Candice Millard

a tale of medicine, madness and the murder of a president

The destiny of the republic

Melody Izard

I'm not sure what made me take a turn into the realm of non-fiction, history. I certainly knew about Garfield. (but had forgotten Chester Arthur). I knew Garfield was shot - but never knew the details. Ms. Millard does a wonderful job of setting up her history lesson as we watch Garfield rot from infection. Yes, this is something you will like.

Wynn Netherland

Nominated for President during a brokered convention, murdered mere months into his term, Garfield was on the national stage but a moment and has seemed to fade from the nation's memory altogether.

This book is not an exhaustive biography, but a well-paced story nonetheless. Part murder plot, part medical drama, it's a fascinating glimpse of America and the presidency in the last decades of the 19th century.

Alli King

I’m not usually one for nonfiction, but this was an an incredible work. With alternating focuses on President Garfield, his assassin, and Alexander Graham Bell, it was hard to put down. The author wove the stories together seamlessly- so well done.

Jeremy Anderberg

Candice is one of the finest narrative history writers of the last decade. Her work on James Garfield brought to light the story of a forgotten president who had loads of character and likely would have made a fine leader had he been given the chance. Sadly, he was shot just months into his term and died in the fall of 1881. Nobody weaves a story like Millard does; this book is a must-read.

Jeni Enjaian

I found myself fascinated by this book. Prior to reading the book, I knew next to nothing about the ill-fated presidency of James Garfield. As a student of history, I know less about the Gilded Age of American history than I wish to admit.
I read along, captivated by the separate narratives of Garfield, his assassin, Lister, and Bell anticipating where these narratives would intersect. I even, to my mild chagrin, could not remember whether Garfield survived the assassination attempt or not and found myself quite disappointed when I looked up the answer online.
Millard weaves together a fascinating story about famous and infamous men that leaves you longing for more.

I highly recommend this book.

Mat Connor

Sonia Grgas

Allison Dempsey

Pierke Bosschieter

Matt Stedjan

Jimmy Cerone

Drew Spartz

Jennie Taoka

Todd Luallen

Rick Dobrowolski

Michael W

Presents an account of the twentieth president's political career, offering insight into his background as a scholar and Civil War hero, his battles against the corrupt establishment, and Alexander Graham Bell's failed attempt to save him from an assassin's bullet.

The destiny of the republic a tale of medicine, madness and the murder of a president

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