Author Scott Miller will be making a special appearance in Seattle to sign copies of his new book,The President and the Assassin: McKinley, Terror, and Empire at the Dawn of the American Century
Miller has spent over twenty years as a correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and Reuters, covering news in more than twenty-five countries throughout Europe and Asia. He has been a contributor to CNBC and Britain’s Sky News, and has published articles in numerous periodicals including the Far Eastern Economic Review and the Washington Post. Miller draws upon his years of researching and writing about global trade for his debut book, “The President and the Assassin.”
Book Signing Event
July 13, 2011 7:00 PM
Barnes & Noble
University Village SC
2675 NE University Village Street
Seattle, WA 98105
206-517-4107
From the Author
“I began looking for a book idea several years ago with two requirements in mind. First, I wanted to find a good story–something with fascinating characters, a bit of tension, and a compelling narrative. Second, I was looking for a story of some significance. That led me instinctively to the turn of the century. Everything about the United States–its economy, its politics, the way people played and worked — were all rapidly changing. It was a turning point in the nation’s history. McKinley and his assassin Leon Czolgosz, I quickly discovered, offered a fascinating story in their own right, but also spoke to broader issues.
McKinley tends to be overshadowed by his successor, Theodore Roosevelt. Is that fair? There is no question that McKinley gets less space in the history books. Roosevelt ranks as perhaps the most charismatic president in U.S. history and accomplished great things. But McKinley’s five years in office were, if anything, more action packed. He led the nation into war with Spain, he annexed the Philippines, and he sent troops to China to help put down the Boxer Rebellion. Many of his decisions would have long-lasting consequences. U.S. troops would remain in the Philippines for decades. Puerto Rico and Guam would be brought under–the Open Door– that would guide presidents right up to Pearl Harbor. McKinley, however, was the type of man who preferred to work behind the scenes and was not one for bombastic speech making. This modesty has certainly hurt his profile, undeservedly so.”
Sources: barnesandnoble.com and Amazon’s page for Scott Miller’s “The President and the Assassin”
I played Leon Czolgosz in the Sondheim musical “Assassins” and I would love to read this book!
Good read. Great President; interesting times!