Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President is a non-fiction book by Candice Millard, published in 2011.
The book tells the story of the assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881 and the events that led up to it.
The book also explores the medical treatment that Garfield received after the shooting and how it ultimately contributed to his death.
Assassination
Assassination
On July 2, 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot twice by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled office-seeker.
The bullets were not fatal, but Garfield's condition quickly deteriorated due to the lack of proper medical care.
Guiteau was quickly apprehended and charged with murder, but his trial and execution were prolonged due to his insanity plea.
Medical Treatment
Garfield's medical treatment was performed by a team of doctors who were not trained in modern medicine.
They used unsanitary instruments and techniques that only worsened Garfield's wounds and caused infections.
The doctors also kept Garfield's true condition a secret from the public, which caused confusion and speculation.
Garfield's Death
Garfield died on September 19, 1881, after 80 days of suffering.
His death was caused by the infections that resulted from the medical treatment he received.
The tragedy of Garfield's death led to a national outcry and calls for reform in the field of medicine.
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President is a detailed account of the assassination of President James A. Garfield and the events that led up to it.
The book also explores the medical treatment that Garfield received and how it ultimately contributed to his death.
The book is a fascinating look into the history of American politics and medicine, and the impact that one event can have on a nation.
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3DaE9zl
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