Subtitled "A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President" this is Candice Millard's portrait of the assasination and slow and painful death (caused as much by the treatment as the bullet) of President James Garfield. A fascinating snapshot of a forgotten period in American history, with interesting vignettes of such famous luminaries as Alexander Graham Bell, and an important moral: medicine can kill you.
When considering the long line of mediocrities who ruled the United States from the end of the Civil War until the beginning of the 20th Century, it's extremely sad to learn what a remarkable man James Garfield was, and to contemplate what a great President and force for good he likely would have been. At a time when the nation needed an effective advocate for more racial equality and civil service reform (to end the corrupt spoils system and the reign of machine politicians) the brilliant and self-made Garfield was ready to champion both causes before he was, unfortunately, gunned down by a madman early in his administration. Well worth the read.
Completed May 25, 2012
Rating 7.5 out of 10.
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