The Last Lincoln Republican

The Presidential Election of 1880

By: Benjamin T. Arrington

Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

The story of the presidential election of 1880, fully explored for the first time in The Last Lincoln Republican, is a political drama of lasting consequence and dashed possibilities. A fierce opponent of slavery before the war, Garfield had fought for civil rights for African Americans for years in Congress. Holding true to the original values of the Republican Party, Garfield wanted to promote equal opportunity for all; meanwhile, Democrats, led by Winfield Scott Hancock, sought to return the South to white supremacy and an inferior status for African Americans. With its in-depth account of the personalities and issues at play in 1880, Arrington's book provides a unique perspective on how this critical election continues to resonate through our national politics and culture to this day.

A close look at the contest of 1880 reveals that Garfield's victory could have been the start of a period of greater civil rights legislation, a continuation of Lincoln's vision. This was the choice made by the American people - and, as The Last Lincoln Republican makes poignantly clear, the great opportunity forever lost when Garfield was assassinated just a few months into his term.

©2020 The University Press of Kansas (P)2020 Tantor

great read on one of the best presidents

great read on one of the best presidents of the late 19th century highly recommend

Great listen

This author takes a fair and balanced look at Garfield’s life and times. He correctly argues that Garfield was a very significant president who has been largely forgotten. He worked tirelessly for the rights of African Americans and pressed for civil service reform. I recommend also James Garfield by Charles River Editors and The Story of Garfield also on Audible.

1880 Election

Short, somewhat boring but to the point account of the 1880 election. Not sure I buy the argument that Garfield was the last hope for a better reconstruction. Yes, he was more committed than Hayes but the South was too far gone in the other direction and the Republican party not strong enough anyway. If you had wondered like I did how a Union General became the southern leaning Democratic Party's nominee 15 years after the end of the civil war then this book will clear that up - Hancock had pandered to southern whites while military governor of Louisiana.

I hope Audible gets more books from the University of Kansas election series because the physical and kindle versions are overpriced.

The narration is fine.

GREAT STORY AND DETAILS on this forgotten time

Thank you adding background details and providing a great story to this forgotten history in America’s past.
Sad that President Garfield only had 4 short months as the head Executive. Everything about him makes one think he would of been one of the greats to serve a President had he served his full term(s).
One thing that can’t be missed is the parallels to our current political environment with how divided the country was then and how the Republican Convention and subsequent election played out when Garfield was nominated then elected. Interesting the similarities despite the 150 years bridge between the times.
READ/LISTEN TO THIS if you’re at all interested in this time, or just thinking about if it’s worth a listen.. it is!

Very good, short recap of this event. Done well.

Have read a couple of books about President Garfield, and enjoyed learning about the gentleman who unfortunately we did not gain full benefit of asa nation.

This book was a great overview of the dynamics of the 1880 election and of the primary characters involved. It was well written, and very well read as well.

A focused look at a changing political landscape

This is actually the second book I've read (listened) to surrounding President James Garfield, and in both cases, I find myself very intrigued about this point in American history. First and foremost, it's a tragedy that President Garfield didn't get a chance to be president longer than he did because I think he would have easily been one of our best presidents. But two, like the title infers, Garfield was definitely one of the last Lincoln style of Republicans to hold the highest seat in government and so it's interesting to think about how things might have gone had he got a chance to serve a couple of terms, which he almost surely would have. Therefore, the 1880 election is an interesting case study in our American political system. That said, if you want to learn more about Garfield the man and the sad events surrounding his assassination, I'd suggest "Destiny of the Republic" by Candice Millard. This book is definitely more of a focused look at the election itself and the main players in the political systems at that time as it's a very thorough and interesting look at how things went down and then, continued, shortly thereafter. The narrator is very good and the book itself serves a great purpose for the political history junkie.