Chester Alan Arthur: The American Presidents Series: The 21st President, 1881-1885

Chester Alan Arthur: The American Presidents Series: The 21st President, 1881-1885

by Zachary Karabell

4.2 (301)

4.2 stars from 301 reviews

170 pages~2.8 hr readPublished by Times BooksPublished 2004-01-01

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Fans of these authors will like this...

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Perfect for you if...

  • You're interested in how ordinary people rise to extraordinary moments and actually change things when given the chance.
  • You want a short, readable history that shows the human side of a forgotten president rather than dusty biography.
  • You're curious about the spoils system and how American bureaucracy stopped being a patronage machine.

Maybe not for you if...

  • You need a comprehensive deep dive into Arthur's life and times; this is a slim 170-page portrait, not exhaustive biography.
  • You prefer narrative-driven storytelling with scenes and dialogue; this is more analytical and focused on political history.
  • You're looking for lurid details about Gilded Age excess; Arthur's personal life isn't the main event here.

About this book

Chester Alan Arthur was a successful lawyer and prominent figure in Gilded Age society who unexpectedly became president. After being forced out as head of the Custom House of the Port of New York in 1877 during a Republican Party power struggle, Arthur gained such prominence that he was nominated for vice president in 1880 despite never having held elected office before. Arthur was elected vice president alongside James A. Garfield. Four months into their term, an assassin killed Garfield, making Arthur president. The assassin was motivated by the corrupt "spoils system" of federal job patronage. Despite having benefited from this system throughout his career, Arthur recognized the need for reform. In the winter of 1882-83, Arthur successfully pushed through the Pendleton Act, which established a professional civil service and initiated broader governmental reforms in subsequent decades. Though largely forgotten today, Arthur demonstrated unexpected leadership when circumstances thrust him into the presidency.

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Free$8.99$17.99Mar '20Jun '22Apr '23Jun '25
$7.18$17.99

Currently on sale at $2.99 — 83% off peak. Price has dropped 3 times over the last 6 years. Goes on sale roughly every 593 days. Typically stays discounted for 23 days.

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#13,157#514,474#1,015,791Apr '18Feb '22Jan '23Jul '26

Currently around #13K in the Kindle store — a steady mid-list seller.

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3.5★4.3★5.0★May '23May '24Aug '24Dec '24Dec '25Jan '26RatingReviews

Currently 4.2★ from 301 reviews

Gaining approximately 1 new review per month. Rating has remained stable at 4.2 over the tracking period.

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Zachary Karabell

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