Table of Contents
Are you a history enthusiast who loves diving into the lives of remarkable individuals? Then you’re in for a treat! Join us as we explore the captivating world of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. In this article, we will uncover some of the best books about his life, presidency, and tragic assassination.
James A. Garfield Quick Facts
- President Number: 20
- Terms In Office: 7/48ths
- Years: 1881-1881
- Political Party: Republican
- Vice President: Chester A. Arthur
- Home State: Ohio
- Presidential Pets: Horse (Kit) & Dog (Veto)
- Articles Used in Ranking: 13
- Number of Unique Books: 18
The Best Book About James A. Garfield (Appears on 7 Lists)
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
Lists It Appears On:
- Best Presidential Bios
- Library of Congress
- Mashable
- Presidential History
- Presidents USA
- The Tailored Man
- The Washington Post
In this meticulously researched book, Candice Millard brings to life the forgotten chapter of U.S. history, focusing on the extraordinary life of James Abram Garfield. From his humble beginnings in abject poverty to his rise as a wunderkind scholar, Civil War hero, and renowned congressman, Garfield’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Tragically, just four months into his presidency, he was shot by a deranged office-seeker named Charles Guiteau. Millard’s gripping narrative delves into the behind-the-scenes struggles for power, the nation’s future, and the haunting question of Garfield’s medical care. Destiny of the Republic is an epic tale that will leave you captivated.
#2-4 (Appear on 4 Lists)
Garfield: A Biography by Allan Peskin
Lists It Appears On:
- Best Presidential Bios
- Library of Congress
- Mandi Lindner
- Presidents USA
In this comprehensive biography, Allan Peskin evaluates and examines every aspect of James A. Garfield’s life and career. Drawing upon a wealth of resources, including Garfield’s own papers, Peskin provides a well-rounded analysis of his military achievements, congressional years, and presidency during the Reconstruction Era.
The Garfield Orbit by Margaret Leech
Lists It Appears On:
- At Times Dull
- Best Presidential Bios
- Library of Congress
- Presidents USA
Margaret Leech’s The Garfield Orbit offers a fascinating look into the life of James A. Garfield. From his early years to his ascent in politics, Leech explores the orbit of events that shaped Garfield’s journey. Although occasionally considered dull by some readers, this book presents a valuable perspective on the 20th President of the United States.
Dark Horse: The Surprise Election and Political Murder of President James A. Garfield by Kenneth Ackerman
Lists It Appears On:
- Best Presidential Bios
- Library of Congress
- Presidents USA
- The Christian Science Monitor
Dark Horse by Kenneth Ackerman takes us on a gripping journey through post-Civil War America, where politics was a brutal sport played with blunt rules. This book explores James Garfield’s surprising election, the closest-ever popular vote for president, and his struggle against feuding factions once elected. The murder of Garfield changed the tone of politics and prompted leaders to examine their own excesses, leaving an indelible mark on American history.
#5-6 (Appear on 2 Lists)
James A. Garfield by Ira Rutkow
Lists It Appears On:
- All The Presidents Books
- Library of Congress
Ira Rutkow’s James A. Garfield is a captivating biography that sheds light on the Republican Party’s leading figure in the post-Civil War era. From his humble beginnings in a log cabin, Garfield’s meteoric rise as a college president, Union Army general, and congressman by the age of thirty-two is truly awe-inspiring. Rutkow’s account captures Garfield’s indomitable spirit and the essence of his time.
The Presidencies of James A. Garfield & Chester A. Arthur by Justus D. Doenecke
Lists It Appears On:
- Library of Congress
- Presidents USA
This insightful book by Justus D. Doenecke delves into the presidencies of both James A. Garfield and Chester A. Arthur. Drawing from extensive research on the foreign and domestic policies of the Gilded Age, Doenecke presents a revisionist look at Garfield and Arthur. Far from being cynical spoilsmen or naive incompetents, the author argues that both presidents played significant roles as transitional figures in American history.
#7-18 (Appear on 1 List)
A Biography of James A. Garfield: The Preacher President by William Makepeace Thayer
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
Crete and James: Personal Letters of Lucretia and James Garfield by John Shaw
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
From Canal Boy to President Or the Boyhood and Manhood of James A. Garfield by Horatio Alger
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
Garfield of Ohio, the Available Man by John M. Taylor
Lists It Appears On:
- Library of Congress
James A. Garfield by Robert Rupp
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
James A. Garfield: Letting His Light Shine by John D. McArthur Jr.
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
James Garfield and the Civil War by Daniel J. Vermilya
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
Murder of James A Garfield: The President’s Last Days and the Trial and Execution of his Assassin by Clark, James C
Lists It Appears On:
- Library of Congress
The Fatal Bullet: The True Account of the Assassination, Lingering, Pain, Death, and Burial of James A. Garfield by Rick Geary
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
The Gentleman from Ohio: An Introduction to Garfield by Bates, Richard O
Lists It Appears On:
- Library of Congress
The Life and Public Services of James A. Garfield Twentieth President of the United States by Emma Elizabeth Brown
Lists It Appears On:
- Presidents USA
The Road to Respectability: James A Garfield and His World, 1844-1852 by Booraem, Hendrik
Lists It Appears On:
- Library of Congress
The Best James A. Garfield Book Lists Consulted
- All The Presidents Books One Through Forty-Two or Forty-Three
- At Times Dull
- Janet’s Presidential Biography Project & Blog
- Best Presidential Bios
- The Best Presidential Biographies
- Huffington Post Presidents’ Day History: The Must-Reads Of Presidential Biographies
- Library of Congress Selected Bibliography
- Mandi Lindner 44 Presidents and Their Definitive Biographies
- Mashable Why I’m spending a year reading about every U.S. president
- Presidential History Presidential Resources
- Presidential History (Again)
- Pulitzer Prize Winning Books About Presidents
- The Tailored Man The 44 Best Presidential Biographies
- The Washington Post The Fix’s list of best presidential biographies
That concludes our journey through the best books about James A. Garfield, an exceptional man whose life continues to captivate us. If you’re eager to learn more about this fascinating figure, make sure to check out these books and delve into the world of one of America’s lesser-known presidents.
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