The Book Depository Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
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Description: Destiny of the Republic : Paperback : Random House USA Inc : 9780767929714 : 0767929713 : 12 Jun 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 the bestselling author of The River of Doubt. The Book Depository Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard - shop the best deal online on thebookbug.co.uk
Category: Books
Merchant: The Book Depository
Product ID: 9780767929714
MPN: 0767929713
GTIN: 9780767929714
Author: R Helen
Rating: 5
Review: Candice Millard has written a very interesting book, focusing on a President few Americans have thought about. And actually we discover that President Garfield, had he lived, may have been one of America's most respected Presidents. Among the few things he did during his extremely short tenure were to strengthen the President's authority over executive appointments, energise US naval power, purge corruption in the Post Office, and appoint several African Americans to prominent federal positions. As Millard points out, two of his most important causes were civil rights for former slaves and their descendents and civil service reform, banishing the old corrupted spoils system. In the end, President Arthur enacted the Pendleton Civil Service Act in honour of Garfield's Presidency and his work, in which government appointments were given based on merit rather than as political "gifts." This was actually one of my favourite parts of the book, the political transformation of Chester Arthur, from a Conkling puppet to a well-respected leader of the American people. The book focuses on Garfield's ascension to the Presidency, his assassination, and the medical catastrophe that caused his death. Along the way we learn about Guiteau, his troubled life and psychological problems, and even Alexander Graham Bell's attempt to help save Garfield's life. Unfortunately, we get only a cursory biography of Garfield and little background information regarding the political issues of the day. I would have liked to know a little more about the history of the issues facing the candidates in the election of 1880 and more details on Garfield's political career and the aftermath of his death. Also, I found some things confusing, particularly when she mentions Tom Platt, who she says was a "stalwart who had, months earlier, promised to confirm any appointment Garfield made in exchange for help in winning a senate seat." This seems as if Garfield, himself, was at times involved in some shady political deals. More historical background would have greatly improved the book and given it more depth. Millard's main point, however, seems not to be political, as much as medical. She spends a great deal of time stressing how medical missinformation of the past actually caused President Garfield's death. Had they left him alone or, as she writes, had he been shot fifteen years later, he most likely would have survived. An unfortunate tragedy and why she ends the book with a salute to Joseph Lister. As most Americans know, studying American history in school tends to focus on the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, sometimes a little President Jackson and Reconstruction, but rarely do we focus on the Presidents who served between Grant and McKinley. This was a refreshing look at American history, covering a little known, but actually fascinating, era and President. Candice Millard is a good writer, tells a great story, and keeps you interested until the last page. I'm so glad I read this book and highly recommend it.
Author: Antonio Santos
Rating: 4
Review: A great man ahead of his time