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

Candice Millard

Sep 2011 · Sold by Vintage

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

Before I started reading this book I remembered very little about James Garfield. What an incredible life he lead. I think he had the potential to be the greatest president our country has ever had. Such a shame he was only president for a short time. Great story telling by Candice Millard. Having read two of her books I think she's the best non-fiction writer at the present time.

I found it hard to put this down...until getting to the part when James Garfield was shot. I wanted him to live another day. He had become that real to me. I better understand the reason the American people funded such a beautiful mausoleum for his remains in Lakeview Cemetery, Cleveland Ohio. He was that well loved and respected. A period of American history wonderfully shared by a great storyteller!

Great book! I had no idea that President Garfield was so interesting! I originally bought this book for my husband. Am I glad that I didn't let it sit on a shelf waiting for him to pick it up. I can't wait to read Millard's first book.

About the author

CANDICE MILLARD is the New York Times bestselling author of The River of Doubt. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and children.