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jimbowen0306's review against another edition
4.0
"The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" by Edmund Morris charts Roosevelt's early life. It actually wasn't bad. I have an instinctive suspicion of modern Republicans (I've been put off by the recent crop I think) so I fully expected to dislike the guy, but I didn't.
This book covers Roosevelt's early life, from his birth to a well meaning patrician father in New York, to his finding out that he had ascended to the Presidency after the assassination of McKinley (the President who dies because they were poking round his intestines without anaesthetic).
Roosevelt comes across as a sort of centrist patrician type (like Bush Snr.) with a common touch (unlike Bush Snr.), who loved his hunting and fishing as much for the scenery as for the hunting. By today's standards he is hideously patronizing to what he might call the "lesser races" (he seems to assume they should all aspire to being white, even though they would never achieve "caucasian class" for want of a phrase), but he is a product of his time so that shouldn't be all that surprising. It did, however, result in him making some odd decisions though, especially with regard to foreign policy.
All in all it's a balanced biography but I'm left with a couple of thoughts after reading it. Firstly, part of me thinks that he would struggle to get the nomination today (or even possibly be a Bill Clinton style center-right Democrat at a stretch) because of his centrist views. Secondly I don't think he'd have been nominated as Vice-President had people known he would ascend to the Presidency after taking office.
Americans presumably know a lot more about Roosevelt than I do (and so can correct my views on the guy if I'm wrong), but my instinct is that I’m not all that far off about the guy!
This book covers Roosevelt's early life, from his birth to a well meaning patrician father in New York, to his finding out that he had ascended to the Presidency after the assassination of McKinley (the President who dies because they were poking round his intestines without anaesthetic).
Roosevelt comes across as a sort of centrist patrician type (like Bush Snr.) with a common touch (unlike Bush Snr.), who loved his hunting and fishing as much for the scenery as for the hunting. By today's standards he is hideously patronizing to what he might call the "lesser races" (he seems to assume they should all aspire to being white, even though they would never achieve "caucasian class" for want of a phrase), but he is a product of his time so that shouldn't be all that surprising. It did, however, result in him making some odd decisions though, especially with regard to foreign policy.
All in all it's a balanced biography but I'm left with a couple of thoughts after reading it. Firstly, part of me thinks that he would struggle to get the nomination today (or even possibly be a Bill Clinton style center-right Democrat at a stretch) because of his centrist views. Secondly I don't think he'd have been nominated as Vice-President had people known he would ascend to the Presidency after taking office.
Americans presumably know a lot more about Roosevelt than I do (and so can correct my views on the guy if I'm wrong), but my instinct is that I’m not all that far off about the guy!
utahmomreads's review against another edition
5.0
I was anxious to read a biography on Theodore Roosevelt and did some research about which one to choose. Morris's work seemed the most thorough and with a length over 750 pages, I initially assumed that it covered Roosevelt's entire life. Ha! A man as exciting, ambitious, and fascinating as Theodore Roosevelt needs so much more than one volume. This tome chronicles his childhood, young adulthood and ultimately his rise to the presidency of the United States of America. Morris continues his study of Roosevelt's presidency in "Theodore Rex" (I've already ordered it and am looking forward to reading more about this amazing man).
Between Roosevelt's exciting life and Morris's thoroughly researched, well-written style, "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" is gripping and fascinating. It's long but I couldn't wait for the kids to go to bed at night so that I could read.
Roosevelt, who was his own best promoter, LIVED life and had an interesting one. He was a sickly child but had a delightful childhood with parents who loved him and indulged his desire to learn. His young adulthood was filled with intense love and tragedy. Occasionally prone to depression and having lost his fortune, Roosevelt battles onward with work, study and fun (in the form of tests of physical endurance).
He is honest, moral and uncorrupt. He sees life as black and white and brings that background to the political table. His rise to the presidency is unusual and quick. He was not without his setbacks and failures but he never stopped grinning and rarely stopped to sleep.
Between Roosevelt's exciting life and Morris's thoroughly researched, well-written style, "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" is gripping and fascinating. It's long but I couldn't wait for the kids to go to bed at night so that I could read.
Roosevelt, who was his own best promoter, LIVED life and had an interesting one. He was a sickly child but had a delightful childhood with parents who loved him and indulged his desire to learn. His young adulthood was filled with intense love and tragedy. Occasionally prone to depression and having lost his fortune, Roosevelt battles onward with work, study and fun (in the form of tests of physical endurance).
He is honest, moral and uncorrupt. He sees life as black and white and brings that background to the political table. His rise to the presidency is unusual and quick. He was not without his setbacks and failures but he never stopped grinning and rarely stopped to sleep.
welleran's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent read. TR was an amazing man. A good biography, reasonably well balanced. Perhaps it's easy to admit of TR's faults because they are so easily overshadowed by his virtues.
You don't need to be a fan of TR, politics, or the time period to enjoy this book. It's just a well-crafted great story.
You don't need to be a fan of TR, politics, or the time period to enjoy this book. It's just a well-crafted great story.
willbefunorelse's review against another edition
4.0
For the full review (and to see how much American History Alaina doesn't know, plus some bonus Simpsons stuff), click the link to That's What She Read.
tetherton's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0