"Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President" is a non-fiction book written by Candice Millard. It explores the life and assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Published in 2011, the book provides a detailed and compelling account of Garfield's rise to power, the political climate of the time, the medical practices of the era, and the events leading up to his tragic death.
The book begins by delving into Garfield's early life and his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected Civil War general and eventually the President of the United States. It highlights Garfield's character, his intellectual pursuits, and his unwavering dedication to his country.
Millard also explores the political climate of the late 19th century, with a focus on the Republican Party's internal struggles and the divisive faction led by the powerful Senator Roscoe Conkling. This sets the stage for Garfield's nomination as the Republican presidential candidate in 1880, despite not actively seeking the position.
The narrative then takes a dramatic turn as the author introduces Charles J. Guiteau, the mentally unstable man who would eventually assassinate Garfield. Millard meticulously reconstructs Guiteau's troubled background, his delusions of grandeur, and his misguided belief that his actions would earn him a high-ranking political position.
The book vividly describes the events leading up to the assassination on July 2, 1881, at a Washington, D.C. train station. Garfield was shot by Guiteau, but it was not an instant death. Millard meticulously details the ensuing medical treatment and the desperate attempts to save Garfield's life.
At this point, the book takes a significant detour into the state of medical practices during the late 19th century. It explores the unhygienic conditions, the lack of understanding about infection and germs, and the misguided attempts to treat Garfield's wound. Millard introduces Dr. D. Willard Bliss, the main attending physician, and his questionable medical decisions, including the insistence on probing the president's wound with unwashed hands and instruments.
While Garfield fought for his life, Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, played a surprising role in the story. Millard reveals Bell's invention of a metal detector intended to locate the bullet inside Garfield's body. Unfortunately, due to a series of misjudgments and misfortunes, the device proved ineffective in Garfield's case.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Garfield's health deteriorated, leading to his death on September 19, 1881, from infection and internal complications. The nation mourned his loss, and his death highlighted the need for reform in the medical field.
"Destiny of the Republic" offers readers a captivating account of James A. Garfield's life and the tumultuous political and medical landscape of the late 19th century. Millard's meticulous research and engaging storytelling provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on an often overlooked chapter in American history.
In conclusion, "Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President" by Candice Millard is a meticulously researched and captivating account of the life and assassination of President James A. Garfield. Through the book, readers gain insight into Garfield's rise to power, the political climate of the time, the actions of his assassin, and the flawed medical practices that ultimately led to his death.
Millard skillfully weaves together the various elements of the story, painting a vivid picture of Garfield's character, his political journey, and the challenges he faced as President. She also sheds light on the divisive political landscape of the late 19th century and the struggles within the Republican Party.
The book takes a gripping turn as it delves into the troubled mind of Charles J. Guiteau, the assassin who believed he would be rewarded for his actions. Millard provides a comprehensive exploration of Guiteau's background and motivations, offering readers a deeper understanding of the man behind the tragic event.
One of the standout aspects of "Destiny of the Republic" is the detailed examination of the medical practices of the time. Millard exposes the unsanitary conditions, the lack of understanding about germs and infection, and the questionable decisions made by Garfield's attending physician, Dr. Bliss. She also highlights the innovative efforts of Alexander Graham Bell, whose metal detector invention aimed to locate the bullet in Garfield's body but ultimately fell short.
The book concludes with Garfield's untimely death and the nation's mourning of its fallen leader. Through the story of Garfield's assassination and the subsequent medical controversies, Millard underscores the need for reform in the medical field, ultimately leaving readers with a lasting impression of the consequences of inadequate healthcare practices.
"Destiny of the Republic" stands as a masterful work of historical non-fiction that combines meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking analysis. It offers readers a captivating and comprehensive account of a pivotal moment in American history and serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by leaders, as well as the importance of advancements in medicine and healthcare.