaccurate; it may not even be imbalanced. But it certainly dilutes the power of the narrative, at the very least.
As a side note, two things I would have loved to see more of: Garfield’s wife, Lucretia, and Garfield himself. In particular, his oratorical prowess could have been given more space. The quotes which serve as epigrams for each chapter are wonderful, and could have borne more context. And his nomination of John Sherman is one of the most impressive speeches I’ve ever seen. He seems to have been quite a presence, and it would have been nice to spend more time with him. But perhaps I’m asking for too much of an exhaustive biography à la Team of Rivals, rather than what this book actually tries to be—the story of one event with its antecedents and consequences. Nevertheless, more attention to Garfield would have been welcome, if only as a counterweight to (or substitute for) the assassination of poor Dr. Bliss.
As a side note, two things I would have loved to see more of: Garfield’s wife, Lucretia, and Garfield himself. In particular, his oratorical prowess could have been given more space. The quotes which serve as epigrams for each chapter are wonderful, and could have borne more context. And his nomination of John Sherman is one of the most impressive speeches I’ve ever seen. He seems to have been quite a presence, and it would have been nice to spend more time with him. But perhaps I’m asking for too much of an exhaustive biography à la Team of Rivals, rather than what this book actually tries to be—the story of one event with its antecedents and consequences. Nevertheless, more attention to Garfield would have been welcome, if only as a counterweight to (or substitute for) the assassination of poor Dr. Bliss.
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