I loved Paul Heitsch’s performance. Very easy to listen to, great inflection and pronunciation.
I felt the information was quiet good considering how little is known about Arthur and that the President tried to erase his life from the historical record.
There was one serious issue that I had trouble with. With no apparent cause, Greenberger tries to create suspense and mystery over Garfield’s assassin. I am familiar with Garfield and his assassination and was troubled and in fact offended by his repeated labeling of Charles Guiteau as “the preacher”.
Charles Julius Guiteau was no preacher. A preacher is one who proclaims a message, most notably the gospel. Guiteau was a cult member, but never held a leadership role. He never proselytized or held religious services. Yes he wrote a plagiarized theology book and he lectered on his insane ideas. Mostly, Guiteau was a drifter and a dreamer who fantasized that God spoke directly to him.
One point I am quite curious about, but may never be know, is whether Chester ever replied to Julia Sand’s letters. Greensberg extensively quotes these and they were my favorite part of the story. Her audacity is quite amazing. She shaped American history and has gone completely unnoticed.
I would have appreciated more research on her. Has anyone really explored her relics? Is there a lost trunk filled with letters somewhere? What of the home where she lived?
Sand is easily as interesting as Arthur and perhaps just as important. She fills the role of emotional support (a wife), moral conscience, and political adviser all unsolicited, yet apparently embraced and accepted.
Great read. I recommend to anyone with a love of history and presidents. Arthur is a forgotten President with an interesting story.