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-crafted narrative that deepens appreciation for President Garfield and his era, offering...
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.
Easy read with strong narrative flow. Made me want to know more not only about Garfield, but the supporting cast around him.
Well, now I know something about President James A. Garfield and I have a great new respect for the caliber of person this man was. I'll never drive past Garfield Street--there between Hayes and Arthur--again without thinking about this good man and his tragic and unneccessary death. A big thanks to Candice Millard for bringing so much deatail and insight into this book and also including so much about the time and personalities of this era -- especially those linked so closely with President Garfield and his death. I'm happy to have knowledge of a few new real-life villans in my mind now, Charles Guiteau, Roscoe Conkling and Dr. Willard Bliss. And, in this book,I learned a little bit more about Alexander Graham Bell and Lister as well.
I recommend this book to anyone who might enjoy a well-written non-fiction novel of an unknown era (at least to me) in American history.
I recommend this book to anyone who might enjoy a well-written non-fiction novel of an unknown era (at least to me) in American history.
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.
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