Rating: 
Summary: Biography Near Its Best
Review: An especially well crafted biography especially for those who know little about TR -- even us American History majors. This volume covers the rise of TR to the presidency (a second volume released in 2001 examines his presidency and after). Good balance between the human interest view of a very charismatic man and the historian's view of a rising political star on the eve of the 20th century. As the author quotes British MP John Morley: "[Theodore Roosevelt] WAS America--the America that grew to maturity after the Civil War, marshaled its resources at Chicago [1893 World's Fair], and exploded into world power at the turn of the century. Historical Biography at very near its best.
Rating:
Summary: Great If It's Your First Book on Roosevelt.
Review: I read this and loved it. The writing is first rate. The theme is boisterous. But I wanted more, so I read a biography by another author and found out the truth. The truth is, this isn't so much a good biography than it is a great read. No, the facts are correct. But you'd think this was the best man that ever lived. Fine. But for an understanding of Roosevelt the man, and his times, you are forced to read other biographies to get the perspective this one lacks. Analysis: Great Read: 5 stars Historical Perspective: 4 Stars
Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read!
Review: This book is a must read. I rarely read anything else but biography and have to say that this book, bar none, is the best book I have ever read. Whether an avid reader or one who reads once in while, this book is a great choice. Readable, entertaining, engrossing. And I am not a relative of the author!
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant hagiography
Review: The writing is so vivid, the language so direct, the story so prepostereous and compelling, it took me almost 600 pages to realize that this was a whitewash. Perhaps it is only when TR enters the national political stage that Morris' failure to investigate TR's policies and his shrewd two-facedness becomes clear. Morris is clearly in love with his subject, and I was too, until it became clear that TR could do no wrong, was always justified, always did the right thing. As anyone passingly familiar with American history and American politics at the turn of the century will know, Morris' description of Teddy's politics is horribly one-sided and shallow. Everything is seen in the light of TR's will, and precious little (except for the magnificent section on the closing of NYC saloons on Sunday) placed next to the people, the public that lived under his rule. I have nothing against TR, he is convincingly portrayed as a simply astonishing human speciman; and yet, by the end I came to second-guess everything due to Morris' blind devotion. Perhaps a more cautious historian could not have produced such fabulous writing or story-telling. Perhaps a more cautious historian would have deepened our understanding of TR and his times. It seems sure than no one can write more closely to the man.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent look into the early life of Teddy
Review: I have never really enjoyed biographies too much, but this book was fascinating. Theodore Roosevelt led an amazing life and the author really does an excellent job of making the reader aware of the period in which Roosevelt lived. It also serves as a very interesting look at turn of the century politics. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A testiment to greatness!
Review: The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt is an insightful and well researched tome dedicated to one of the greatest presidents to hold the highest office in the land. Morris delves into TR's family treasures, letters and memoirs to glimpse at a man who lived his life to the fullest while sucking the marrow from it's bones. While well written, it became tedious at times to continue on, but the profile of this great american eventually opened up to me with renewed vigor. If you are a history enthusiast, or are looking for a historical figure who overshadows the accomplishments of modern political figures, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt may provide you with what you require. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope you may as well.
Rating: 
Summary: If you can buy only one: choose "Mornings on Horseback".
Review: You can read my review over on the page for McCullough's book, "Mornings on Horseback". Like the title says, if you can buy only one, I would not recommend this one. But if you can afford two...While both cover basically the same span of time in TR's life, I judge McCullough's work to be the superior of the two. While it appears "Rise" may be slightly better researched, and the approach is a little more scholarly, the prose and detail pales when compared to McCullough's book. Overall, while a fine read for someone that wants MORE TEDDY, I would put this as a second or third choice for a new TR devotee. In fact, I would turn to a better book on different subjects first, before returning to TR and this book. Perhaps McCullough's "Truman", Massie's "Nicholas and Alexandria", or McFreely's "Grant".
Rating:
Summary: This is my favorite political biography
Review: Several years ago my son and I were on a father and son adventure across the United States (he planned the route!). Morris' book joined our excursion during a stop at the Roosevelt National Monument in North Dakota. It immediately gripped me with brilliant vignettes from his childhood and each stage of his life. These childhood and adolescent views were my favorite as Roosevelt became a person shaped by the pursuit of principles and determination to overcome incredible obstacles. If you need personal inspiration in facing your own mountains, here is a life you can adapt as a historical mentor even if your political or social views differ. You can almost here Roosevelt in the pages saying, "These were the days the politics was great fun." Indeed, the volume convinced me that Roosevelt loved to have fun. You have my recommendation to add this book to your library as one of the best Presidential biographies you might ever own.
Rating:
Summary: Wow... what a book!
Review: I love this book. It was hard to put down. I have read few novels that can compare in style and content. I never knew much about Teddie Roosevelt, but now I really admire his life. He lived through amazing hardship but worked hard and rose above it all. This man's life compares to the Winstin Churchill described in the biography Churchill: A Life (another excellant book). I sent the Churchill book around the family, and this book will be the next. Do yourself a favor... get this book and read it. It was more awe inspiring and motivational to me that any Zig Ziggler book has ever been.
Rating:
Summary: TR was THE man!
Review: The book begins with T.R. shaking hands on a receiving line in the White House. It was the first New Years Day of his Presidency, and the feeling was one of great goodwill; he was obviously at ease and well-liked. I was afraid, however, that the book would carry on from there, leaving out his rise to power. I was not then disappointed when the book flashed back to his early life and developed his character in a slow, methodical and often very entertaining manner, leading up to that New Years Day. T.R. was a man who had special gifts coupled with boundless energy. He was possessed of a number of qualities that might not endear him to many readers, but his sheer power, unbridled patriotism and the broad spectrum of his accomplishments is nothing short of humbling. The book is well-written and the protagonist is probably the most exciting figure in the American 19th century.
|
