Both local and national history buffs will love Todd Arrington discussing his new book, The Last Lincoln Republican: The Presidential Election of 1880 with our own John Foster.

Arrington serves as the site director of the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor. His book examines the competitive and contentious presidential election between Republican James A. Garfield and Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. The election was decided by fewer than 10,000 votes – one of the closest popular votes in American presidential history.

Arrington has often spoken at the library as part of our Civil War series with Garfield National Historic Site.

In fact, you can watch some of his best talk on our YouTube channel right now, including:

Meanwhile, in addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history (as does Arrington). Foster has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War IIthe American Revolution and US Presidents of the 20th Century at the library.