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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.  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.

In her captivating narrative, "Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President," Candice Millard weaves a gripping tale that unveils the intricate web of events leading up to the tragic assassination of President James A. Garfield.

Millard transports readers back to the tumultuous political landscape of the late 19th century, painting a vivid picture of the nation grappling with the aftermath of the Civil War and the struggle for Reconstruction. At the helm of this divided nation stood President Garfield, a respected war hero and a beacon of hope for a unified future.

The book delves into the intricate details of the conspiracy that unfolded, meticulously piecing together the motivations and actions of the key players involved. Millard masterfully unravels the twisted psyche of Charles J. Guiteau, the disturbed office seeker whose obsession with Garfield would culminate in a shocking act of violence.

Beyond the captivating narrative, "Destiny of the Republic" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of mental health and politics. Millard sheds light on the limited understanding of mental illness during that era and the challenges faced by those struggling with psychological disorders.

With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Candice Millard masterfully paints a gripping portrait of a pivotal moment in American history. "Destiny of the Republic" is a must-read for anyone interested in presidential history, political intrigue, or the intricate interplay between power, madness, and the fragility of democracy.