Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
NATIONAL 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 become 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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Community Reviews
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.
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President is a well-written and thoroughly researched book that tells the story of the tumultuous presidency of James A. Garfield. Author Candice Millard takes the reader on a journey through Garfield's life, from his humble beginnings as a poor, uneducated boy to his rise to the highest office in the land. Along the way, we see how Garfield's intelligence and determination helped him overcome numerous obstacles, including a severe case of malaria, a crippling injury sustained in the Civil War, and a divided political landscape.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the way it explores the medical mysteries surrounding Garfield's assassination. Millard delves into the complex and often conflicting theories about the president's death, and she does an excellent job of explaining the various treatments that were attempted in an effort to save him.
Throughout the book, Millard does an excellent job of capturing the zeitgeist of the time, painting a vivid picture of the social, political, and cultural climate of the late 19th century. She also does a great job of bringing to life the key players in Garfield's story, including his family, friends, and political allies.
Overall, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President is a captivating and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on one of America's most overlooked presidents. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an engaging and well-written book, this one is definitely worth checking out.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the way it explores the medical mysteries surrounding Garfield's assassination. Millard delves into the complex and often conflicting theories about the president's death, and she does an excellent job of explaining the various treatments that were attempted in an effort to save him.
Throughout the book, Millard does an excellent job of capturing the zeitgeist of the time, painting a vivid picture of the social, political, and cultural climate of the late 19th century. She also does a great job of bringing to life the key players in Garfield's story, including his family, friends, and political allies.
Overall, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President is a captivating and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on one of America's most overlooked presidents. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an engaging and well-written book, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Few non-fiction historical books have stirred my emotions as this one has. It begins back in the 1880's. The Statue of Liberty consists of an arm holding a torch, construction of the Washington Monument has been halted, Alexander Bell has just patented the telephone, the U.S. medical community has not adopted sterilization procedures and calls those that do, "quacks", and the nation and political parties remain highly charged and fractured years after the Civil War.
I knew very little about Garfield going in. I now understand him to have been a man of great intelligence, compassion, devotion, and respect. His tortured last months broke my heart and I am left to wonder what his Presidency might have meant for our Country had he lived to complete a term. In turn, I am left thinking about what his death did mean for us; How it influenced changes in character for many, including Vice President Chester Arthur, changes in medical practices, technology, and security measures for officials as well as prisoners.
I knew very little about Alexander Bell and was fascinated to learn his passion was working with deaf students. Did you know he connected Helen Keller to her teacher, Annie Sullivan? It was interesting to learn how he contributed to attempts to save President Garfield's life.
Intriguing and very readable. Highly recommended.
I knew very little about Garfield going in. I now understand him to have been a man of great intelligence, compassion, devotion, and respect. His tortured last months broke my heart and I am left to wonder what his Presidency might have meant for our Country had he lived to complete a term. In turn, I am left thinking about what his death did mean for us; How it influenced changes in character for many, including Vice President Chester Arthur, changes in medical practices, technology, and security measures for officials as well as prisoners.
I knew very little about Alexander Bell and was fascinated to learn his passion was working with deaf students. Did you know he connected Helen Keller to her teacher, Annie Sullivan? It was interesting to learn how he contributed to attempts to save President Garfield's life.
Intriguing and very readable. Highly recommended.
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