Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard proves itself to be a grand tale surrounding the people and events shaping the timeline around President GaDestiny of the Republic by Candice Millard proves itself to be a grand tale surrounding the people and events shaping the timeline around President Garfield's assassination. Millard's attention to characterisation and plotting is engrossing, so much so you'd think this was a tale of fiction (a true sign of a master historian). I felt glued to the pages reading about James Garfield's loveable and dignified personality, Alexander Graham Bell and his devotion to scientific advancement through meaningful attempts to advance humanity's understanding of our world, Roscoe Conkling's plan to undermine Garfield and his administration (alongside Vice President Chester Arthur who proved to be under Conkling's thumb), the insanity of Charles Guiteau, a tale of mental illness and the failure to contemplate it in America that continues to plague this country, and the hubris of Dr. Bliss, a representation of common aggressive opinion against Dr. Joseph Lister's advancement of antisepsis or protection of the patient against infection. Kudos to Candice Millard for writing about such a significant period in US history, and for writing it with the professionalism and dedication it so rightfully deserves. I even grew rather misty eyed as President Garfield was glued to his pain in intense pain while never losing the personality that made him such a sympathetic and courageous man and no doubt one of the finest personas ever to grace American history....more
While reading "Madison's Gift" I couldn't help but compare Stewarts analysis to that of David McCullough's John Adams, and I sincerely mean this in a While reading "Madison's Gift" I couldn't help but compare Stewarts analysis to that of David McCullough's John Adams, and I sincerely mean this in a positive light. When the average American is asked to name an important founding father, most will point to the military minded George Washington, philosophical Thomas Jefferson, or thanks to the famous contemporary musical, the Machiavellian Alexander Hamilton. Poor James Madison, for all that the USA owes him, gets constantly overshadowed and forgotten. But as author David O. Stewart presents, Madison was equally a driving force in the creation and stability of our country by his cooperation with each of these men through such examples as the creation of the Bill of Rights, ratifying the constitution, and leading the country through the "second Revolutionary War" which was the War of 1812. I think it's a brilliant approach to showcase how each man found Madison's participation essential to the common cause of creating the foundations of the American republic. Being a history nut, I'm glad to see books like these, and being now introduced to Stewart, I look forward to reading more of what he's written....more
What a fantastic biography David McCullough has written regarding our second president and important founding father John Adams. I would label this boWhat a fantastic biography David McCullough has written regarding our second president and important founding father John Adams. I would label this book the tome of John Adam biographies. Finally Adams earns the appreciation he deserves, which after so many years is literally a godsend for perspective of early US history. Quite often Adams achievements and character are overshadowed by his better known founding fathers, such as Washington's commanding persona, Jefferson's philosophical views, or Franklin's own eccentric character. This book, along with the miniseries starring Paul Giamatti, enables Americans to better appreciate what Adams did during his lifetime for this country. I'm actually quite surprised he isn't more popular in contemporary times, as he mentored Jefferson in writing the Declaration of Independence, negotiated important funds from the Dutch, was an ambassador to France at a critical time, never owned a single slave, negotiated an important peace during the Quasi-war with France, and during his time as President had no scandals or real corruption. Adams was a central pillar in the founding of this nation, and Mr. McCullough has beautifully written a fitting biography to honour him....more
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