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.

From the time that young Theodore Roosevelt comes walking right towards you, you know things are going to happen. They happen and keep happening to this timid and delicate boy who became one of the liveliest, busiest and most forceful of our Presidents. Genevieve Foster knows how to write a story that keeps one reading and yet is a full and skilfully evaluated biography. Theodore Roosevelt's family relationships are presented with warmth and understanding. Illustrated by the author.

The Theodore Roosevelt paperdoll set was the first book in which I beagn to seriously collect illustrated by Tom Tierney. Here he uses history and fashion to show you how a President of the United States lived at the turn of the Century, along with his family. Tierney's use of color and history, blend together to create a family that Hollywood would have difficulty replicating! This is still one of my favorite books illustrated by Tierney, after 7 years of collecting. I wish he would illustrate more books on all the Presidents, not just some.

If you search through the bibliography of any major historical period work concerning the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt and Japanese relations written within the past 25 years, you will find some reference to Raymond A. Esthus and his contribution to U.S. - Japanese diplomatic history. Theodore Roosevelt and Japan is one of those books which should be mandatory reading if you wish to fully appreciate the way diplomatic relations are conducted, and how the relationship between the United States and Japan evolved during a very critical period in the history of both nations.

The text is roughly chronological, and can be divided into three sections: Events pertaining to the Russo - Japanese War; the relationship of both countries as a result of the Russo - Japanese conflict; and the superb statesmanship which kept both the United States and Japan out of war during the Roosevelt Administration. Theodore Roosevelt and Japan opens with the war between Russia and Japan, and then examines the Portsmouth negotiations as Roosevelt's outlook on Japan evolved. The withdrawal from Korea is discussed, and insights are drawn from how U.S. policy began to congeal around Hay's "Open Door" initiative.

In the second section, attention turns to direct relations between the United States and Japan as a result of the outcome from the Russo - Japanese War. The 1907 War scare gets a great deal of concentration. Race relations, the California race riots against Japanese immigration, and the consequences of the San Francisco events are given special reflection.

Esthus then focuses in on statesmanship at an exceptional time when both nations possessed, "equally capable leadership in both Washington and Tokyo". The Gentleman's Agreement, and the Root - Takahira exchange of notes are scrutinized thoroughly.

Theodore Roosevelt and Japan concludes with the unfortunate, but telling return of the race issue in California, and a foreboding of the future troubles to come. The retrospective of Roosevelt on American - Japanese relations during his Presidency is an appropriate epilogue. Also fitting is how Esthus ends the book with Theodore Roosevelt's instructions to the Taft Administration on United States - Japanese relations in his two letters to the new President.

Raymond A. Esthus is a very detail orientated writer, and his work on American - Japanese relations is extremely microscopic. Therefore, Theodore Roosevelt and Japan is specific to the title of the text. Esthus immerses the reader into the period and subjects that he writes about. His objective is to deliver an accurate portrayal of events, reactions and statesmanship, which occurred on both sides of the Pacific.

While paging through the book, the reader is bombarded with information from both primary and secondary sources. Esthus utilizes the documentary record well. Roosevelt is often seen through his correspondence with heads of state, ambassadors, cabinet members and his sons. Secretary Root's deliberations with his counterparts are also well exploited. The result is a sensation of reliving history as it actually unfolded.

It is important to note that this book is not a Theodore Rex, and the reader will be disappointed if seeking a broad interpretation of the Roosevelt administration. Interestingly, Edmond Morris does frequently employ Raymond Esthus' work as a major source throughout Theodore Rex. The point is that Theodore Roosevelt and Japan is a definitive book in relating our country's unique association with Japan during Roosevelt's two terms, and prior to the Wilson administration (which aligned the U.S. closer to China, and brought about a movement toward a war in the Pacific, which Roosevelt feared might one day come to pass).

Esthus' work is also a valuable lesson in the nature of international diplomacy. It shows that war can be averted when nations place statesmanship above special interests and daily emotions. Through the author's use of the documental record, it quickly becomes apparent just how capable the Roosevelt administration was in tip-toeing around the precarious difficulties associated with national interests and racial tensions. As Esthus points out, the period was a, "Tenuous readjustment in American - Japanese relations," caused primarily by the outcome of the Russo - Japan conflict. The problems which arose during the Roosevelt years were "new and strange to the leaderships of both nations." Esthus attributes the 1908 rapprochement as the success of "friendliness and frankness" between two governments, which both desired peace over war.

When compared with the events that culminated with the clash between both nations in World War II, the questions arise as to if armed confrontation was the inevitable outcome, or could a conflict have been adverted had both nations really not wanted to settle matters with weapons in place of written words? Unfortunately, we can never know.

One area of dissatisfaction concerning Theodore Roosevelt and Japan is that the text can be tedious. As previously stated, Esthus is meticulous. He can on occasion over stimulate a point with seemingly limitless documentation. The everyday reader may not enjoy sifting through this book, and might prefer Morris' style in Theodore Rex over Esthus. Esthus writes for the specialist rather then for the generalist. It is something to keep in mind before reading Theodore Roosevelt and Japan.

In conclusion, if you are a Theodore Roosevelt fan or just wish to learn more about the inner workings of international diplomacy, Theodore Roosevelt and Japan, by Raymond A. Esthus is a must read. The rewards of working through the book are well worth the effort. Esthus provides a great deal of primary documentation, and he clarifies what many feel is a very confusing area in American history.

David Burton's Confident Imperialist of Theodore Roosevelt shows that Mr. Burton knows not only the president but the man himself. The life of Teddy was what I can consider a short time for such a great man. David Burton captures the great moments of Theodore Roosevelt's lifetime and displays them in such a way were the reader can read them and relate to them as well. Theodore Roosevelt is such a great person in American history; and to exploit him, his compromises, and way he stood for is dissapointment to historians and to Americans. David Burton showed the world how Teddy Roosevelt was and what he did for his counrty. The Uniter States of America is stronger becuase of this man: Theodore Roosevelt. To know who Teddy Roosevelt is and what is stood for can make yourself evaluate who you are and what you stand for. David Burton does an excellant job at that and shows the reader that Teddy Roosevelt was a great man. Readers can also capture the excitement and sorrow of Theodore Roosevelt's life. The only problem that I had with the book is that Mr. Burton's idea to write everything in five chapters. Theodore Roosevelt's life history is more than Five chapters and should be expressed in that manner. All in all, Mr. Burton's masterpiece of Theodore Roosevelt is to be desired by Theodore Roosevelt fans as well as Daivd Burton fans.

After scaling down adult historical books to kids' level, it was wonderful to have a beautifully illustrated book that taught something other than dry facts. Cheryl Harness seems to have a knack for history and making the characters feel real and everyday to children. This book in particular was empowering in the manner it dealt with Teddy Roosevelt's overcoming of asthma to continue his nature studies and become a fine soldier and leader as well. His strength and perserverence to become strong and healthy is a real mental lift for any child, but especially appealing to those that suffer from asthma or another illness.

This book is by far one of the best I've ever read! Although I am only 17 I found it to be very well written and intriguing, not in the least bit boring! I was a bit overwhelmed at first when I found out that the book was 567 pages long but as I began to read the book I found the pages going by more and more quickly. A true biography, it goes from his childhood to his death and details his life in politics, his friends, his foes, and the decisions he made as well as why he made them; also includes many in depth looks at the his private life and the events that shaped him. I hadn't read much of anything ,prior to having read this book, about Teddy Roosevelt and now find myself to be as informed as the most fervent admirer of the former president. Don't pass up the opportunity to read this book, I guarantee you'll love it!

A very inspiring and thoughtful book of Theodore Roosevelt, the tradgedies and triumphs. Dealing with asthma as a boy, the care of a devoted father which he would try to measure up to all his life, the deaths of his wife and mother on the same day. This book is about Theodore's life and rise to power as the most powerful and beloved man on the Earth at that time, the building of the Navy, the Panama Canal, the National Parks saving millions of acres of woodlands and marshes and animals. Just the type of leader we need now, truly a must read.

This excellent biography, published in 1992, is interesting and lively. It paints a picture of a dynamic leader and "literary feller" who was also a nice guy. Well, that is, unless you had crossed him in some way. But he had lofty ideals that he usually stuck to, and he loved his big family. Of particular interest are the pictures and section devoted to his first wife, the tall and lovely "Sunshine" Alice, who died tragically on Valentine's Day at age 22. There is the charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba, his cowboy times "out West," his struggles with gout, the Nobel Peace Prize for helping end the Russo-Japanese War...and during all these activities, the amazing man found time to publish 40 books! They don't make 'em like this anymore. Well, maybe they will in the future, but the U.S. political horizon looks gray and dim, does it not? Can you imagine Clinton or Bush publishing 40 books? Or winning the Peace Prize? Great book for those folks interested in Great Men. It's fascinating and highly readable, not your daddy's biographical Oldsmobile.

Now, do what you might have done for Teddy: Give me a good vote, please! This is all in fun, isn't it? Thanks.

Theodore Roosevelt was many different things to many different people. Most of all, he was a charismatic leader who inspired himself and others to great achievements in a time when America was starting to come of age as an emerging world power. James Strock did a tremendous job in capturing the many leadership lessons that can be learned from the life and times of this extraordinary man.

The book's thirteen chapter titles do a good job of describing Roosevelt's leadership effectiveness: "Leading-wherever you are," "Always learning," "Action, action, and still more action," "Getting the best on your team," "Putting action into words," and "Putting words into action" to name just a few. At the end of each chapter is a listing of Roosevelt's leadership take-aways that can serve as an excellent primer on leadership. For example, "A leader should aim to build a life based on service, not a career based on advancing up a series of positions," "Strive to exemplify character," "Courage (physical and moral) can be developed as an act of will," and "Use simple, down-to-earth stories to communicate complex issues."

Throughout the book, Strock made great use of many colorful Roosevelt quotes and anecdotes, what I affectionately call, "Teddyisms," to reinforce his main points and help bring those points to life. Besides extensive research into the life, writings, and others' personal recollections of Roosevelt, Strock made many effective references to respected current leadership and management experts such as Stephen Covey, Peter Drucker, John Maxwell, and Warren Bennis. Those references proved to me that Roosevelt's leadership has stood the test of time and is certainly still applicable today.

This book helped reinforce my opinion of Roosevelt as a morally and physically courageous leader who was not afraid to follow his vision and convictions despite often open and powerful public opposition. After reading this book, I can understand why many people view Roosevelt as a benchmark against which to judge public servants, especially presidents.

I've just read "TR on Leadership," being a fan of the author's previous work on Reagan. In fact I urged my students at Georgetown University to examine that original book in order to get a firmer grasp as to how inordinately ambitious objectives can be achieved in American politics by applying unswerving (even idealistic) focus as well as by building coalitions.

With "TR on Leadership," the author steps back to explore the individual passion (and personal effectiveness) behind what today is being called "compassionate conservatism." To the extent that character more so than politics is again being examined, this study also holds lessons for business, as it does for life in general. What are the core qualities of leadership? How does such self-confidence and self-command emerge? Where are the pitfalls as one climbs to the heights of power? I've found answers in "TR on Leadership," as well as in the author's "Reagan on Leadership." On the surface, the two men appear strikingly different: one a New York aristoccrat from Harvard, the other the self-made son of an alcoholic, often unemployed salesman. Yet TR was able to leave the Presidency in the hands of his designated successor. The only other President to have done so in nearly one hundred years is Ronald Reagan. Any reader who spends time with both these short, easy to read "leadership" books will understand why.

The fact that Teddy Roosevelt was president during America's transistion into the 20the century, and the important lessons and context his actions and personality offer for American leadership in the 21st century, is the fulcrum for this very compelling and insightful book. TR was really the first modern president, who used the bully pulpit like no president before him (and without benefit of a T.V. camera), to inspire notions of preservation and conservation, corporate and personal responsibility, technological progress and innovation, and U.S.leadership in the world domain. There are many parallels to today, but some revealing contrasts, too. For example, the same man who built a world-class Great White naval fleet over the objections of many in Congress, organized the first international environmental conference. (Nowadays, as citizens and leaders, we tend to polarize between "pro-environment" and "pro-commercial development" and/or "pro-military".) As Strock writes, TR was indeed a "preacher militant"! Strock has written a sequel, in essence, to his very well-regarded book on Reagan and leadership; ironically, the Reagan book dealt with an "old-fashioned" presidency in terms of instilling fundamental values and restoring confidence in the American story, while TR, who predates Reagan as president by 80 years, is seemingly more of a "modern" president, invoking change and sustaining bigger government for specific purposes, and challenging all around him to soar to new heights. Both have many common traits: each lived the life personally that he espoused for the general population, neither trusted (fully) large combinations of businees (or labor) interests, each implored all Americans to recognize their special place in world history, and each could be mule-like in their insistence on what he considered America's best interests. As to the particular times in which TR led, I was struck by how relatively tiny was the domain of the Federal government (the IRS did not even exist!), and was reminded of how much imbalance existed as a result of the industrial age, similar in certain respects to the modern discrepancies associated with the new technical era. While TR certainly believed that people controlled their own destinies, he obviously led the charge for government action on many issues of social concerns, and felt very strongly that business had obligations and accountability accordingly. Thus, Strock has written a "modern" book about a modern turn-of-a-century president, whose ideas never go out of style. While written with a light touch, it is inspiring and thought-provoking. I hope he continues his practical series on presidential leadership.

If you are seeking a reliable and definitive book on TR's early years, the choice is Edmund Morris' 1979 biography. David McCullough's examination of Roosevelt is also essential (both books are available on Amazon). This book is breezy, sometimes entertaining, but ultimately shallow. It would be interesting to those who know little or nothing about Roosevelt, but a significant disappointment to those who are better versed in TR's life. One notes that there is absolutely nothing new in the book: no new historical discovery, photograph, insight or theory.

Brands writes well and weaves together a cohesive narrative, though skimpy in TR's post-Presidential years which are absolutely vital to understanding his ultimate guilt and grandeur. The author also is fairly strong in describing TR's two marriages and his complicated and neurotic relationship with eccentric daughter Alice. The narrative is much weaker when it comes to illuminating Roosevelt's years as Governor of New York and the details of his Presidential administration.

Roosevelt remains one of the most fascinating, exuberant and fun men in American history, but this book adds nothing significant to the canon of Roosevelt literature.

I cannot speak highly enough of this book. The meticulous research and the flowing style of narrative make the biography both historically accurate and wonderfully entertaining. I felt at times that I was reading a novel. I was daunted a bit at first by the sheer size of the tome, but once my nose was in it I found it difficult to put down. One of the things that make this book different than the run of the mill biography is the sources the author used. He draws upon not only commonly available documentation, but also upon personal letters to and from Roosevelt and his family, associates, cabinet members, and others. Also, the collection of photographs is in chronological order, which allows you to get a photographic history as well. The only constructive criticism I would give is that there is possibly a little too much psychoanalysis from the author on some of Roosevelt's motives. This should in no way discourage anyone from reading this gem of a book. My highest regards and kudos goes to Mr. Brands for a most excellent contribution to my library.

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.

I read this book after reading the Pulitzer-Prize winning "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt", another excellent biography of TR. When I started "Mornings On Horseback", I felt that I was armed with more information about this President than I had going into "Rise"; however, once I completed "Mornings", I realized that I was armed with an entirely different type of knowledge. David McCullough gets us into the Roosevelt house and makes the people in TR's life come alive. "Nurture" is a vital componant of anyone's development and in this book, one sees just how family shapes a great personality such as his. To truly understand TR from a historical perspective one must examine his roots. This book is a joy to read, very informative and well-paced.

Mornings on Horseback, by David G. McCullough, describes the life of Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th and youngest ever President.
In this book, Mr. McCullough vividly describes young Teddy's growing up years and his close-knit family. An avid reader, Theodore especially liked to read books on history and the sciences. Biology was his lifetime hobby; from his youngest years to his White House days he studied plants and animals, kept vast collections, and simply enjoyed the outdoors. One wonders why he didn't become a biologist, his knowledge and delight of botany and zoology so great.
Shortly before graduating fomr Harvard University in 1880, he married Alice Lee. During his four years with her, he dabbled in Republican politics until tragedy struck: Alice died two days after the birth of their daughter; on the same day, Theodore's mother died of typhoid fever.
Utterly devastated, he left politics for the open plains of the Dakota Territory. He bought two ranches in what is now North Dakota; somehow, the hard life eased his sorrow.
At the request of the Republican Party, he returned to New York City in 1886 to run for mayor: he was defeated. However, soon after, he married a childhood friend, Edith Carow. During their 30+ years of marriage, they had five children.
He returned to politics and within several years went from Civil Service Commissioner to Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In 1900, he became William McKinley's running mate and was thrust into the Presidency after the assassination of the newly-inaugurated President. He went on to serve two terms as President.
Mr. McCullough does not go into extensive detail to describe T.R.'s political life. His book seems to be mainly focused on him and his family; he describes Theodore's family and relatives, focuses somewhat on his father's political career, but gives a cursory description of his own. However, it really delves into T.R.'s person life; I especially enjoyed the unedited writings by him, for there are many diary entries, letters and other quotations included in this book. This is a great biography on Theodore Roosevelt.

Forget "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" or any book of young TR by Hermann Hagedorn. This is the most incisive, well-balanced account of that magical, brilliant, loving Knickerbocker family of Union Square. The accounts of the trips the large family took to Europe and to Egypt are engrossing. "Great Heart" Thee Roosevelt stood above all others in his class, and it's no wonder that flags throughout NYC flew at half-staff after its citizens learned of his death. McCullough also brings to life the especial closeness of "Teedie and Edie" that would link them from their cradles to their graves, even with Alice Lee detouring that relationship for a few years.

My admiration of our 26th president has only grown since devouring "Mornings". We shall never see another man to match the "fire of life" of "Teedie" from Union Square and Oyster Bay.