Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles: "Destiny of the Republic" by Candice Millard

James A. 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, and a renowned and admired reformist congressman. Nominated for president against his will, he engaged in a fierce battle with the corrupt political establishment. But four months after his inauguration, a deranged office seeker tracked Garfield down and shot him in the back. But the shot didn't kill Garfield. The drama of what hap­pened subsequently is a powerful story of a nation in tur­moil. The unhinged assassin's half-delivered strike shattered the fragile national mood of a country so recently fractured by civil war, and left the wounded president as the object of a bitter behind-the-scenes struggle for power--over his administration, over the nation's future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care. A team of physicians administered shockingly archaic treatments, to disastrous effect. As his con­dition worsened, Garfield received help: Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, worked around the clock to invent a new device capable of finding the bullet. Meticulously researched, epic in scope, and pulsating with an intimate human focus and high-velocity narrative drive, The Destiny of the Republic will stand alongside The Devil in the White City and The Professor and the Madman as a classic of narrative history.

1. Candice Millard discusses the political climate and challenges of the United States during the late 19th century. How did the political landscape contribute to James Garfield's rise to the presidency, and what issues were prevalent at the time?

2. Charles J. Guiteau's motivations and actions play a central role in the narrative. How does Millard portray Guiteau, and what factors contributed to his decision to assassinate President Garfield?

3. Explore the medical practices and challenges faced by President Garfield after being shot. How did the medical community's limited understanding of infection and the lack of sterile procedures impact Garfield's prognosis?

4. The book provides insight into the medical advancements of the time, particularly through the character of Dr. Joseph Lister. How did Lister's work on antiseptic practices revolutionize medicine, and what impact did it have on Garfield's case?

5. Discuss the theme of destiny as presented in the book's title. In what ways do the lives of James Garfield, Charles Guiteau, and others intersect, and how does destiny shape their fates?

6. Candice Millard also explores the impact of Alexander Graham Bell's invention, the telephone, in the story. How did the telephone play a crucial role in the events surrounding Garfield's assassination and medical care?

7. The book addresses the political and social implications of Garfield's death. How did his assassination impact the nation, and what changes in security and public perception resulted from this tragic event?

8. Examine the character of Lucretia Garfield, the president's wife. How does Millard portray her strength and resilience in the face of personal tragedy, and how did she contribute to Garfield's legacy?

9. Discuss the broader historical context of the Gilded Age and its impact on American society. How did economic, social, and technological changes shape the nation during this period?

10. The book highlights the challenges faced by the medical profession during the late 19th century. How did the events surrounding President Garfield's medical care contribute to advancements in medical practices and the recognition of infection control?

11. Reflect on the historical significance of James Garfield's presidency. In what ways did his brief term in office contribute to the nation, and how might history have unfolded differently if he had not been assassinated?

12. Consider the role of destiny in individual lives and historical events. How do the interconnected stories in "Destiny of the Republic" prompt reflection on the unpredictable nature of fate?