Destiny of the Republic
Ratings27
Average rating4.4
Very informative book about Garfield and the man who assassinated him, Charles Guiteau. Drags a bit toward the end.
Really excellent book. I read The President and the Assassin earlier this year, about the McKinley assassination, and this book is what I wish that one had been. Millard really makes you feel for James Garfield being thrust into the presidency, but then coming to terms with his position. She really gets into who Charles Guiteau was, also; he seems insane, but not over the top crazy. Dr. Doctor Bliss (seriously, I love that his first name was Doctor) was quite the character who, unfortunately, caused the whole situation to be worse than it should've been. Alexander Graham Bell felt that he'd failed but it was because of Bliss. There's just so much to love about this book. I really recommend it and the accompanying PBS program, Murder of a President, to anyone at all interested in the presidents, assassinations, the 19th century, etc.
eta: This interview with Millard popped up on my facebook last night. Good timing. :)
http://www.signature-reads.com/2016/02/candice-millard-on-james-garfield-and-pbss-murder-of-a-president/
Well written slice of history, although you can watch the hour she did on C-Span and get the whole book. Her first book, River of Doubt, was excellent.
I loved this book. It remains my favorite non-fiction read. I learned about one of our lesser known presidents and how his life converged with Alexander Graham Bell and Dr. Lister. It was a fascinating time in our nation's history. I highly recommend this book.
Very interesting history of Garfield's assassination, and doesn't take too long to tell the essential parts. Alexander Graham Bell's connection and the medical community's resistance to antiseptic surgery were the most interesting parts.