Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President

by Millard, Candice
ISBN: 9780767929714
4.9 (7)
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Used - Trade Paperback - 9780767929714

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Overview

A Booklist Notable Book of 2012

The extraordinary New York Times bestselling account of James Garfield's rise from poverty to the American presidency, and the dramatic history of his assassination and legacy, from bestselling author of The River of Doubt, Candice Millard.

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.

  • Format: TradePaperback
  • Author: Millard, Candice
  • ISBN: 9780767929714
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 7.90 x 0.90
  • Number Of Pages: 432
  • Publication Year: 2012

Customer Reviews

Rating Snapshot

5 ★   86%
4 ★   14%
3 ★   0%
2 ★   0%
1 ★   0%
4.9
7 Ratings

14

14% Would Recommend
1 Recommendations

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  • Great read and very interesting and informative

    Vince B. - 1 month ago

    This book was so well written it almost read itself. Excellent insight on a little know President

    Tags: Page Turner

  • Excellent

    Would Recommend
    Scott S. - 3 months ago

    Interesting portrayal of the situation of president Garfield and the politics surrounding him in that era

  • Much more than a Presidential biography

    Steve L. - 4 years 10 months ago

    Candice Millard has made a specialty of Presidential bios that are actually gripping tales that feature a President in a role that doesn't directly involve politics. In River of Doubt (2005), Theodore Roosevelt had center stage, but it was not as President; it was as intrepid Amazon explorer. Destiny of the Republic is a story of President John Garfield, but as victim of an assassin, and as victim of antiquated medical practices that couldn't save even the leader of the United States. Alexander Graham Bell plays a role, too. Millard knows how to tell a tale, and keeps things clear and increasingly engaging to the end.

    HPB Staff Review

  • A highly-engaging work of history

    Nicholas Y. - 6 years 4 months ago

    Destiny Of The Republic is an incredible tale of the assassination of one of our nation's most beloved presidents. Though Garfield is often looked over today, the story of his rise to the presidency and his prolonged end, is fascinating from the first page to the last. The history is expertly structured by Candice Millard, weaving together the lives of the principle players in a highly engaging way. James Garfield was one of the most extraordinary men ever elected to the presidency. Born into poverty, by the time of his death he was a hero of the Civil War, a renowned scholar and a beloved politician. His nomination for presidential candidate is a tale in itself as he only reluctantly accepted it, an unthinkable action in today's political climate. Only four months into his presidency Garfield is shot in the back by a deranged author. As he struggled to survive. Alexander Graham Bell, most notable for his invention of the telephone, worked tirelessly to invent a metal detector in order to find the bullet and save the president's life. Meanwhile, a quack doctor by the unbelievable name of Dr. Doctor Willard Bliss takes charge of Garfield's medical care, claiming medical necessity to keep Garfield in isolation and under his incompetent care. Tension, high-drama and suspense pull you along to the last page. A must-read for fans of history and a should-read for every American.

    HPB Staff Review

  • The engrossing tale of President James Garfield's tragic death.

    Britta L. - 7 years ago

    This book tells the engrossing tale of President James Garfield's tragic early death in 1881. He is a little-known figure in American history because his presidency was so short, but here he and his era receive some well-deserved attention from author Candice Millard. She creates a vivid picture of a gifted, heroic man and the strange, frustrating circumstances and people surrounding his assassination. An accessible and insightful read!

    HPB Staff Review