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.

Very educational

The Last Lincoln Republican: The Presidential Election of 1880

By Benjamin T. Arrington

This may not be a knuckle biter, but it is an interesting description of a very important time in our political history. You will learn that the backbiting and skullduggery of today is nothing new. The author does a very good job illuminating all of the players and how their habits and actions affected the country.
Probably not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.

well read

well composed story and well read. I think this was worth my time and money.