Deep Reads: "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" (1979) & "Theodore Rex" (2001)
Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 12:02AM 
Edmund Morris' classic, with a prologue that is beyond brilliant--really the best preface I've ever read. This book and its sequel in 2001 were huge influences on my "Great Powers."
Until I read these books, I always wondered how you could put TR on Rushmore with Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. I no longer consider that a stretch for TR--whatsoever.
Anyone who's read my history-of-America in "Great Powers" knows TR is the pivotal figure in so many ways, not the least of which being the profound influence he had on his cousin--FDR.
If you're only going to read one, read the first, simply because the ride up is always more interesting than the time at the top. As soon as I read this book, I thought to myself, why isn't there a big Hollywood movie of such a seminal figure in our history. Scorsese is making a movie of the book, with DiCaprio in the title role. Scorsese makes a lot of sense, because of the NYC connection.
A third book, "Colonel Roosevelt" is allegedly coming out in a matter of weeks!
Reader Comments (2)
In many respects, TR's life post-President is really sad, including his falling out with Taft and the loss of his son in WW I, followed by an early death.
It's worth focusing on -not just- TR, but also his cabinet. Elihu Root is almost as important in US military history of that time as TR himself.
How bout a mention for "The Wind and the Lion". Brian Keith was great as TR. Also think HBO did "The Roughriders" with Tom Berenger. Not big movies but highly entertaining.