Other editions of book Theodore Roosevelt: An Autobiography

"I am a presidential history buff or a nut, as my wife might say. I love reading about bygone times of Grover Cleveland, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and my favorite president of all is Theodore Roosevelt. Why Roosevelt you might ask. Well, to try and keep it simple, he was real - what you saw is what you got. I identify with him in a lot of ways. Allow me to explain. He was a big game hunter, yet he formed sanctuaries and parks for preservation. I can see that I don't hunt personally but have friends that do and I don't condemn them for it. I love animals and yet I would kill one if it meant my family was going to starve. He left office as secretary of the navy to join a fight against Spain. No one would ever do that, especially in our society today. Roosevelt was a cowboy, a boxer, a politician, a war hero, a father, a devoted husband, and most of all, a real human being. I hope you will listen to this book in his own words and get to know one of America's presidents, and I hope that you will come to appreciate him as much as I have." (Tim Simpson, 2019)

Regarded as one of the greatest Presidents of The United States, Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) led a full and vibrant life that reflected his storied personality and presence. "The Autobiography of Theodore Roosevelt" is an invaluable literary work and a true gift to readers, as it is a glimpse into the psyche of such an enigmatic historical figure. Roosevelt led a life rich in accomplishments not limited to his being the youngest president in US history. He was a courageous soldier, posthumously receiving the Medal of Honor for his creation and leadership of the Rough Riders in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He was also the first American to win a Nobel Peace prize, which he received for his negotiation of the end of the Russo-Japanese War. In addition, Roosevelt was an adventurer with a taste for hunting and exploring, especially in South America, where a river is named after him. His iconic slogan, "Speak softly and carry a big stick," is still quoted and embodied by politicians to this very day, exemplifying his indelible impact on the history of the United States.

For a man who grew up to become the “Bull Moose”, Theodore Roosevelt was a sickly child, suffering from asthma and other maladies. But his physical weakness actually drove him to be more active, which also fostered an interest in nature. It also helped that Teddy’s family was wealthy, allowing him privileges including home school and the ability to attend Harvard, where he was an athlete and took an interest in naval affairs. After finishing at Harvard, Teddy entered politics, but it didn’t stop him from writing The Naval War of 1812 in 1882, establishing himself as a professional writer and historian. In the 1890s, it was Teddy’s turn to make history, leading the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War and being decorated for his service with a Medal of Honor. He parlayed his glory into the governorship of New York and then the Vice Presidency under William McKinley. When McKinley was assassinated in 1901, young Teddy was thrust into the presidency, one that would earn him a place on Mount Rushmore, Roosevelt’s “Square Deal” domestic policies favored average citizens while busting trusts and monopolies. Roosevelt also promoted conservation as an environmental stance, while his “speak softly and carry a big stick” foreign policy is still an oft used phrase today. Roosevelt even earned a Nobel Prize during his presidency. By the time Roosevelt died in 1919, he was an American icon. Today, Teddy is remembered for being an explorer, hunter, author, soldier, president, and safari adventurer, all of which combined to form one unique reputation. As with all legends, Roosevelt is often portrayed more as a quintessential man’s man, to the point that the legend obscures the actual man.

Theodore Roosevelt's writing has the same verve, panache, and energy as the life he lived. Perhaps no president in U.S. history--not even Jefferson--had so many opinions and intellectual interests, believed in so many causes, or worked so hard to translate his beliefs into action. A hard-headed idealist, an unabashed interventionist, a crusader on behalf of environmental preservation and against big business "trusts," he was also a writer of uncommon grace and passion with a gift for the memorable phrase. His autobiography, one of the two or three finest ever written by a U.S. president, abounds in exciting episodes of personal transformation and insights into the bitter politics of the day. Roosevelt was a sickly youth who steeled himself for a life of vigor, growing up surrounded by wealth in nineteenth-century Manhattan but vacationing in the West, where he rode with cowboys and learned to revere and study the natural world. His book describes his early failures in his political career and his ascent from the New York City police board to assistant secretary of the Navy where he advocated war with Spain, to his brief stint and public renown as a Rough Rider; and on to the governorship of New York, vice presidency under McKinley, and finally the presidency itself. Elting Morison's new introduction analyzes what Roosevelt has included-and not included-about his many political conflicts, his role in the acquisition of the Panama Canal, and the deaths of his wife and his mother. As everywhere in his writing, the personality of T.R.-alert, voluble, forceful, compassionate-shines forth from this book, which remains a singular study of a dynamic and, in many respects, exemplary man who was also a key figure in the Age of Reform.

The acclaimed autobiography of Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt is brought to the reader anew in this well-produced edition. Written over a course of years and first published in 1913, this lengthy yet unceasingly interesting biography sees one of the United States finest Presidents recount his own life in his own words. Theodore Roosevelt sets out his life's events in a way which clarify how he came to possess his beliefs. We hear of his love of the great outdoors which would in turn result in the establishment of America's national parks, and the belief in commerce as an engine for progress which would lead to the state-sponsored construction of the Panama Canal during the years of his presidency. Seldom straying to dryness or overly technical description of the many and varied events of his lifetime, Theodore Roosevelt instead imbues every chapter with keynote personality and liveliness. Personal letters with influential figures are shared, placing the reader deeply into the political world which the popular and charismatic author was immersed. Written with vitality and wisdom, verve and passion, the autobiographical effort of Theodore Roosevelt has aged well. Consistently praised by critics to this day, this book remains essential reading for any reader intrigued by American history, culture and politics, as well as general appreciators of good biography.

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.