Rating: 
Summary: A great but flawed biography
Review: This is a great biography. No question. Morris has done an exceptional amount of research and can compile information into a tremendous narrative. The opening chapter must rank alone as one of the best of all recent biographies. But it is flawed on one count. Morris cannot deal with the social and political swirl around Roosevelt. We have no idea of the political forces with which he dealt. I think the very best biographies can see the individual against the backdrop of history - not as something apart from it. I will certainly read the next two volumes as they appear and would recommend it heartedly, but it is not quite the top rank.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderfully engaging
Review: This is a superb biography about one of the most charismatic and impactful US presidents. Mr. Morris does an excellent job bringing Teddy Roosevelt to full-blooming life. One of the few must reads to better understand important people in US history and the forces that shape the American character.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific.
Review: This book rivals "The Power Broker" as the best biography I've ever read. Edmund Morris has combined massive research with a beautiful writing style to create an incisive, technicolor portrait of a man's inevitable rise to the presidency. I say "inevitable" because, after reading this book, it does seem inevitable that a man of TR's drive, ability, and charisma would reach the nation's highest office. The book's prologue alone was enough to make me dazzled by Teddy Roosevelt (and by Morris, too). After finishing that prologue, I was hooked.This book is great history and great literature.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Man, Great Topic somewhat dry
Review: I have to say I was dissapointed with all the praise that I had heard about this book. Perhaps thats why I was a bit saddened with what I found. There is no doubt the book was well written, crafted and researched it just did not cover all the areas and aspects of this great mans life. There were forays into interesting tidbits and stories (the kind of history I love) but the connection to the overall story remained lost to me at times. It was an enjoyable read but I finished the book wishing I had a companion book to compare it to and fill out areas.
Rating:
Summary: Where has the American Man gone
Review: Theodore Roosevelt pursued life with an animal intensity and consummate intellect. His words spoke to a people who in large respected and adored him. While his actions left little doubt for his personal aspirations and desires of a preeminent America. Edmund Morris does a superb job of exposing the structure of Theodore's burning desire to be president. Morris clearly aligns with the many adoring fans of Theodore, and castes his actions in a glowing paternal light. The effect of this alignment makes the reader want to know Theodore, to speak with him about what's wrong with America, and to hunt bears and outlaws with him in his Badlands. You too will love Theodore after reading The Rise of Theodore. He was a true man among men.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating!
Review: I'm addicted to (auto)biographies but this has got to be one of the best biographies I have ever read. Absolutely fascinating. It is almost hard to believe that Theodore Roosevelt was a real person, not a fictional character. I am in love with this man. I just wish he was still alive. We could use someone with his integrity and vision in these difficult times.
Rating:
Summary: What can I say?
Review: There are alot of great reviews regarding this book. Unlike some, I did not hear of this book until Theodore Rex came out. I recieved it as a gift, but wanted to read The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt first. It is one of the few books I have read that deserves all of the praise it recieves. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to Theodore Rex!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read!!!
Review: Edmund Morris' "The Rise of Theodore Rooesvelt" is easily one of the best biographies I've ever read. Mr. Morris chronicles the first half of TR's life in this enthralling first volume. He's one of the most fascinating characters in the history of the USA. This volume covers his life from birth to the eve of his presidency. TR is a complex, multi-facted person, thus the book is a real page turner. Mr. Morris' fluid narative allows into the world of the 19th century. This is a great read!
Rating:
Summary: Trenchant, penetrating biography
Review: I was particularly interested in the following aspects:
a)5 men, and there were no doubt others, who at times stood in the way, or tried to, of his great ambitions: 1. Marquis de Mores in Medora, N.D., who challenged him to a duel,actually due to a misunderstanding. 2. John Wanamaker, when he was Civil Service Commissioner. 3. Andrew Parker, when he was New York's Police Commissioner. 4. Senator Platt of New York, who actually engineered placing him on the ticket with McKinley as VP in 1900 because his Progressive tendencies were beginning to show as NY's governor. 5. Mark Hanna,head of the Republican Party at this time, opposed to TR's selection as VP. b) His two great loves, Alice Lee and Edith Carow. c. His literary productiveness. d. His great courage, demonstrated numerous times, which including staring down, Crockett-like, a grizzly bear. e. "The ones who rolled over and played dead", most notably John D. Long,of the US Navy Dept. who tended his garden while TR ran the department and gave voice to his expansionist beliefs, nominating Dewey to head the Pacific Fleet. This list may have also included Pres.McKinley. f. His lifelong friends, most notably Henry Cabot Lodge and Henry Adams.
Rating:
Summary: Show's the "Human" side of one of our greatest Presidents
Review: This book not only shows the history of the times, but also shows the human side of one of our greatest Presidents.
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