Reviews (35)

A superb biography;
This book does a masterful job of telling the life story of one of America's most interesting presidents. A comprehensive bio, from birth to death, I can't imagine how it could be improved, unless one were to change the title. (I concede that TR was a romantic, and I concede that my definition of "romantic" might be different from that of the author, but I cannot concieve of a definition of "romantic" that would allow Roosevelt to be declared "the last".) But other than that very minor quibble, I find nothing to object to; the story is told in detail, the writing is very fluid and pleasurable to read, and the author, while obviously very impressed by the subject of his book, nonetheless remains fair: when Roosevelt is in the wrong, the author doesn't hesitate to admit it, as when he (Roosevelt) frequently falls prey to his tendancy to demonize his opposition at every turn, or when he berates an opponent for cowardice for making a compromise that, had Roosevelt himself made it, would have been defined (by Roosevelt) as "statesmanlike".

Defnitely the definitive biography of Teddy Roosevelt.

Captures the essence of TR in 816 pages...
This book does a more than adequate job of painting a vivid portrait of this influential president. The style of writing reflects the subject, and there are many informative stories which depict T.R. at his best and worst. I have two complaints about this book, however. First, although it is always difficult to choose which material to include in such a biography (and Brands does an admirable job in 816 pages) the author focuses too much attention on T.R.'s childhood years, and not enough on the presidential and post-presidential periods. The other complaint is one I commonly have of political biographies--there is not enough detail concerning his motive for entering the political "arena." One minute he is a law student, the next he is consorting with politicans and contemplating a life of politics. There is little discussion on his motives for doing so. Despite these shortcomings, I recommend this book for the reader who wants to view the big picture of T.R. in one volume.

This is a good book
I found this a good book, but not a great book. I did not enjoy it as much as the Franklin biography by Brands. He certainly had a compelling character to work with who lived in interesting times, and he didn't overdo the growing up pscyhological stuff, although there was some of that covered. Perhaps the biggest problem is that the subject's life was least glorious after he left the Presidency, when he was more jealous and irrational than he was before that.

WOW
Wow...TR: The Last Romantic is insightful, inspiring, educational and fun! A head-on collision with history, politics, government, diplomacy, leadership, biology, American culture, masculinity and more, as T.R. comes brilliantly to life. 900 pages of sheer delight! I only wish there had been more - I intend to read it again!

Not for fans of TR
As an admirer of Theodore Roosevelt, I was very disappointed in Mr. Brands' book. It appeared to me that Mr. Brands' intent was to analyze the life of this great man strictly from his critic's point of view. While any good biography worth its salt should present a balanced view of the man, Mr. Brands appears to go out of his way to find fault in almost all of TR's actions. TR was by no means a perfect man, however, history has proven him to be one of our greatest presidents. One gets the sense after reading this dreadfully long and depressing account of TR that Mr. Brands'truly disliked his subject. ... Read more

Book Description

Foreword by Christopher du P. Roosevelt. This behind-the-scenes look at Franklin D. Roosevelt's extraordinary skill as a blue-water sailor explores how his love of the sea shaped his approach to public service and even influenced the course of events in World War II. Family and friends, Secret Service agents, and others reveal never-before-told stories of their days afloat with America's greatest seafaring president, including how he escaped injury when fire broke out aboard his small schooner, how ships were modified to accommodate his disability, and details of his wartime rendezvous with Winston Churchill. Sailing pals discuss his abilities as a skipper along with his enjoyment of an evening cocktail at sea during the days of Prohibition. Letters and other documents illustrate how the sea was never far from Roosevelt's thoughts.

Robert Cross examines Roosevelt's great affection for the sea in the context of an era dominated by the Great Depression and two world wars. While some criticized Roosevelt for taking too many seagoing trips-he logged hundreds of thousands of miles at sea and was sometimes out of touch with the White House and the Secret Service for hours-FDR was quick to explain that his lengthy voyages allowed him to personally assess the world situation instead of relying solely on White House briefing books. The author argues that the skills required to be a good sailor have much in common with those needed to be a successful politician: the ability to alter courses, make compromises, and shift positions as the situation warrants. Cross describes FDR as a master at dealing with the unexpected, allowing him to excel in the Navy department, the governor's mansion, and the White House, as well as on the open sea. From luxury ocean liners and presidential yachts to submarines and kayaks, this book lists all of the vessels on which FDR sailed and includes some never-before-published photographs. 28 photographs. 2 maps. Appendixes. Notes. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. 6 x 9 inches. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This loving, even worshipful, tribute to America's 40th president is avisually stunning work of art. Packed with over 500 photographs, many previously unreleased from Nancy Reagan's private collection, memorabilia, magazine covers on which he appeared, and even his belt buckle collection, this is a fitting celebration of a man who touched people around the world. There are brief remarks written by Mrs. Reagan and William F. Buckley Jr., as well as short essays on key points in Reagan's life, but the focus is on the images. And what images they are! Whether wading into a crowd wearing his trademark grin or giving a speech at the Berlin Wall, the man's charm and grace are clearly evident in these photographs. In looking them over, it appears that no one can stand near him without smiling.

"Not since Lincoln, or Winston Churchill in Britain, has there been a president who has so understood the power of words to uplift and inspire," Margaret Thatcher, prime minister of Great Britain at the time, said of Reagan. Appropriately, this book highlights dozens of quotes for which Reagan is fondly remembered, including the humorous and self-deprecating quips such as"I consider all proposals for government action with an open mind before voting 'no'" and "It's true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure why take the chance." In addition, over 200 quotes from a range of world leaders, cabinet members, journalists, family, and friends speak to the man's character and vision and bear testimony to why he was one of the most beloved American presidents of the 20th century. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (11)

The New American Coffee Table Centerpiece
This compendium of pictures and narative covers the life and times of Ronald Reagan, Americas 40th President. It is an excellent review of the many differnt stages that Ronald Reagan stood on and from which he influenced so many people. It contains pictures of Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra and many others from his Hollywood days, as well as pictures from his days as Governor and President. Of course, there's a picture or two of his soulmate Nancy. Something I found interesting was the inclusion of a page of pictures of the various political buttons and paraphenalia from his political campaigns.

There are many books published on the life and the presidency of Ronald Reagan. However, this book contains no right wing or liberal slant. It is a wonderful book for a young adult to pick up on a rainy afternoon and browse through. The changes that occurred in America and the world during Reagan's years in the White House, the love affair that Americans and others around the globe had with this charasmatic leader of the 80's, are all captured here. It brings history alive and .... it belongs on your coffe table.

What an imagination!
What an imagination this lady has. This book is well written but not even close to reality. The Fuzzy glaze the writer puts on Ronnie is disgusting. Try Reagan's America by Lloyd Demause or Blinded by the Right the much more informative.

A Wonderful Tribute to a Wonderful President
This is a stunningly beautiful book for those of us who loved what Ronald Reagan did as President. I was a single mom receiving no child support. I'll never foget the hit that inflation was delivering. With the tax rebate, lower taxes and inflation sinking, thanks to President Reagan, he will forever be my hero. I love this man and all he stood for.

Bigger than LIfe!
I am still working my way through this marvelous collection of pictures and anecdotes. I do not usually highly rate this type of offering but this book is different. It captures President Reagan as he was, bigger than life, a true leader of men. This one wil stay on my bookshelf long after I complete reading and viewing it.

For Reagan-Lovers
This is a beautiful book, put together by someone who knows and loves Ronnie. Most of the pictures are stunning, perfectly capturing his charm and emotions. I have Remembering Reagan, Unguarded Moments, and Ronald Reagan: His Life in Pictures, and of the four, only Ronald Reagan: An American Hero hits the nail perfectly for this true Reagan-lover. You will love to sit with this book and smile, page after page. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the extraordinary true story of Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the son of a president who refused to languish in his father’s shadow.

During World War I, Ted (as he was known) was the youngest American regimental commander to see combat. After the war, he returned to civilian life and founded the American Legion, as well as receiving a succession of important presidential-political appointments, including secretary of the navy, governor of Puerto Rico, and governor general of the Philippines. Early in 1941, Ted petitioned the army to return him to active duty. In April of that year, despite his advanced years, poor eyesight, weak heart, and arthritis so bad he had to use a cane, Colonel Roosevelt was back in uniform. Promoted to brigadier general, Ted fought with the 1st Infantry Division and served with distinction in North Africa and Sicily.

At Normandy, General Roosevelt was the oldest American and only general to land with the first wave on Utah Beach. His valorous leadership on the beach saved the day for his troops and earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. Throughout his life, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. strived to be a credit to his father. As this marvelous biography demonstrates, he succeeded beyond expectation. When Gen. Omar Bradley was asked to name the bravest act he had ever known over his more than forty years of military service, he replied with four words: “Ted Roosevelt. Utah Beach.” ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Vague and mildly interesting biography......
If I had a chocie, I would rate this book as 3.3 stars. The author tries to do justice to the first born son of one of the most famous Americans of the first quarter century of the 20th Century. He rightfully painted Theodore Jr. as a man totally overshadowed by the legacy of his father but yet managed to put his own imprint into history. I also thought it was insightful that Theodore Jr. did right to followed his father's examples even although by doing so, he ran the risk of being accused that he was merely mimicing his more famous sire. On these points, I thought the author did well. But when the author tries to paint a general picture of what kind of the man Theodore Jr. was but he was only partially successful. I would regard this a very friendly and sympathatic book on Theodore Jr. being that all of his strengths, accomplishments and great deeds were highlighted but there is nothing much written on his negatives or failures. (Even his defeat for his race for New York govenor's office was sugar coated.) As any reader would know, no one is perfect and no one is perfect as Theodore Jr. was portaryed in this biography.

Another weakness of the biography lies in Theodore Jr.'s military career. He won the Medal of Honor of his actions on 6 June 1944 when he landed on D-Day in Normandy but I am still wondering what he did to earned such a prize. Outside of reading how brave, courageous, and a great leader of men that Theodore Jr. was, I didn't get any picture that separate him from any other brave, courageous and great leader of men that thousands of American officers who served in World War II outside of the fact that he was a high ranking officer. Maybe that where one of the main weaknesses of this biography lies, that the author's knowledge of Theodore Jr.'s military skills proves to be quite mininal. Citing Stephen Ambrose and reading out citations of valor exactly don't do justice to a man's military career. The author's sources appears to be somewhat limited. (That is bit ironic considering that the subtitled of this book is "The Life of a War Hero".)

Overall, although its pretty well written and easy to read, I found this biography to be pretty limited. But it still the only one we have on the life of Theodore Jr. that I know of and perhaps some day, a more ambitious writer will tackled Theodore Jr. with more gusto.

Fascinating, albeit brief, account of the son of a legend
So much has been written about Theodore Roosevelt that one can feel like they personally know the man.Alas, TR's star was so bright that, in history's eyes, it has flashed over the lives of those close to him, especially those of his children.What is a shame is that little has been written about his namesake son, Theodore (Ted) Roosevelt, Jr.Most of what is known about him comes from anecdotes gleaned from biographies of his famous father.What was it like to live with the pressure of that famous name?Fortunately, author H. Paul Jeffers has taken the separate scraps of knowledge about Ted Roosevelt and crafted a relatively absorbing biography of a man who, it can be argued, was the equal of a his father on many levels.

"In the Rough Rider's Shadow" is a very appropriate title because it describes how Ted Roosevelt had lived most of his life.What Jeffers is able to reveal is a very accomplished man who bore the name Theodore Roosevelt as a mark of honor instead of a burden.Ted's path in life was not dissimilar to his father's.He attended Harvard, and while not the other-worldly student that his father was, still graduated with honors.He served in the United States Army bravely in the Great War and with conspicuous gallantry in World War II (earning the Congressional Medal of Honor).He was an admired family man who was a loving husband and caring father.He even developed a love of outdoor expeditions that his father was so famous for.The only real difference between the two men was that Ted didn't have the love of politics that TR did.He served a few terms in the New York Assembly before an unsuccessful bid for the 1924 New York governorship.After that, he was through running for elected office.Instead, he did wonderful work in appointed positions such as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (once again emulating his father) and colonial governor in both Puerto Rico and the Phillipines.

Most of what is known about Ted Roosevelt comes from the movie "The Longest Day" where his bravery on Utah Beach (which earned him the Medal of Honor) during D-Day was portrayed by Henry Fonda.Because the book is less than 300 pages, the reader is not able to develop a close connection with Ted the way one could with his father via such remarkable books at Edmund Morris' "Theodore Roosevelt" saga.Still, thanks to Jeffers research and the assistance of a wonderful memoir by Ted's wife, Eleanor (not THAT Eleanor Roosevelt), we are able to get a little closer to a remarkable man.

An American Hero!
As the son of a former president, Ted Roosevelt, Jr. could have chosen just about any life for himself. The life he chose was one which placed him in the service of his country.Ted was the only American general on the Normandy beaches on D-Day and led his troops to succeed in their mission.(Henry Fonda portrayed Roosevelt in the Longest Day recreating his participation in the Utah Beach landing.)

While Jeffers' book may be classified as military history, it is much more than that.Jeffers traces Ted Roosevelt's life from his days growing up the son of the flamboyant Teddy Roosevelt, adventurer, Rough Rider, and president, to his adult life which in many ways mirrors his father's life and in other ways excells beyond what his father could have hoped to accomplish.

Ted Roosevelt is frequently mentioned in histories of the Allied invasion of Normandy, but Jeffers is one of the few who makes him the focus of an entire volume.Jeffers struggled with spotty sources depending heavily on Ted's wife's autobiography and Ted's own writing.Still, he manages to put together much of the life story of this exceptional American hero.Jeffers does a fine biography, though there are some gaps in the story.Roosevelt's WWII service appears to be why most remember him, but Jeffers is unable to put together as complete a narrative as he does for other events in Ted's life.Ted's son Quentin participated in the Normandy landing as well, landing at bloody Omaha beach, but little is said of his experience on that day.

Even with weaknesses, this is a must read for WWII buffs and military historians.It is hoped that this will serve as an invitation to a more extensive work.

This book was previously released with the title "Theodore Roosevelt, Jr--the Life of a War Hero."Additional reviews are available under that title.

Subject Matter 5 Stars, Author Less So
As subject matter, the book gets 5 stars. The man is fantastic and the story has the potential to be fantastic.

I was underwhelmed with the book's quality though. I felt the author leaned too heavily on his TR expertise, Ted Jr.'s letters and the biography of Ted Jr.'s wife. He failed to research beyond those borders, it seemed, and therefore the book lacked the panorama, the background info that could have made it great.

The sections on the hunting trips seem to have been glossed over, as if the author were completely uninterested. The giant panda section is especially bad - the author builds up the fact that the bear is not even certain to exist, then a paragraph later the trip is over and Ted is racked with disease.

I was also disappointed with the book's end. The backcover and supporting material all attest to Ted Jr.'s great heroism on D-Day. The author clearly relishes combat history, almost to a fault in that he does not do a good job of painting the battle scene. But the real problem is, Ted's actions are a letdown in the book in comparison to the hype. We get no sense, beyond a quote from one soldier, of what made Ted's actions special.

The author references Stephen Ambrose often in the WW2 chapters. One gets the sense that perhaps Ambrose's book is the one to read.

Nevertheless, the author does a good job of depicting Ted's relationship with his father. The early chapters clearly received the author's best skills. Once TR dies, the author seems to lose interest.

The subject matter itself is fantastic. TR's father, also Theodore ("Greatheart") seems equally underappreciated. I think an author of great skill and broad reading could tell a wonderful, Godfather 2-esque story of all 3 Theodore Roosevelt's. ... Read more

Book Description

From the bestselling author of First Ladies, Inside the White House, and America's First Ladies comes the first look at the women of one of the most influential families in American history: The Roosevelts.

The Roosevelt name conjures up images of powerful presidents and dashing men of high society. In The Roosevelt Women, Betty Boyd Caroli finally gives the women of the remarkable Roosevelt clan their due. An exceptionally gifted historian, Caroli weaves together stories culled from a rich store of letters, memoirs, and interviews to chronicle nine extraordinary Roosevelt women across a century and a half of turbulent history.

"Great fun for Roosevelt buffs."-Kirkus Reviews

"An unforgettable family saga of four generations of feisty and fascinating women bound together by courage, love, and duty.…Hats off to Betty Caroli for this magnificent portrait of the women of one of America's most fabled families!"-Mary Matalin, political strategist and co-author of All's Fair: Love, War, and Running for President

"A memorable account of a remarkable group of women. Our view of the Roosevelts-and of what constitutes an American dynasty-will never be the same."-H.W. Brands, author of T.R.: The Last Romantic ... Read more

Reviews (14)

This book brings the Roosevelt women alive.
I wasn't expecting to like this book. The Roosevelt women I knew about, like Eleanor, seemed too wealthy and upper class to interest me. However, once I started reading (at a friend's recommendation), I was drawn into each of these Roosevelt women's stories. The history and politics in the book were easy to grasp, and everything that happened in the lives of the women discussed was made vivid and dramatic by the author. I wish I could sit down with her and have a cup of coffee and hear about the parts she left out.

Fascinating
This book really held my attention. While I must admit that I still get a little confused with the Roosevelt family tree, this book gave me just enough information about the Roosevelt women. It's refreshing to read about the women behind the men!

There are other Roosevelts other than Eleanor and Alice
This was a pretty well written biography of the women of the Roosevelt family. It includes TR's mother and sisters and a few others you don't ordinarily read about, such as his second daughter, a niece, his second wife. The author does not go into any great depth for any of these women, but she gives a good overview of the lives of each. Well worth reading.

Wonderful
This book is so good, I can't put it down. It should be on the reading list of every college student doing Women's Studies, as well as regular history courses. Thanks to Book Notes for interviewing this author on C-span, I can continue my education with these wonderfully insightful books.

A thoroughly engrossing read.
Betty Boyd Caroli gives equal and entertaining time to several generations of Roosevelt women who were just as intelligent and strong-minded as their male counterparts (if not more so), even if they didn't have the same career opportunities. This extremely well-written and thoughtful book fills a long-neglected gap in the copious field of Rooseveltiana. Highly recommended to casual readers and historians alike. More compelling as fact than most fiction you'll ever read. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great book for baseball lovers
I remember this reading this book in 7th grade and i will never forget it. It was writen with pride and dignity you felt that the great BAMBINO was a hero and he was to most people. I really recommend this book to baseball lovers and people who are interested with this topic. Oh Guernsey Van Riper and Seymour Fleishman did a excellent job writting and illustrating this book.

Babe Ruth- An All American Hero
I read this book a couple years ago, but haven't forgot it. It's great if you like learning about sports heros or baseball. I remember most baseball stuff. I even remember that 1 month after his first wife died in an apartment fire, Babe Ruth married again. I learned that from this book. Would you like to learn more? Then buy this book!!! ... Read more

Book Description

THE CHILDHOODS OF FAMOUS AMERICANS SERIES

One of the most popular series ever published for young Americans, these classics have been praised alike by parents, teachers, and librarians. With these lively inspiring, fictionalized biographies -- easily read by children of eight and up -- today's youngster is swept right into history.

ABIGAIL ADAMS
SUSAN B. ANTHONY
NEIL ARMSTRONG
CRISPUS ATTUCKS
CLARA BARTON
ELIZABETH BLACKWELL
DANIEL BOONE
BUFFALO BILL
WILL CLARK
ROBERTO CLEMENTE
DAVY CROCKETT
WALT DISNEY
THOMAS A. EDISON
ALBERT EINSTEIN
HENRY FORD
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
LOU GEHRIG
HARRY HOUDINI
LANGSTON HUGHES
TOM JEFFERSON
HELEN KELLER
JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
ROBERT E.LEE
MERTWETHER LEWIS
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
MARY TODD LINCOLN
THURGOOD MARSHALL
JOHN MUIR
ANNIE OAKLEY
MOLLY PITCHER
POCAHONTAS
PAUL REVERE
KNUTE ROCKNE
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
TEDDY ROOSEVELT
BETSY ROSS
BABE RUTH
SACAGAWEA
SITTING BULL
JIM THORPE
MARK TWAIN
GEORGE WASHINGTON
MARTHA WASHINGTON
WILBUR AND ORVILLE WRIGHT ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A life lesson.
Have you ever felt like you did not belong? Thin you should read Jackie Robinson by Herb Dun. It is a book about a boy how grew up to be one of the most famous baseball player in the world. But it did not come without hard work... that is what made he the man he is today. And that is how the world should be .
Jackie Robinson is a good book because it tells how thing happen today and could help a lot of people like when there are kids at your school by reading this book it should really help you learn a lesson that is really important to learn in real life so I think you should read this book. Because it is a book that tells a life lesson. ... Read more

Book Description

A short concise examination of the most dominate U. S. President of the 20th century, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

• Examines how FDR led the country thorugh the Great Depression and World War II
• Describes how FDR's years in office transformed U. S. Politics and America's place in the world
• Fresh and vividly written account

In the 1930s and 40s America was ravaged by unemployment, poverty and conflict. Franklin D Roosevelt led the country through the two great crises of mass unemployment and the Second World War in a style that persuades the author to call him 'the most important President of the Twentieth Century'. His New Deal and decisive leadership during the war made him the greatest vote-winner in the nation's history and a key figure in twentieth century history. This fresh and vividly written account of FDR's life covers his early days in one of the nation's oldest and richest families, and the effect of the polio that ravaged him in his prime. The role of his early political career and his 12-year presidency is investigated, and his fascinating relationship with his wife Eleanor explored. Patrick Renshaw explains how and why FDR came to power and with what effect he exercised it. He argues that FDR used the Second World War to make America the greatest power on earth and that his twelve years in the White House transformed American politics and America's place in the world. Original interpretations of his life career in relation to his illness and private life make this a fascinating biography.An important addition to the Profiles in Power series, this critical biography views the most significant twentieth century US President from a fresh perspective in the twenty-first.

Patrick Renshaw was as a journalist for seven years before a 30 year teaching career universities in Britain and America. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Colonel Theodore Roosevelt led his Rough Riders up the San Juan Ridge in 1898, it was one of the most daring exploits of the Spanish-American War. Colleagues would later report that, seemingly oblivious to the threat of death, Roosevelt "was just reveling in victory and gore," collecting spent cartridges as souvenirs for his four sons while shells exploded around him. His martial vigor served as a model to those sons, one that they took to heart, but their own experiences of war were far removed from TR's swashbuckling adventure.

At the end of World War I, the youngest Roosevelt son--Quentin--was dead, shot down in the skies over France. Theodore Jr. (Ted) and Archie both sustained serious injuries, and Archie suffered from bouts of serious depression many times in the years afterwards. Yet they both served, along with their brother, Kermit, in World War II as well. At 57, Ted was the oldest American participant in the Normandy invasion; Archie became the only U.S. soldier ever to be classified as 100% disabled twice in his career.

The Lion's Pride tells all their stories with thoroughness and graceful simplicity. Although military historians will surely appreciate its combat narratives, it is at heart a family saga, a tale with profound emotional resonance for parents and children alike. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An Extraordianry Family In War And Peace
In "The Lion's Pride" Edward Renehen treats the reader to an interesting insight into the last years of Theodore Roosevelt's life, with a particular emphasis his impact on World War I and the War's impact on TR and his family.

Beginning with the Roosevelt Family background, the reader is introduced to Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., Greatheart to his family, who taught his children the duties which go with privilege. Greatheart made one decision which would have a profound impact on his progeny: he paid a substitute to take his place in the Union Army. The shame of his refusal to serve which drove TR and his sons to on the battlefields of the world to seek to redeem Greatheart's failure.

TR began his redemptive act during his service as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, from which post he played a major role in getting America ready for and into the Spanish American War. This objective achieved, TR began an insatiable quest to get to the Front. Leaving his family behind, he went to Texas to organize the Rough Riders, an improbable mixture of cowboys and Indians, lawmen and outlaws, westerners and Ivy League athletes. Through TR's persistence they were deployed to Cuba where they charged up San Juan Hill and into glory on July 1, 1898.

After having served as President during a time of peace, TR's marital ardor was again stirred by the coming of World War I. TR, an early and enthusiastic advocate of American preparedness and intervention, raked the neutrality policies of the Wilson administration with merciless fire.

With America's entrance into the war, the cry for TR to, once again, get to the Front arose, not only from TR himself, but from European allies. Georges Clemenceau argued that Roosevelt's was the "one name which summons up the beauty of American intervention" and demanded that Wilson "Send Roosevelt!" In a personal interview, TR had to compliment Wilson in a effort to get command of a division of volunteers. Neither TR, nor allies pleading for a liberating hero, would be satisfied. Wilson, besides being unwilling to give center stage to an aggressive and popular political opponent, recognized that the days of the "Charge Of The Light Brigade" were over. There was no place in modern war for a half-blind, overweight, infection and rheumatism ravaged amateur soldier with a record of insubordination. TR's proposed volunteer division, which would have attracted many of the Army's most promising officers, would have presented a major impediment to the administration's goal of a draft army.

Blocked from the Front, TR made speeches is support of the war effort, while all of his sons would be wounded in action. Ted Jr.. and Kermit served on the ground in Europe while Archie served with British forces in the Middle East and Quentin dueled in the skies over Europe. Many comparisons contrasted the active service of TR's sons with the positions in the rear held by the sons of the Kaiser. Ted, Jr.'s wife, Eleanor, along Woodrow Wilson's son, serviced with the YMCA in France, a fact which provided the basis for sarcastic comparisons. Quentin's death in a dog fight cast a pallor over Sagamore Hill and inflicted a wound from which TR would never recover.

After Quentin's death, TR's life rapidly wound down. Tropical diseases and years of strenuous life finally took their toll with TR's unexpected death on January 6, 1919.

The military service of the Roosevelt family would not end with the death of the Old Lion. His three surviving sons would serve in World War II, two of them dying in uniform. Ted, Jr.. would win the Medal of Honor, a decoration which TR had been denied.

"The Lion's Pride" tells the fantastic story of the life of an extraordinary family. It is the best telling of the World War I era of TR's life which I have found. To learn about either of these topics, "The Lion's Pride" is an excellent choice.

A must read for the student of American History
This book tells a very important American story about citizenship, courage, and responsibility. It should be included in every young fathers library.

TR For Father of the Year?
TR For Father of the Year? Definitely not in 2001. But perhaps in 1917!

Was Teddy Roosevelt a loving and devoted father, or was he a hawkish militarist who pushed his sons to enlist and fight a war he wished he could?

I'd say he was both!

Undoubtedly, TR loved all his children. And though his attitude toward them seems harsh by modern standards, I think he was a good father. Clearly his children all loved him dearly. He never asked more of them than he demanded from himself.

This is a wonderful book: sometimes sad, sometimes funny, but fascinating all the way through!

Wonderful and Haunting
This is a haunting look back at a time that seems never to have been and a bigger than life figure whose influence on his family was at once wonderful and tragic. The author moves quickly, giving just enough detail to render a sure sense of family life at Sagamore Hill and the White House. He touches on playtimes led or inspired by loving bear of a father, TR. He recalls the competitiveness of Roosevelt's children as they strive to impress their father, and he notes the impact of Roosevelt's glory on hills called Kettle and San Juan: "Teddy Roosevelt's children grew up in the glow of Roosevelt's crowded hour." Roosevelt clamored for war with Spain in 1898, and when he got his wish, he made the most of it, charging into enemy rifle fire on horseback, while his men moved ahead on foot. He came home a hero, boastful and proud. In time, he would have cause to wonder about the impact of his hour of glory. His sons, always quick to follow his example, had no three month assignment when their war came, but instead endured long months at or near the front, ill prepared, poorly equipped and plagued by doubt. TR knew that WWI was no summer season war. The weapons were deadlier, the losses staggering and the warring sides grimly determined to fight on. He wrote one of his sons, "If after you have been in the fighting line, you are offered a staff place in which you can be more useful, it would be foolish to refuse it ..." His worry was too late. Three of his boys would suffer serious injury. One would lose his life. The death of his youngest shook TR. "I can see how he constantly thinks of him," wrote Mrs. Roosevelt, "and not the silly recollections ... but sad thoughts of what Quentin would have counted for in the future." In less than six months Roosevelt himself would be dead, in some sense a second victim of the bluster and blast that so defined him. What is most unique about this book is its feel for Roosevelt family life, the relationship of one to the other, the numerous and varied activities, the friends, associates, wives and husbands, and, at the center, holding everything together, the wonderful and impossible Bully Boy, Theodore Roosevelt. Renehan creates a kind of challenge to the self-interest, materialism and disjointedness that so characterizes life in our time.

Wonderful story of a heroic American family
I have just finished The Lion's Pride and have finished crying. Theodore Roosevelt has been my hero since boyhood; I've visited Sagamore and TR's grave, read Morris's excellent Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, the delightful Mornings on Horseback by McCulough, other bios, and TR's own The Rough Riders, so I know the major triumphs and tragedies in Roosevelt's life. But in Renehan's book, whose focus is on TR's 4 sons, 2 daughters, and their children, I kept hoping what I knew would happen would NOT happen. I wanted TR to win a third term, survive into old age, have some active role in World War I, not have a son die in that war, etc. I kept saying, "NO, I don't WANT this to happen this way!" But it did; there is more sadness in the Roosevelt family than, perhaps, in most others. But the Roosevelts lived life to the fullest (the "strenuous life" in TR's words) and that is a lesson we could all remember.

Renehan draws on first-person accounts of people who knew TR and his children to paint vivid, vibrant pictures of a prominent American family in peace and war. There are unforgettable vignettes of veteran Rough Riders visiting TR long after the Spanish-American War, of soldiers who served with TR's sons in WWI, and of TR's "war" with Woodrow Wilson about America's role in WWI.

The deaths of 3 of TR's sons can legitimately be seen as metaphors for America in the 20th century. One died in combat, one died of a coronary, and a third, an alcoholic, died by his own hand. All were successful in various ways, but one wonders if they ever really escaped the shadow of their father.

Renehan omitted my favorite TR story. TR, his wife, and a friend were on a back porch somewhere, rocking and talking on a warm summer evening. The quiet was broken by TR, who slammed his fist down on the arm of the chair. His wife, who knew him well, asked calmly, "What is it, dear?" "A mosquito," TR replied. His wife replied, "He killed mosquitoes as if they were lions, and lions as if they were mosquitoes." (Apologies if I have the wording and setting a skosh wrong).

Finally, compare TR with today's politicians, and anyone who has been in the White House in the lifetime of the vast majority of us. Do any compare to TR? I don't think so.

This story of a famous American family deserves an honored place among the best of bios about TR. It is history at its most compelling: the interweaving of the lives of one group of individuals in the great events of the previous century. ... Read more

Book Description

This brief text assists students in understanding Ayn Rand's philosophy and thinking so that they can more fully engage in useful, intelligent class dialogue and improve their understanding of course content. Part of the "Wadsworth Philosophers Series," (which will eventually consist of approximately 100 titles, each focusing on a single "thinker" from ancient times to the present), ON AYN RAND is written by a philosopher deeply versed in the philosophy of this key thinker. Like other books in the series, this concise book offers sufficient insight into the thinking of a notable philosopher better enabling students to engage the reading and to discuss the material in class and on paper. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

BEST SHORT BOOK ON AYN RAND EVER WRITTEN
A plus. It doesn't get any better than this. In 100 pages, Dr. Gotthelf draws on everything known about Ayn Rand, from her novels, books, articles, journals, even spoken lectures and interviews, and gives the correct essentials. The emphasis is on her underlying philosophy, Objectivism, 'the philosophy for living on earth.' The politics of capitalism are only briefly sketched in. He clearly explains Ayn Rand's most complex innovation, her theory of concepts. Under ethics, he covers the 6 most important virtues. He opens and closes with Ayn Rand's benevolent universe premise and heroic view of mankind. He concludes with a passage from John Galt's speech in Atlas Shrugged.'Fight for the value of your person. Fight for the virtue of your pride.... Fight with the radiant certainty and absolute of knowing that yours is the Morality of Life and that yours is the battle for any achievement, any value, any grandeur, any goodness, any joy that has ever existed on this earth.'

A clearly written introduction to Objectivism and Ayn Rand
Allan Gotthelf succeeds at condensing Ayn Rand's entire integrated philosophy of Objectivism into a short (97 pp.), easy to read introductory book. Most of the book is devoted to presenting the core of the philosophical system -- metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics -- but there is a glance at politics and esthetics, and two chapters are devoted to a biography of Ayn Rand.

Gotthelf argues that philosophy is not an esoteric game, but a practical tool none of us can do without. He shows how one's ability to make decisions and one's ethical and political views stem from the metaphysical and epistemological premises one accepts. Ultimately philosophy moves the world. *On Ayn Rand* argues that Objectivism is practical: a guide to living one's life, which, when correctly understood and acted upon, will enable its practitioner to achieve happiness.

*On Ayn Rand* introduces all the main ideas of Objectivism in a clear manner, easy for the beginner to grasp. For example, Gotthelf explains that three metaphysical axioms, which are perceptually self-evident, underlie all our thinking and are properly the starting point of philosophy: that something exists, that the act of grasping this implies that one is conscious, and that everything that exists has an identity. Using simple examples he shows how even if one tries to deny these axioms one affirms them.

*On Ayn Rand* is not written in a detached manner, so common to textbooks. Its author had been a student of Ayn Rand and knows his subject. His presentation is both factual and passionate. Convinced of the practicality of ideas and of their power to change the world, Allan Gotthelf has written a clear and enjoyable introduction to a revolutionary philosophy.

A good gloss-over of Rand
This book is good for someone who wants to understand Rand but does not yet want to dive into the endless books by and on Rand. It is a good overview of her philosophy and life, but certainly not complete.

Those liking this book will also like "Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand" by Leonard Piekoff

A good short summary of Rand's errors
Allan Gotthelf has written a decent little book here. Aside from a couple of annoying verbal habits (e.g. always writing out Ayn Rand's full name every time he refers to her) and a couple of unpleasantnesses (e.g. some nasty remarks about the Brandens and the existing secondary literature on Objectivism), this is actually a pretty well-written and well-organized brief overview of Rand's thought. (Of course -- heh heh! -- you shouldn't expect to understand it all _right away_. It takes _many, many years of serious study_ to learn that Rand was absolutely correct in every single particular.)

The presentation is orderly, if occasionally skimpy. Gotthelf devotes a couple of short, fawning chapters (well, all the chapters are short -- and fawning, too, come to think of it) to Rand's sinless life and then proceeds to take the reader on a guided tour through the main features of her thought in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Political theory gets short shrift, but that's okay; while it was undoubtedly the strongest (or at any rate the least vulnerable) portion of Rand's philosophy, it was also by far the least original (which, actually, is _why_ it was the least vulnerable). Aesthetics doesn't get much attention either, which is sort of too bad, but maybe Gotthelf doesn't want to give away too many of Rand's propaganda techniques.

I especially enjoyed the tour; it's always a pleasure to encounter a book that one has completely refuted before it was even published. The reviewer from Austin is right: Rand _wasn't_ really a very good philosopher. And Gotthelf's accurate-but-uncritical summary of Rand has been a tremendous help to me in rewriting, for publication, my critique of Rand's epistemology (still available in an earlier draft form on my website); he confirms and recommits every error I pick on her for, and may even introduce one or two new ones of his own. (For example, at one point he seems to imply that the "primacy of existence" premise commits him to materialism.)

You may well imagine that critics of Objectivism (of whom I am obviously one) receive lots of silly e-mails telling them they've gotten this or that point entirely wrong (usually from people who don't seem to be able to read all that well themselves). So I'm happy to say that at numerous points I have been able to use Gotthelf's handy little text to confirm (yet again) that I was reading Rand correctly after all, and that she was just as wrong as I said she was. Now that I've taken account of his work in rewriting my own, the result is a much clearer critique. (Which just goes to show, I suppose, that Objectivists and libertarians _can_ cooperate in a good cause.)

And I'm not kidding about the quality of Gotthelf's work; this _is_ a fairly well-executed introduction, although it will probably be a bit hard to read for anyone completely unfamiliar with Rand's work. For the most part (but not entirely!) this little book reads like a precis of Leonard Peikoff's _Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand_ (which is, by the way, one of the few items of "secondary Objectivist literature" about which Gotthelf has anything good to say). As such it will make a helpful companion to that volume, whether Peikoff likes it or not. (And as I hinted, if you read carefully you'll find a few points at which Gotthelf disagrees with Peikoff and the ARI mainstream. For example, did Rand think her ethic was founded on an "axiom"? Compare Gotthelf's remarks with David Harriman's in the _Journals of Ayn Rand_.)

It will also be helpful to anyone -- Randie or otherwise -- who wants a quick and dirty summary of what Objectivism is all about. Love it or hate it, here it is.

All of Rand's Sins, None of Her Virtues
Gotthelf's book is probably the worst introduction to Rand yet written.

The book is clear to a reader only if that reader is already highly familiar with the idiosyncratic semi-technical vocabulary of Objectivism. Indeed, not only does Gotthelf express Rand's thoughts in Rand's rather obscure way of speaking, he typically lets her speak for herself - literally. Most of the main ideas are introduced by way of quoting Rand, at length. This might be okay were Gotthelf to then elucidate Rand's strange formulations, but he takes it for granted that the quotations are clear.But, when cut from context, the quotations lose most of their original flavor. This means that Gotthelf has managed to replicate all of the problems with Rand's unclear and inconsistent language without replicating any of her energy and lively style.

Gotthelf has a skewed approach to the question of how much of the book to use on a given subject. He devotes quite a bit of it to deeply a adoring account of Rand's biography, without citing the unauthorized memoir and biography by Rand's closest companions or even the authorized biography written by Barbara Branden in the early 1960's. He does cite Leonard Peikoff's biographical essay on Rand. It is appropriate that Gotthelf, who fails to display much concern with the truth about Rand's life, should cite Peikoff: Peikoff concludes that essay by explaining that our wishes determine what kind of a person Rand was.

One could tolerate hagiography if it at least included some relevant information about the development of Rand's philosophy. But this one does not. The well-articulated and strongly defended theory that Rand's philosophical development was much influenced by her immersion, in the Russia of her youth and education, in the dialectical methodology characteristic to the approach of virtually all academics in virtually all subjects on virtually all sides of virtually all questions. That is, Gotthelf manages to spend about a third of the book celebrating Rand, without mentioning the one and only fact about her personal history that is at all interesting from a philosophical point of view: that she may have taken elements of her philosophical methodology from the educational system in which she studied.

Gotthelf's skewed sense for what is worth including is displayed elsewhere, in his decision to spend about 40% of the book on Rand's metaphysics; primarily her theory of concepts. This leads him to shortchange Rand's politics, dealing with Rand's most well-known theory on a single page.

But, since Gotthelf spends so much of the book on Rand's metaphysics, and uses quotations from Rand to do most of his explaining, we must ask whether this book is a more efficient introduction to Rand's metaphysics than just reading Rand. Rand's work on metaphysics is about 100 pages long; more if you count the appendices, which help to elucidate but add little that's really essential. So now we're wading through 35 pages of hagiography and 40 pages of metaphysics to get not just the same old explanations but quotations that one could have found in Rand in a book that's only about 25 pages longer.

The discussion of ethics is similarly problematic. Rand's meta-ethical argument is deeply obscure. One cannot, by reading her essay on the subject, discover what are its premises, what are its conclusions, and how one infers the conclusions from the premises. All of the various interpretations of this argument that have been offered have been subjected to serious criticism. Gotthelf neither explains the argument (more quotations) nor even tries to show how it can deal with the criticisms that have been offered.

Rand was not a really very good philosopher; her programmatic, mostly methodological, insights require a total reworking from the bottom up. One wonders whether she'll ever acquire a scholarly following capable of doing this, or if the poor woman will be forever cursed with unconstructive, admiring sycophants on the scale of Gotthelf. ... Read more

Book Description

People often associate Theodore Roosevelt with the Rough Riders, the volunteer cavalry regiment that he led to vic-tory in 1898 in the Spanish-American War. But the list of accomplishments of the 26th president of the United States is long: besides holding office as vice president, governor of New York State, and police commissioner of New York City, he was a writer, cowboy, historian, conservationist, and soldier. Above all, he ushered the United States into the ranks of the world"s great powers. His incredible exuberance and strength continue to inspire, and his progressive views on government and corporate corruption, labor laws, and feminism are still relevant today.

Award-winning author Betsy Harvey Kraft has written a sweeping biography that draws from diverse sources, including Theodore Roosevelt"s journals, correspondence, and autobiography, as well as the memoirs of family and friends and newspaper reports of the time. This excellent book also features archival photographs, political cartoons, and drawings by Roosevelt himself. Endnotes, bibliography, index. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great, accessible biography of our 26th president
The choice of Teddy Roosevelt is a good one to get kids to read about this raucous period of American history. Well illustrated with period photos and cartoons, the text is engaging and fast-paced. Perfect gift for that young teenager on your list, I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to read this!

He Tackled the Status Quo
Even the Presidency did not take the boy out of Theodore Roosevelt. A century ago, when Washington was a simpler place, TR engaged in such youthful sports as wintry swims in the Potomac. President Roosevelt showed similar courage in tackling financial tycoons or forcing Spain out of Cuba. TR was a significant figure on the political stage from the 1880s through World War I. He was an active, early conservationist. Betsy Kraft's well-paced, illustrated biography will engage young (and older) adults. The author brings this man and his era to life. Public libraries and high schools should find it valuable. ... Read more

Book Description

Poised at a strategic point in the emergence of modern America, Theodore Roosevelt entered the White House just as the twentieth century opened. Following a succession of weak presidents who proved themselves incapable of dealing seriously with the novel problems and responsibilities created by industrialization within the country and by imperialism in the world outside its boundaries, Roosevelt was uniquely qualified by training and personality to reverse the trend. His patrician background, his education, and his grasp of the national and international situations set him apart from the men he succeeded in Washington. His vigorous, colorful, forceful personality attracted widespread public attention and deep affection. As a result, he was able to face problems that his predecessors had avoided. In matters like labor and conservation, Roosevelt established fruitful precedents for the country. In others, diplomacy for instance, he made false starts. But in any case, he illuminated the questions with which his successors would have to deal. Legend, or near legend, Roosevelt dominated an era in American life. An examination of his multiple careers throws light on the problems of transition of the U.S. from the nineteenth to the twentieth century. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It's an acceptable, short recitation of Roosevelt's life.
It's available from Waveland Press, Inc., I recently purchased a new copy of it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Teddy Roosevelt: Man of Action and First Modern President
Most of the juvenile biographies of Theodore Roosevelt begin in media res, with a defining moment in T.R.'s history.The usual choice is when T.R. became the youngest President in history when William McKinley was assassinated, but Zachary Kent picks instead the Rough Riders storming San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War.The choice is significant because Kent presents the life of Theodore Roosevelt as being that of a fighter who charged through life the same way he charged up San Juan Hill.But Kent also argues throughout this juvenile biography that Roosevelt's progressive politics helped thrust the United States into the modern age.

Kent divides T.R.'s life into nine chapters: (1) "Get Action!" introduces Roosevelt as a Colonel in the Rough Riders storming San Juan Hill; (2) A Fighter is Born looks at his childhood, where the young boy suffering from asthma transformed himself into a boxer, and how his early political career went off track following the tragic day when both his wife and mother died; (3) The Four-Eyed Maverick tells about both T.R.'s life as a rancher in the Dakota Badlands and his return to politics after his second marriage; (4) From Police Department ot Navy Department looks at the two jobs where T.R. made his reputation in New York and Washington; (5) Rough Rider to the White House covers how T.R.'s experiences in Cuba got him elected governor of New York and his reputation put him on the national Republican ticket in 1900 as the Vice Presidential candidate.Young readers will be surprised to learn he did not want the position, and it was only an ironic twist of fate that made him President.

Kent covers the Roosevelt presidency in a pair of chapters: (6) Wielding a Big Stick details how T.R. invigorated the White House as he filled out McKinley's term, continuing to lead "The Strenuous Life" and advancing the Progressive cause, from inviting Booker T. Washington to the White House to breaking up business monopolites; (7) Adventurous President deals with the 1904 election, when T.R. was elected to the White House in his own right, and his focus shifted to foreign affairs, most notably settling the Russo-Japanese War (for which he would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize) and visiting the construction of the Panana Canal. If they have been working through the Presidents in chronological order (I have been going alphabetically), young readers will note that with T.R. we have what they would recognize as being the first "modern" President.

This volume is also rather unique in the Encyclopedia of Presidents series because it is one of the view that devotes two chapters to the life of its subject after leaving the White House: (8) Bull Moose Candidate relates how T.R. was unhappy with his hand-picked successor, William Howard Taft, and ran the most successful third party campaign in 1912 on the Progressive ticket, finishing second to Woodrow Wilson; and (9) The Lion is Dead covers T.R.'s active retirement exploring Brazil and his dterioration after his youngest son Quentin was killed during World War II.

The volume is illustrated with black & white historical photographs, along with a few choice political cartoons (including the famous one of Roosevelt and his "big stick").As always, the production values look rather outdated, but the Encyclopedia of Presidents volumes are as informative as any set of juvenile biographies of the Presidents available.Kent has once again authored an above average entry in the series because of the dual focus on both Roosevelt as a man of action and how his policies turned the U.S. into a modern nation and a world power. ... Read more

Book Description

Edith Kermit Carow grew up in New York City in the same circles as did Theodore Roosevelt. But only after TR's first wife died at age twenty-two did the childhood friends forge one of the most successful romantic and political partnerships in American history. Sylvia Jukes Morris's access to previously unpublished letters and diaries brings to full life her portrait of the Roosevelts and their times. During her years as First Lady (1901-09), Edith Kermit Roosevelt dazzled social and political Washington as hostess, confidante, and mother of six, leading her husband to remark, "Mrs. Roosevelt comes a good deal nearer my ideal than I do myself." ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Captivating
During a recent visit to Sagamore Hill on Long Island (the home of the Roosevelts), this book caught my eye because it gave a such a different perspective of Roosevelt history. Though I am now only about 3/4 of the way through, I cannot say that I am at all disappointed. It reads like a novel and is extremely well written. I cannot put it down. While it is true that there are other books which better cover the details of TR's colorful political career (Sylvia J. Morris's husband's books accomplish this) and even TR's earlier family history (try "Mornings on Horseback" by David McCullough for this), this book is must for those interested in the story of Edith and her remarkable family. Also, the story does have a great deal of romance and some poignancy -- particularly in the death of TR's first wife, Alice Lee, and his troubled relationship with his daughter, Alice's namesake. I agree with one of the other reviewer's -- Edith's story would make a marvelous motion picture.

Why hasn't there been a movie made on her romance/marriage?
Her lifelong romance with Theodore Roosevelt is certainly the stuff that films (or at the very least, TV movies) are made of. She never stopped loving the brilliant, bellicose, captivating, exasperating "boy" she had fallen in love with at a very young age. She helped mold him into a man. How two strong-willed persons of such opposing personalities thrived in such a successful marriage is even more reason why their story in film would be interesting. If Edith, certainly one of the most private historical figures in our country's history, had not the burned thousands of letters from her "Teedie"/Theodore (wishing to keep their lifetime of thoughts and passions to themselves), their romance might be up there with John and Abigail. TR also destroyed most of the letters from "Edie"/Edith because of Edith's constant pleading to him to do so.

What has survived through thousands of letters that friends and relatives did not destory and through Edith's 40+ years of private diaries (left to her daughter Ethel) is a portrait of a iron-willed, intelligent, passionate lady who survived many family crises and lived through enough U.S. political history for a couple of high school textbooks.

She was often the mother AND the father of her large household of children and pets as TR would often leave to go on hunting trips, safaris, and political campaigns. She ran the household in every area mostly because she had to get control of the family finances. (TR almost had to sell Sagamore Hill before he married Edith because he had lost so much of his inheritance in the Badlands. His older sister helped him get through some lean financial years.)

But, she knew that he would always return to her bed and to no one else's. She often looked down at her sisters-in-law, nieces, and female friends who had married "safely" and did not have a passionate, romantic partnership such as the one she shared with TR. In many ways she was as contradictory in her beliefs as her husband. She was certainly Victorian in her moral strictures, yet one of her closest confidants and friends in the later White House years was the not-so-in-the-closet homosexual chief military aide to her husband (and this gentleman, Archibald Butt, would later help many of the Titanic's passengers to safety before he perished).

One of the most poignant chapters in the book deals with the sons getting ready to go off to fight in the Great War. Quentin, her baby, is eighteen and falling in love with the daughter of one of the anti-Roosevelts, the Whitneys. Edith and TR are concerned with their son falling in love with one of the "plutocrat" Whitneys. However, once they meet Flora they fall in love with her and take her into their family as one of their own. Quentin has to leave the safe environs of Sagamore Hill and the Long Island air training centre and be shipped off to Europe. The elder Roosevelts try to get passports for themselves to travel with Flora so that Flora can marry Quentin in Europe. They can't get passports to travel overseas during the war. Quentin is shot down over France, and TR & Edith have to break the news to her at Sagamore Hill. Flora would remain close to some of the family members until she died many years later.

In short, this is a detailed biography of a great lady, First Lady, wife, world traveler, mother, and grandmother. The vivid detail of the White House during TR's electric eight years at the head of the country is worth the price and time alone. The Kennedys and Camelot had nothing on the intellectual and artisic salon that the Roosevelts inspired and supported during their many years in Washington.

Educational, if not always insightful
I read this biography as a companion to "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" and "Theodore Rex" -- partly because I wanted a different perspective, and partly because I wanted to know what happened to Theodore after 1908 and volume III of his biography isn't likely to be out in the near future. In the end I am glad I read the book, and I learned a great deal more about President Roosevelt and his family -- but I think for the serious or dedicated history buff you must also read the aforementioned books to get a more detailed, nuanced view of the Roosevelts' life and the times in which they lived.

Morris's writing varies markedly from section to section, perhaps due to inconsistent editing rather than her own writing.

Lacking
The bio had alot of "facts" but it did not show us how she really felt. There is a snobbish tone to the life story of Mrs. Teddy. I don't think she was in fact that snobbish.

An excellent biography of Edith Kermit Roosevelt
An accurate, comprehensive, and entertaining biography of the great woman. Highly reccomended. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color with black-and-white photos. "Covers not only the story of Robinson's prowess and his problems as the first black man to play in the major leagues, but also the story of the rise and fall of black baseball and some of its star players and managers. Nicely geared by vocabulary, sentence length, and print size to the primary grades audience."--Bulletin, Center for Children's Books. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Baseball fans HERE is YOUR BOOK.
Title: The Girl who struck out Babe Ruth
Author: Jean L.S. Patrick
Reading Level: 2nd to 5th

I loved the book It was great.
I liked the book because it was different that a Girl struck out famous baseball players!
Baseball fans would like it !

Outstanding role model for young girls
Excellent description of the life of a 17 year old girl whowasan amazing sportswoman. She actually did strike out Babe Ruth andLou Gehrig in succession. The author portrays this young baseball player in an excellent fashion, giving girls a vision of their unlimited potential.

An inspiring message for girls of all ages!

Author Patrick also offers workshops that give further detail about this amazing young woman, including actual film footage of the event. ... Read more