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Theodore Roosevelt: An Autobiography
By the 26th President of the United States, popularly known as T.R. or Teddy. He was also a widely respected historian, naturalist and explorer of the Amazon Basin; his 35 books include works on outdoor life, natural history, U.S. Western and political history, an autobiography and a host of other topics.
Paperback
,
500 pages
Published
April 28th 2006
by Dodo Press
(first published 1913)
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This is a brilliant book, and Roosevelt creates a wonderful autobiography. This is required reading for most in the area of American History, begining of the 20th century, and late 19th century. This is wonderful primary source material.
This book was ridiculously good. Roosevelt was a one-of-a-kind.
I wish we had more like him.
His 'speak softly and carry a big stick' rhetoric won him the reputation of a war monger but the fact is that in his 7 1/2 year term as president (he took over for McKinley when he was assassinated 6 months into his presidency), America was totally at peace and not one round was fired at an enemy.
A couple of other interesting facts about TR:
- He lived in Oyster Bay, Long Island.
- He started life asthmat ...more
I wish we had more like him.
His 'speak softly and carry a big stick' rhetoric won him the reputation of a war monger but the fact is that in his 7 1/2 year term as president (he took over for McKinley when he was assassinated 6 months into his presidency), America was totally at peace and not one round was fired at an enemy.
A couple of other interesting facts about TR:
- He lived in Oyster Bay, Long Island.
- He started life asthmat ...more
"Whether in national or in private affairs it is ordinarily not advisable to make a bluff which cannot be put through."
Many of us don't recognize the fourth person on Mount Rushmore. Many more, knowing only the caricature he's become, don't know why Teddy Roosevelt is there. Reading his autobiography helps bridge that gap. Roosevelt was a Progressive. We who see the world through the lens of Democrat or Republican will not readily understand what that means. In our terms, Roosevelt was a liberal ...more
Many of us don't recognize the fourth person on Mount Rushmore. Many more, knowing only the caricature he's become, don't know why Teddy Roosevelt is there. Reading his autobiography helps bridge that gap. Roosevelt was a Progressive. We who see the world through the lens of Democrat or Republican will not readily understand what that means. In our terms, Roosevelt was a liberal ...more
After reading H.W. Brands’s biography on Theodore Roosevelt, I knew that I wasn’t done with him. I needed more. And who better to go to than the horse’s mouth? At first, I simply read some of his speeches and his account of the Rough Riders, but then I found his autobiography and decided to take a big bite.
As writers go, Roosevelt is engaging. It’s comforting to be able to recognize his own style and know that you’re not dealing with a ghost writer. That brash, sincere, and self-aware voice is n ...more
As writers go, Roosevelt is engaging. It’s comforting to be able to recognize his own style and know that you’re not dealing with a ghost writer. That brash, sincere, and self-aware voice is n ...more
"Muito melhor é arriscar coisas grandiosas para ganhar vitórias gloriosas – mesmo que estampadas pelo fracasso – do que se alinhar com aqueles espíritos pobres que nem aproveitam muito nem sofrem muito, porque vivem em uma penumbra cinzenta que não conhece nem a vitória nem a derrota".
(Theodore Roosevelt)
TR's autobiography suffers from two problems. First, the author has an exceptionally high opinion of himself and his causes, and never acknowledges the slightest possibility of error in principle even when he acknowledges that his opponents were equally high-minded men. As often as not, he lacks that acknowledgement, though, which leads to his autobiography being a series of moments where he describes his awesomeness as awesome stuff happens while he does awesome deeds because he is a man and me
...more
Teddy inspires me to be braver, more industrious and a better person. I must mention that I admire his pre-presidential achievements more than his presidential ones. I think his tremendous expansion of federal and executive power have had extended and mixed results. (but I suppose mixed results have been with almost every president)
Lots of great personal stories about facing down dangers (bad guys, animals or challenges of learning new skills), and some insights into the political concerns of th ...more
Lots of great personal stories about facing down dangers (bad guys, animals or challenges of learning new skills), and some insights into the political concerns of th ...more
More of a memoir than an autobiography. While Roosevelt was a genius and a work horse it seems he couldn't get past the self aggrandizing in his writing. The book is quite inspiring and well worth the read.
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I'm about halfway through this amazing book. So far it is an amazing tale. I can't wait until I can sit down and finish it.
Theodore Roosevelt, where are you when we need you? History repeats itself because we refuse to learn lessons from the past. The social, economic and international difficulties present today are the same difficulties experienced by Theodore Roosevelt and Americans during his presidency. President Roosevelt would be disappointed in today's political system driven by greed, immorality and disregard for the needs of society's weakest. Although birthed into a wealthy family, he believed that wealth
...more
It's difficult to even wrap my head around a man like
Theodore Roosevelt
. Here's a guy who went to Harvard, majored in Natural History (which I imagine is a bit akin to a modern-day Conservation Biology degree - feel free to correct me), wrote a book on Naval History, roped steers, punched out cowboys, etc. etc. It's difficult for me to imagine somebody with such a vigorous personality and I certainly haven't met anybody like him in my lifetime. It's even more difficult to imagine today a member
...more
"While President I used to box with some of the aides as well as play singlestick with General Wood. After a few years I had to abandon boxing as well as wrestling for in one bout a young captain of artillery cross countered me on the eye and the blow smashed the little blood vessels. Fortunately it was my left eye but the sight has been dim ever since and if it had been the right eye I should have been entirely unable to shoot."
This is kind of a strange book because Roosevelt is practically a c ...more
This is kind of a strange book because Roosevelt is practically a c ...more
There is no better example of a person that held so strongly to their values and principles throughout life. An inspiring advocate for people, human rights, justice, transparency, accountability and fairness. He acted boldly in fighting police corruption in NY, in revolutionizing and optimizing the US Navy, in leading his regiment in the Spanish-American war, in cementing the power of the US across the world, in acquiring and commencing construction of the Panama Canal, in negotiating an end to
...more
This is for the most part, a thoroughly entertaining read, full of aphorisms and vivid tales of T.R's astounding resume of adventures.
As has been echoed elsewhere, I felt the first 2/3 of the book, which dealt with his childhood, his views of shaping his character, the hunting and ranch life, and his time fighting the Spanish were far more interesting that the chapters on his actual presidency, which unless you are a connoisseur of that period of American political history, will probably not fu ...more
As has been echoed elsewhere, I felt the first 2/3 of the book, which dealt with his childhood, his views of shaping his character, the hunting and ranch life, and his time fighting the Spanish were far more interesting that the chapters on his actual presidency, which unless you are a connoisseur of that period of American political history, will probably not fu ...more
I was surprised at how progressive this was considering he was a Republican politician from 100 years ago. I was also surprised at how little things have changed in the political machine over the last century (and gives me some perspective next time I hear a politician promising change.) I also thought he had a very balanced and progressive view on the military, workers rights, work-life balance and *gasp* socialism.
It is an auto-biography, and he does talk very favourably of himself and his ac ...more
It is an auto-biography, and he does talk very favourably of himself and his ac ...more
I liked this book because of it's detail and because I learned a lot about the man as well as historical events. I think that the best part of the book was by far and away the first 100 pages. That was the part that covered Roosevelt's youth. It's always been very interesting to me to learn about famous people like presidents not just before they were famous, but from their earliest age.
I can't say I agree with all of his policies or even his reasoning presented for them later in the book, but ...more
I can't say I agree with all of his policies or even his reasoning presented for them later in the book, but ...more
Interesting account of the unusual life of this untypical President. A Republican way more progressive than those of today.
This autobiography is not as good as Edmund Morris's biography though as that is more polished and this includes some passages of justification for the political debates of that era. Indeed, it ends abruptly after responding to claims by the new President (Wilson). Roosevelt is probably right in what he says but it still come across poorly.
This autobiography is not as good as Edmund Morris's biography though as that is more polished and this includes some passages of justification for the political debates of that era. Indeed, it ends abruptly after responding to claims by the new President (Wilson). Roosevelt is probably right in what he says but it still come across poorly.
This was interesting, but not enough background info for me. Much more of a modern memoir than an autobiography.
A lot of 'this is what I did' but not much of the WHY he did it in a lot of cases.
What this autobiography did was inspire me to read much more about Teddy Roosevelt, his time as Governor and as President especially. But, I have 6 other books checked out to read currently so...it'll be at least a month before I get back to TR.
A lot of 'this is what I did' but not much of the WHY he did it in a lot of cases.
What this autobiography did was inspire me to read much more about Teddy Roosevelt, his time as Governor and as President especially. But, I have 6 other books checked out to read currently so...it'll be at least a month before I get back to TR.
One of my favorite people, not because he was President, we had many of them ; but because what he did with the office he held.In this book it explains his feelings on all types of issues and lets us see for ourselves how he was before his time. In this book it is also written how he respected nature and it is a great read so enjoy...
This book will make you feel lazy. This guy never slept and his description of his life and the advice he offers are priceless. Every young man or woman who thinks he is ready for the world should read this book.
This is an interesting view of our country in the last half of the 19th century. (Admittedly from a very privileged point of view.) When did the "rugged individualist" school of thought take hold of American thought and education instead of a more community based way of thinking?
And for all his early rugged individualism, TR implemented a lot of the Progressive goals. Okay, he wasn't as progressive as LaFollette etc. but he was ahead of McKinley who he succeeded. Roosevelt's policies help hold ...more
And for all his early rugged individualism, TR implemented a lot of the Progressive goals. Okay, he wasn't as progressive as LaFollette etc. but he was ahead of McKinley who he succeeded. Roosevelt's policies help hold ...more
This was a thorougly enjoyable and well-written book. It explained a lot about his reasonings and viewpoints on national and world affairs. I heartily recommend it to students of American history.
Learn About A Great President
As you read about the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt you realize how much is still the same in politics one hundred years later.
As you read about the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt you realize how much is still the same in politics one hundred years later.
Teddy is a truly inspiring man for all the ages. Principled, hardworking and inspiring to those who interacted with him because of his high values and focus on the things at hand that mattered most.
From his youth to the reactions to the world after he left the Presidency, he provides a first hand account of American history during a time of physical growth, corporate over taking and founding a political empire which would long out live his life.
From the many personal contacts he recalls to the ...more
From his youth to the reactions to the world after he left the Presidency, he provides a first hand account of American history during a time of physical growth, corporate over taking and founding a political empire which would long out live his life.
From the many personal contacts he recalls to the ...more
I loved studying Theodore Roosevelt. I read Mornings on Hourseback, his Autobiography, and The Lion's Pride in order. The nobility of this great man is very inspiring. The stands he took as a leader have greatly shaped our country. As a dabbling libertarian I am uncomfortable with many of the stances he took, but I can't help but admire some of the results. His stance on conservation and the national parks it secured for the generations to come is something in profoundly thankful for. His stance
...more
Verbose
Too much politics not so much on accomplishments . Wanted more on his support of national parks and closing monopolies
Too much politics not so much on accomplishments . Wanted more on his support of national parks and closing monopolies
Good perspectives
I chose the rating because I agree with a great bit that was expressed in the writing. It was refreshing.
I chose the rating because I agree with a great bit that was expressed in the writing. It was refreshing.
Jul 22, 2015
Wendy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
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A fine man and an excellent president. He led a very interesting life.
I learned a lot about him I did not know.
I learned a lot about him I did not know.
Good reading. Hardly a biography. Mainly personal thoughts, philosophies and observations. Missing key parts of his personal life. Although humble in his discussion of his abilities, he comes across as almost perfect, maybe saintly.
His narrative of his time in the west as a rancher gives a fascinating incite into what the cowboy life was really like.
The book often rambles and often doesn't follow a linear timeline. He is very verbose and talks more in generalities than specifics. Lots of gettin ...more
His narrative of his time in the west as a rancher gives a fascinating incite into what the cowboy life was really like.
The book often rambles and often doesn't follow a linear timeline. He is very verbose and talks more in generalities than specifics. Lots of gettin ...more
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Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., also known as T.R., and to the public (but never to friends and intimates) as Teddy, was the twenty-sixth President of the United States, and a leader of the Republican Party and of the Progressive Movement. He became the youngest President in United States history at the age of 42. He served in many roles including Governor of New York, historian, naturalist, explorer, au
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