Theodore Roosevelt: The Biography by University Press

Thank you University Press for providing an advanced copy of this short biography of America’s 26th president. This review expresses my own personal opinion. I have not been asked to post it by the author, University Press, or anyone connected with the book or author. 

This is a quick read about the life of Theodore Roosevelt, better known as TR or Teddy (a name he only let his mother call him), one of the most influential and groundbreaking presidents the country has known.  The book is a perfect summary for readers of presidential history. 

University Press (UP) does a good job in distilling down this American trailblazer who persevered through early childhood sickness, he suffered from debilitating asthma, to become an avid hunter, explorer, adventurer, politician, statesman, conservationist, naturalist, and an unstoppable force in shaping the American political and social landscapes. As the writer points out, TR left behind a written legacy of 45 books, helped shaped world politics, took over the building of the Panama Canal from the French, which now serves as a major waterway for the world, and through his exploits in Africa, helped populate the Smithsonian Institute with up to that time many considered exotic animals and insects. His strong focus, as accurately stated, on conservationism, national parks, forest preserves, and protected habitats still resonate with societies all over the world. 

The book is not a Yeah! Yeah! story as University Press makes sure we know some of Roosevelt’s flaws, like being a micro-manager, an avid hunter which today he would be vilified for (he and his son Kermit killed over 500 big game animals, e.g., lions, elephants, and other big game, and he and his hunting parties took over 11,4000 animals from the African wilds.). More noteworthy was his split political personality on the subject of race. He appointed the first Jewish-American to a U.S. Cabinet position and several African Americans to various government positions, but at the same time held Native Americans in low regard, calling them lazy or destructive. And while he may have advanced the cause of some African Americans by appointments to government positions, he also lamented their presence on the North American continent, but then said each should be judged by their individual actions. Indeed a split personality. 

I particularly liked how UP towards the end of the book summarized key areas of Roosevelt’s influence, thinking, and beliefs - His Progressive Party, Money, The Press, The Presidency, and Race as I mentioned above. 

I rate this 4 stars based on the compact writing, brief and tight facts, ease of reading, which you can accomplish in about an hour.