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4.44 AVERAGE
4.44 AVERAGE
Very good introduction to the life of our 26th president. This first volume of three will take you right up to the point of the death of William McKinley.
This is an easy to read, well written biography of T. R. up to his presidency.
Took my so long to read due to moving and misplacing the book for a bit.
Roosevelt was an in your face kind of guy who got things done. Think bull in a china shop on a mission. One of the early reform politicians. Fascinating family history. If you enjoy political biographies I think you will enjoy this book.
Took my so long to read due to moving and misplacing the book for a bit.
Roosevelt was an in your face kind of guy who got things done. Think bull in a china shop on a mission. One of the early reform politicians. Fascinating family history. If you enjoy political biographies I think you will enjoy this book.
TED OF ALL TRADES, MASTER OF ALL
Edmund Morris ought to consider this new title for his next revised edition of this jam-packed book, so full of information and anecdotes that the reader would surely agree to the change a short time into the literary adventure. As thorough as the beginning of this biography might be, its ease of reading entices many who might otherwise shy away from so long a tome.
As I seek to expand my knowledge of some key historical figures, I chose to tackle the three volume Morris biography of Theodore Roosevelt. I sought not only to learn from what Morris garnered in his extensive research, but also to examine some of the key themes on offer, drawing threads throughout to see how Roosevelt's life developed and the way in which it was captured. Morris takes the reader through a thorough examination of the man from many facets, allowing those who digest the tales to attain a multi-dimensional picture of the man known to many a Teddy. Through his presentation of a few themes--the ongoing thirst for knowledge, dedication to family, and a passion for politics--Morris depicts Roosevelt as both a man of many complexities and one who is closely tied to those around him, and succeeds in selling this idea to the author in this first tome.
The first Volume, reviewed here, encompasses the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his birth in 1858 through to 1901. Morris lays the groundwork of the first theme, thirst for knowledge, early and often, by depicting young Teddy as an avid reader and naturalist whose young life was shaped by parents able to offer him many extravagances due to their wealth, including European vacations and tutored study. Young Roosevelt quenched this thirst by examining much around him and writing his own versions of tomes and reports, some of which he presented to family members while others he kept for himself. As he grew older and left home for Harvard, Roosevelt continued to dedicate himself to his studies, but also opened his mind to social clubs and the interaction with many of those around him, learning both from books and the lives of his acquaintances. His continual interest in new and exciting things led him to invest in cattle herds in the Wild West and piqued his interest enough to run for (and win a seat in) the New York State Assembly. There, Roosevelt's social demeanour opened new doors as he sought to expand his knowledge and permitted his climb to positions of power swiftly and with ease. With the partisan nature of politics and the Ward bosses always confounded him, Roosevelt used what he knew and his ever-present desire to tackle new challenges to wrestle with the political beast from a young age. He was, as Morris explores in one poignant chapter, the youngest candidate for Mayor of New York at the time and had no qualms running in this election against well-founded opponents.
Morris also explores a dedication to family, which stemmed from Roosevelt's early years. A sickly child, weighed down with asthma and other ailments, the young Roosevelt remained bedridden for a time. This sedentary life surely stoked the fires of the aforementioned knowledge seeking, but also helped Teddy develop a strong foundational interest in family. As a young man, when he met and married young Alice Lee, Roosevelt dedicated himself to his bride and sought to keep her abreast of his activities. As with many politicians (even today), the need for a dutiful wife who allows a husband to also delve into the political world forced Lee to accept Teddy's busy life. Teddy's life took on a new direction when Alice announced she was with child, forcing the young Roosevelt to prepare for the busy life of fatherhood. When, two days after the birth of his daughter, Roosevelt suffered the double inequity of Alice's death as well as that of his mother, Roosevelt entered a slump that no past familial foundation could cure. Morris explores how Roosevelt dedicated himself to new adventures, perhaps to bury the pain, in hopes of finding himself anew. An old flame, Edith Carow, returned to his life and soon they rekindle the love they shared, helping to pull Roosevelt from his slump. Married for a second time, Roosevelt soon becomes a father numerous times over and this rejuvenation helps him become the family man he strove to become, matching Theodore Roosevelt Senior (eventually 'the first' after Edith gives birth to a son). While the focus shifts away from family, Morris returns to the topic on occasion, perhaps to assure the reader that Roosevelt is not alone on this adventure, even if his family was not central in the numerous narrated activities.
As with many, the allure of politics was too strong for Roosevelt to ignore. Seeing its manifestation at an early age, Roosevelt watched his father negotiate through some of New York City's power brokers and how the game was played, its rule constantly changing. Winning office at a young age, Roosevelt sought to effect change of his own with his quick wit and attention to detail. While not always successful in his political ventures, he made a name for himself and did persuade many to follow his lead. Morris explains that Roosevelt stepped out of his father's shadow and forged new ground, all in an attempt to make a name for himself and better represent those within the GOP with strong ideas and reformist ways. His desire to look for new ways to tackle old issues helped develop his reform ideological stance, which was not always embraced openly by New Yorkers, voters and politicians alike. Yet, as Morris explores, these views never stopped gaining momentum and Roosevelt soon became a man to watch and a king maker in key state and national campaigns. As head of the Civil Service Commission under President Harrison, Roosevelt cut his teeth on the numerous issues of patronage riddling the federal bureaucracy. Butting heads with many in positions of power, Roosevelt forges ahead with his reform ideas and, oddly enough, is able to outlast the wave away from Harrison's obliteration after one term in office and stays on to serve Grover Cleveland, a quasi-ally from his time as an assemblyman. Taking his reform ideas to a position on the NYPD, Roosevelt becomes a feared man by beat cops and locals alike. When President McKinley calls for his return to the upper echelon of the federal bureaucracy, Roosevelt relishes the chance, offered Assistant Secretary of the Navy. There, he helps formulate key policy on ridding Spain of its imperial gems (namely Cuba and the Philippines), while flexing the muscle of the American military. Morris posits all this helped the United States draw a line in the sand and exemplify its interest in playing a role as a hegemonic power. All this in an effort for Morris to depict Roosevelt as a political animal, building a stronger foundation as the path to the White House becomes a little clearer. The final chapter of the volume focuses on this struggle to give up the reins of power in Albany and consider playing McKinley's running-mate in the 1900 election. Great storytelling by Morris depicts the frantic struggle of the Party, the potential candidate, and the delegates at the Convention. When Roosevelt agrees and eventually becomes VP, his rise to power, though deemed neutered, is only beginning.
Of note, it is highly amusing to see what might have been the first example of the United States backing a group who would eventually go on to seek its annihilation. Cuba, freed from Spanish control, would one day rise up and seek to push the United States out of its life, under the well-known dictator, Fidel Castro. One need only say bin Laden and Hussein to draw the other two parallels, both of which entangled the US Military in useless wars. Alas, two ranchers at the foundation... need I say more?
In this opening volume, one cannot offer enough kudos to Mr. Morris for his excellent work. I am eager to see where this is going and what lies in store for the reader and those figures who play a key role in Theodore Roosevelt's life.
Kudos, Mr. Morris, for a sobering and highly-exciting first volume of this biography!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
Edmund Morris ought to consider this new title for his next revised edition of this jam-packed book, so full of information and anecdotes that the reader would surely agree to the change a short time into the literary adventure. As thorough as the beginning of this biography might be, its ease of reading entices many who might otherwise shy away from so long a tome.
As I seek to expand my knowledge of some key historical figures, I chose to tackle the three volume Morris biography of Theodore Roosevelt. I sought not only to learn from what Morris garnered in his extensive research, but also to examine some of the key themes on offer, drawing threads throughout to see how Roosevelt's life developed and the way in which it was captured. Morris takes the reader through a thorough examination of the man from many facets, allowing those who digest the tales to attain a multi-dimensional picture of the man known to many a Teddy. Through his presentation of a few themes--the ongoing thirst for knowledge, dedication to family, and a passion for politics--Morris depicts Roosevelt as both a man of many complexities and one who is closely tied to those around him, and succeeds in selling this idea to the author in this first tome.
The first Volume, reviewed here, encompasses the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his birth in 1858 through to 1901. Morris lays the groundwork of the first theme, thirst for knowledge, early and often, by depicting young Teddy as an avid reader and naturalist whose young life was shaped by parents able to offer him many extravagances due to their wealth, including European vacations and tutored study. Young Roosevelt quenched this thirst by examining much around him and writing his own versions of tomes and reports, some of which he presented to family members while others he kept for himself. As he grew older and left home for Harvard, Roosevelt continued to dedicate himself to his studies, but also opened his mind to social clubs and the interaction with many of those around him, learning both from books and the lives of his acquaintances. His continual interest in new and exciting things led him to invest in cattle herds in the Wild West and piqued his interest enough to run for (and win a seat in) the New York State Assembly. There, Roosevelt's social demeanour opened new doors as he sought to expand his knowledge and permitted his climb to positions of power swiftly and with ease. With the partisan nature of politics and the Ward bosses always confounded him, Roosevelt used what he knew and his ever-present desire to tackle new challenges to wrestle with the political beast from a young age. He was, as Morris explores in one poignant chapter, the youngest candidate for Mayor of New York at the time and had no qualms running in this election against well-founded opponents.
Morris also explores a dedication to family, which stemmed from Roosevelt's early years. A sickly child, weighed down with asthma and other ailments, the young Roosevelt remained bedridden for a time. This sedentary life surely stoked the fires of the aforementioned knowledge seeking, but also helped Teddy develop a strong foundational interest in family. As a young man, when he met and married young Alice Lee, Roosevelt dedicated himself to his bride and sought to keep her abreast of his activities. As with many politicians (even today), the need for a dutiful wife who allows a husband to also delve into the political world forced Lee to accept Teddy's busy life. Teddy's life took on a new direction when Alice announced she was with child, forcing the young Roosevelt to prepare for the busy life of fatherhood. When, two days after the birth of his daughter, Roosevelt suffered the double inequity of Alice's death as well as that of his mother, Roosevelt entered a slump that no past familial foundation could cure. Morris explores how Roosevelt dedicated himself to new adventures, perhaps to bury the pain, in hopes of finding himself anew. An old flame, Edith Carow, returned to his life and soon they rekindle the love they shared, helping to pull Roosevelt from his slump. Married for a second time, Roosevelt soon becomes a father numerous times over and this rejuvenation helps him become the family man he strove to become, matching Theodore Roosevelt Senior (eventually 'the first' after Edith gives birth to a son). While the focus shifts away from family, Morris returns to the topic on occasion, perhaps to assure the reader that Roosevelt is not alone on this adventure, even if his family was not central in the numerous narrated activities.
As with many, the allure of politics was too strong for Roosevelt to ignore. Seeing its manifestation at an early age, Roosevelt watched his father negotiate through some of New York City's power brokers and how the game was played, its rule constantly changing. Winning office at a young age, Roosevelt sought to effect change of his own with his quick wit and attention to detail. While not always successful in his political ventures, he made a name for himself and did persuade many to follow his lead. Morris explains that Roosevelt stepped out of his father's shadow and forged new ground, all in an attempt to make a name for himself and better represent those within the GOP with strong ideas and reformist ways. His desire to look for new ways to tackle old issues helped develop his reform ideological stance, which was not always embraced openly by New Yorkers, voters and politicians alike. Yet, as Morris explores, these views never stopped gaining momentum and Roosevelt soon became a man to watch and a king maker in key state and national campaigns. As head of the Civil Service Commission under President Harrison, Roosevelt cut his teeth on the numerous issues of patronage riddling the federal bureaucracy. Butting heads with many in positions of power, Roosevelt forges ahead with his reform ideas and, oddly enough, is able to outlast the wave away from Harrison's obliteration after one term in office and stays on to serve Grover Cleveland, a quasi-ally from his time as an assemblyman. Taking his reform ideas to a position on the NYPD, Roosevelt becomes a feared man by beat cops and locals alike. When President McKinley calls for his return to the upper echelon of the federal bureaucracy, Roosevelt relishes the chance, offered Assistant Secretary of the Navy. There, he helps formulate key policy on ridding Spain of its imperial gems (namely Cuba and the Philippines), while flexing the muscle of the American military. Morris posits all this helped the United States draw a line in the sand and exemplify its interest in playing a role as a hegemonic power. All this in an effort for Morris to depict Roosevelt as a political animal, building a stronger foundation as the path to the White House becomes a little clearer. The final chapter of the volume focuses on this struggle to give up the reins of power in Albany and consider playing McKinley's running-mate in the 1900 election. Great storytelling by Morris depicts the frantic struggle of the Party, the potential candidate, and the delegates at the Convention. When Roosevelt agrees and eventually becomes VP, his rise to power, though deemed neutered, is only beginning.
Of note, it is highly amusing to see what might have been the first example of the United States backing a group who would eventually go on to seek its annihilation. Cuba, freed from Spanish control, would one day rise up and seek to push the United States out of its life, under the well-known dictator, Fidel Castro. One need only say bin Laden and Hussein to draw the other two parallels, both of which entangled the US Military in useless wars. Alas, two ranchers at the foundation... need I say more?
In this opening volume, one cannot offer enough kudos to Mr. Morris for his excellent work. I am eager to see where this is going and what lies in store for the reader and those figures who play a key role in Theodore Roosevelt's life.
Kudos, Mr. Morris, for a sobering and highly-exciting first volume of this biography!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
Originally, I had seen the book Theodore Rex being read by one of the characters/actors on the TV show Nashville, and that is what spurred my interest to read that book. Since Theodore Rex began in 1901, I read about a chapter until I realized that it was the second book in a trilogy by Edmund Morris. I searched online resources until I managed to find The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt available as an audiobook. I was not disappointed with this book either!
I learned so much about TR. I had a small working knowledge of this president, such as he had helped preserve our national parks, his Rough Riders, the phrase "speak softly, but carry a big stick," as well as him stepping in as President following the McKinley assassination in 1901. What I hadn't realized was just how much influence he had in New York State, that he had made an attempt for being Mayor, and even that he had been deputy sheriff in Dakota territory....well, there was just so much about TR I learned about from this book.
The one thing I was left wondering about him, and I saw mentioned in some others' reviews is how there was little mention about his relationships with his wives, except for when something life-threatening occurred. That would have been an area that the author could have provided more background on, in my opinion. It is obvious that Morris had access to TR's personal papers--oh that is something else I learned about this exceptional man too; what a voracious reader as well as writer Roosevelt was!
If you decide to listen to the audiobook like I did, be ready for a very long listen--over 26 hours worth--and possibly several renewals/borrows. I liked how the narrator would often try to speak as how TR did, such as the way Roosevelt would over pronounce some letters in his speeches for diction and emphasis (I believe it was the Ps and Ds). The other thing I came away from with this book was the ability through Morris' telling of what this larger-than-life man looked like: how his teeth and glasses seemed to stand out so prominently. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the varied vocabulary used in the text. It expanded my knowledge considerably, but it also helped me go back in time, in a way, when many of these terms and phrases would have been quite commonly a part of everyday conversation. It carried over into some of my current work sometimes subconsciously that my writing had expanded because of what I listened to for about five weeks.
I definitely plan to read or most likely listen to the second book, Theodore Rex, come next year in January.
I learned so much about TR. I had a small working knowledge of this president, such as he had helped preserve our national parks, his Rough Riders, the phrase "speak softly, but carry a big stick," as well as him stepping in as President following the McKinley assassination in 1901. What I hadn't realized was just how much influence he had in New York State, that he had made an attempt for being Mayor, and even that he had been deputy sheriff in Dakota territory....well, there was just so much about TR I learned about from this book.
The one thing I was left wondering about him, and I saw mentioned in some others' reviews is how there was little mention about his relationships with his wives, except for when something life-threatening occurred. That would have been an area that the author could have provided more background on, in my opinion. It is obvious that Morris had access to TR's personal papers--oh that is something else I learned about this exceptional man too; what a voracious reader as well as writer Roosevelt was!
If you decide to listen to the audiobook like I did, be ready for a very long listen--over 26 hours worth--and possibly several renewals/borrows. I liked how the narrator would often try to speak as how TR did, such as the way Roosevelt would over pronounce some letters in his speeches for diction and emphasis (I believe it was the Ps and Ds). The other thing I came away from with this book was the ability through Morris' telling of what this larger-than-life man looked like: how his teeth and glasses seemed to stand out so prominently. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the varied vocabulary used in the text. It expanded my knowledge considerably, but it also helped me go back in time, in a way, when many of these terms and phrases would have been quite commonly a part of everyday conversation. It carried over into some of my current work sometimes subconsciously that my writing had expanded because of what I listened to for about five weeks.
I definitely plan to read or most likely listen to the second book, Theodore Rex, come next year in January.
Fascinating, hard to put down. Roosevelt's grit, incorruptibility, and sheer volume of output are inspiring. Interesting to compare the government and society of a century ago to now: so many things have changed, so many have not.
Very interesting look at TR's life leading up to his Vice-Presidency. I don't know much about this time in America, and it's interesting to note the similarities to now, as well as to make comparisons to LBJ's life and times, as I've spent so much time reading up on his life. Definitely recommend for the history buffs or biography buffs. Morris is an excellent writer, and the words seem to leap off the page. (This was, as is my understanding, originally meant to be a screenplay, but became too involved for the bare-minimum American attention span.)
A great presidential biography of a dynamo of force and energy and an absolute iconoclast of American politics.
Honestly, one of the ten best books I've ever read
I love T.R. He is definitely one of my favorite presidents and, even more than that, all-time favorite historical figures. He was one of a kind, and I would love to be more like him in many ways.
I really enjoyed this. I had already read, tr, the last romantic and mornings on horseback, so I wasn't sure how much more it could offer, but it really delivers. I've seen criticism of the details in the hunting scenes and, as an animal lover, I sympathize. It is, however, an important part of who Roosevelt was and helped lead to his tremendous contributions to conservation, so I say, grin and bear it, or skip them if you must. All in all, an unforgettable portrait of a remarkable man