Picture an American storyteller who turned history into thrilling adventures—meet Candice Millard! A former National Geographic editor, Millard has redefined historical narrative with her vivid, meticulously researched biographies. From Theodore Roosevelt’s perilous Amazon journey to James Garfield’s tragic assassination, her New York Times bestsellers captivate readers with immersive tales that make the past pulse with life.
With a knack for uncovering overlooked moments, Millard transforms historical figures into relatable heroes. Her books, like The River of Doubt and Destiny of the Republic, blend adventure, drama, and humanity, earning her awards and a devoted following. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master storyteller!
The Making of Candice Millard
Born in 1967 in Lexington, Ohio, Candice Millard grew up with a love for stories and history. A graduate of Baker University, she earned a master’s in literature from Baylor University, honing her ability to weave compelling narratives. Her early career at National Geographic sparked her passion for human history, where she served as a writer and editor, scouring archives for tales of courage and struggle. This foundation shaped her unique approach to biography, focusing on pivotal, illuminating moments rather than cradle-to-grave accounts.
Millard’s transition to authorship wasn’t instantaneous. After years of crafting articles, she took a leap with her debut book, driven by a desire to tell stories that gripped readers like novels. Her disciplined research and storytelling prowess soon made her a standout in historical nonfiction.
Candice Millard’s Unforgettable Stories
Millard’s debut, The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey (2005), chronicles Roosevelt’s harrowing 1913–14 Amazon expedition. A New York Times bestseller, it vividly captures the former president’s brush with death amid rapids, disease, and starvation. Critics praised its cinematic prose and meticulous detail, cementing Millard’s reputation as a narrative historian.
In Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President (2011), Millard explores James Garfield’s assassination, weaving a tale of medical mishaps and political intrigue. The book won the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime and other accolades, lauded for its empathetic portrayal of a lesser-known president. Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill (2016) dives into Churchill’s audacious escape during the Boer War, earning a spot as Amazon’s top history book of 2016. Her latest, River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile (2022), uncovers the dramatic quest of explorers like Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke, showcasing Millard’s knack for global historical adventures.
Millard’s style is immersive and accessible, blending rigorous research with novel-like tension. She focuses on human struggles—vulnerability, resilience, and ambition—making history feel immediate and relatable. Her books resonate with readers who crave both education and entertainment, earning her comparisons to biographers like David McCullough.
Why Candice Millard Matters
Candice Millard has revolutionized historical nonfiction by making it as gripping as fiction. Her ability to spotlight overlooked stories—Roosevelt’s Amazon ordeal, Garfield’s tragic end—has broadened readers’ understanding of history’s complexity. Her work inspires curiosity, showing that history isn’t just dates and facts but a tapestry of human triumphs and trials. Awards like the 2017 BIO Award and her presence at events like the National Book Festival underscore her influence.
Millard’s legacy lies in her accessibility. By crafting narratives that appeal to scholars and casual readers alike, she’s made history a shared adventure. Her global research trips, from Kenya to London, reflect her commitment to authenticity, inspiring aspiring historians to dig deeper.
About Candice Millard
- Born: 1967, Lexington, Ohio
- Key Works: The River of Doubt, Destiny of the Republic, Hero of the Empire, River of the Gods
- Awards: Edgar Award, PEN Center USA Award, 2017 BIO Award
- Fun Fact: She works from a corner office at her husband’s publishing company in Kansas!
Snag The River of Doubt and dive into Candice Millard’s thrilling historical adventures—your bookshelf will thank you!