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Theodore Rex: by Edmund Morris [Hardcover] ... Read more

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Top-Notch Presidential Biography - Part II
Following up on his first volume biography of our 26th President ('The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt'), Edmund Morris begins with Mr. Roosevelt's ascension to the Presidency at age 42 after President McKinley is assassinated, and he holds our attention through Roosevelt's last day in office.

Roosevelt's nearly eight years in the White House were a whirlwind of Presidential activities and political initiatives that have proven to have lasting effect.Morris astonishes with his ability to make order and sense of them while conveying their impact and signficance to a rapidly developing country; a country in search of social justice at home and recognition and respect abroad.

Another "must read" from a great author about one of America's greatest Presidents. ... Read more

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Before his fiftieth birthday, Teddy Roosevelt had served as a state legislator in New York, undersecretary of the navy, police commissioner of New York City, governor of New York, and two terms as vice president and then president of the United States. He also had run a cattle ranch in the West, had worked as a journalist and editor, conducted scientific expeditions on four continents, raised five children, and enjoyed a lifelong romance with his wife. No wonder he continues to capture our imaginations as he did the loyalty and respect of his own time.

In this thought-provoking book, George Grant explores the life and character of Theodore Roosevelt, one of the most remarkable men of the twentieth century. The qualities that made Roosevelt such an extraordinary leader are examined, as are the exploits that made him so famous. Also emphasized are the spiritual values and faith that he affirmed with such vigor as he walked the world stage with an impact generated by few men in his time. ... Read more

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A general overview of TR's attributes
Please be aware: This volume is a retitled reprint in paperback (at the same list price) of the hardcover Carry a Big Stick: The Uncommon Heroism of Theodore Roosevelt (Leaders in Action Series). Below is my review for that edition.

An insatiable reader of books on TR, I was immediately drawn to Grant's TR book by its wealth of quotes from the President (something many authors neglect). Grant is unabashedly hero-worshipping here: no negatives are to be found. If one begins with this in mind it can be accepted and tolerated. Though it is often colored by Grant's conservative ideology (he tags turn of the 20th century politicians with turn of the 21st century labels - and greatly underrepresents some of TR's progressive leanings), it does reveal some facts about Roosevelt's religious convictions and church activities - something that is absolutely ignored in most modern biographies of historic figures. The book is not a chronological account but a look by turns at each facet of the multi-talented and constantly moving President. ... Read more

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Presents illustrated excerpts from the journal kept by ten-year-old Theodore Roosevelt as his family toured Europe. ... Read more

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A Fascinating Read
It's so fascinating to read the journal of a little boy who became President. This is a captivating and well-written book that gives kids a ton of ideas for keeping a journal for themselves. And if you go to the author's website, she even has excerpts from her own childhood diary to share! A wonderful choice. ... Read more

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1919. This is a wonderful collection of letters Theodore Roosevelt wrote to his children and a few other individuals. Throughout all the letters runs his inexhaustible vein of humor. No matter how busy Roosevelt was at the time, this devoted father and wholehearted companion found the time weekly to send a long letter of delightful character to his absent children. ... Read more

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More than Words
Theodore Roosevelt not only wrote to his kids, but also drew great pictures.One of his best in here is a drawing of TR playing tennis.Before widespread telphones, and certainly prior to cell phones, people seemed to dash off notes to each other more frequently.One school of TR thought says Teddy simply loved writing to his kids in profusion.The revisionist school says, of course he did, since he was so frequently away.

TR's letters to his son Quentin are especially touching, since later on Quentin took a German gunner's bullet through the head over France, driving TR into inconsolate murmerings lamenting the loss of his "Quentee-Quee."The development of these nicknames is chronicled in these letters.

For whatever reason TR wrote them, they read very movingly.TR's own namesake, Ted Jr., tried to pull off the same thing with his kids, documented in another out-of-print book written by Ted Jr (before his early heart attack during WWII) called "All in the Family."Wherein little Ted's mistake is to too slavishly imitate big TR's way of organizing walks, going camping, and dashing off notes.So there is something inimitable here, which should also caution the modern reader from hankering too quickly to start writing letters-a-plenty.But the picture drawing might be OK.What kid wouldn't like a few more scribbled pictures from their dad?

So at least look at the pictures here.Unlike Ronald Reagan's, these were done to and for TR's own kids.Not to dump on Ron, but to perhaps establish a reference point among competing versions of family dysfunction. ... Read more

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Presents a biography of Theodore Roosevelt ... Read more

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Using letters, diaries, and firsthand accounts, Ornig has pieced together the gripping story of Theodore Roosevelt's 1913-1914 expedition into the Brazilian equatorial forest that charted the course of the River of Doubt. The 54-year-old former president regarded the trip as his "last chance to be a boy", enjoying the skirmishes with tribesmen and wild animals and the overall adventure of the outing. 48 photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Journey of Doubt
Within the span of two months, Theodore Roosevelt's "last chance to be a boy," as he dubbed his South American adventure, permanently broke his health, and transformed him from a person of vigorous middle age into an old man.

The 1914 journey of exploration that he and his companions made by paddling down what had been called "the River of Doubt" in dugout canoes quickly became an unrelenting exercise in exhaustion, pain, disease and near starvation.Roosevelt wrote of the experience, "Under such conditions whatever is evil in men's natures comes to the front."By journey's end, the river had been rechristened "The Rio Roosevelt" and the former president was no longer capable of seriously seeking another term as chief executive.

Joseph Ornig's "My Last Chance to be a Boy" describes this excruciating odyssey from origins to aftermath.It makes a fine companion piece to Theodore Roosevelt's own account of his journey, "Through the Brazilian Wilderness."Mr. Ornig's story is strengthened by adding the perspectives of other voyagers, including T.R.'s son Kermit Roosevelt.It also describes the trip preparations and T.R.'s South American city tour which preceded the jungle adventure.

Surprisingly, some of the comments T.R. made in speeches during that progression touched on what are today still hot-button issues.In Buenos Aires, for instance, he counseled against judges acting as lawmakers.

Mr. Ornig also gives us a look at the kinds of contributions T.R's second wife, Edith, made to the success of the enterprise.It was she, according to the author, who encouraged Kermit to accompany his father into the wilderness.It was fortunate that she did.Kermit's Portuguese fluency and wilderness savvy contributed materially to the party's survival.By inference, we also see just how useful to T.R. Edith must have been during her husband's political career.

The book is filled with facts, descriptions and quotes.Fortunately, the writing is conversational, without wasting words.The story lifts effortlessly from the page to the reader's mind.Mr. Ornig's research for the story at hand is scrupulous, but his work also gives the impression of his being a Roosevelt scholar in a broader context.He mentions, for example, T.R.'s use of the expression "black care" to describe what we would today probably call depression.

T.R's great grandson, Tweed Roosevelt's foreword and the comprehensive photo section both contribute to an already first rate account.This is a story which should jack up the adrenalin level of armchair adventurers and T.R. aficionados alike.

An amazing adventure
Ornig's book is the first full account of this amazing adventure since Theodore Roosevelt was alive to tell it himself. Thanks to the author's years of meticulous research, we get to see the ex-president up close as every ounce of courage and determination that can possibly be required of a human being is exacted by this perilous expedition. Why would a man, having already carved his name in history, literally risk his life in service to exploration? The book title is informative; it was the kind of thing he loved to do. Roosevelt's passion for for life was abundantly demonstrated on the River of Doubt as he and his party encountered one life-threatening obstacle after another. If it wasn't the hostile natives who tracked them, it was the piranhas. If it wasn't a lack of food and supplies, it was flesh-eating disease....As if fighting just to survive the forces of nature weren't enough, there was also the recklessness of some, including his own son. And there were personal conflicts among the explorers--disagreements, arguments, theft--and a murder. This wilderness adventure had it all--and it wasn't reality TV. No camera crew, no global positioning system, no one to bail them out at any point. In this age of apathy and plasticized existence, this story is all the more striking.

Thus, out of this book emerges a fresh portrait of Theodore Roosevelt. We learn a great deal about him under conditions of maximum stress. We also get to know the group of explorers who accompanied him. And the generous 48 pages of maps and photographs are a real plus. Many thanks to the author for rediscovering this story and dusting it off for us with such literary finesse. For a non-fiction history work, it reads like a novel.

Brilliant portrayal of TR as man, not legend.
TR's 1913-1914 expedition down the River of Doubt (subsequently renamed Rio Teodoro in his honor, and later Rio Roosevelt) is an astonishing piece of history - one often refered to in passing by other TR biographers, but not often fully explored, as it here. Author Ornig tells an exciting tale well, from the multitudious details of planning and executing a massive exploring expedition in the early 20th century, to vivid portraits of the characters involved. This book would be a wonderful companion for any adventure traveller (or even armchair adventurers).

Best of all, Ornig is no run-of-the-mill TR hagiographer (and there are plenty of them out there), nor is he interested in taking unfair potshots at the great man (plenty of those folks out there, too). Ornig simply relates events as they occured, and doesn't care a whit whether they cast TR in a favorable or unfavorable light: TR was a poor shot (due to his poor eyesight) and became grumpy and embarassed when he missed easy targets. TR was delighted with the impact on his waistline when the expedition was forced to subsist on reduced rations -- and argued against the restoration of full rations even though others were suffering. Do these facts detract from the TR legend, or add to it? I have never been a fan of Marble Men, and found that I loved TR even more after glimpsing some of his human flaws in MY LAST CHANCE TO BE A BOY. No student of TR should be without this volume.

Details one of the great adventures of the 20th century.
Ornig provides the first detailed account of one of the most exciting adventure stories of the 20th century -- Theodore Roosevelt's exploration of the River of Doubt in Brazil's Amazon.The story is more incredible when you think that Roosevelt was a 55-year old former President at the time of the expedition.As we approach the 100th anniversary of Roosevelt's presidency, and as we consider our relationship with the earth, it is worth taking another look at this great outdoorsman.Ornig weaves together the political and diplomatic origins of the expedition and how Roosevelt, his son Kermit, and the rest of the expedition got much more than they bargained for.There's murder, there's drowning (and a question of whether Kermit Roosevelt was accountable), there's frustration, and there's a former President on the brink of death.After you read it, you'll want to read Roosevelt's account, "Through the Brazilian Wilderness." You'll enjoy that one too ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

American history classic accessible to elementary school kids
This whole series is well-done and worth collecting.Large print and easy words combined with interesting story-chapters make for a great introduction to the presidents.Contents page lists each chapter title.Stories begin when he was a boy.Fun facts like, "He did not spell well.He wrote "soilder" for "soldier."" help connect with kids.Later introduces terms like "the rough riders", "square deal," and "the big stick." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

American history classic accessible to elementary school kids
This whole series is well-done and worth collecting.Large print and easy words combined with interesting story-chapters make for a great introduction to the presidents.Contents page lists each chapter title.Stories begin when he was a boy.Fun facts like, "He did not spell well.He wrote "soilder" for "soldier."" help connect with kids.Later introduces terms like "the rough riders", "square deal," and "the big stick." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No Doubt - It's a Great Book!
The author provides a fine framework for interpreting and understanding events that lead to the expedition and those that occurred both during and after the expedition.The Rondon-Roosevelt expedition traveled over a harrowing 1000 miles on and along the Duvida River.Over the course of the expedition illness, starvation, duplicity, and murder are countered by sheer willpower and the strength that human character can assume when faced by adversity. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

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Here is the extraordinary true story of Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the son of a president who refused to languish in his father’s shadow.

During World War I, Ted (as he was known) was the youngest American regimental commander to see combat. After the war, he returned to civilian life and founded the American Legion, as well as receiving a succession of important presidential-political appointments, including secretary of the navy, governor of Puerto Rico, and governor general of the Philippines. Early in 1941, Ted petitioned the army to return him to active duty. In April of that year, despite his advanced years, poor eyesight, weak heart, and arthritis so bad he had to use a cane, Colonel Roosevelt was back in uniform. Promoted to brigadier general, Ted fought with the 1st Infantry Division and served with distinction in North Africa and Sicily.

At Normandy, General Roosevelt was the oldest American and only general to land with the first wave on Utah Beach. His valorous leadership on the beach saved the day for his troops and earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor. Throughout his life, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. strived to be a credit to his father. As this marvelous biography demonstrates, he succeeded beyond expectation. When Gen. Omar Bradley was asked to name the bravest act he had ever known over his more than forty years of military service, he replied with four words: “Ted Roosevelt. Utah Beach.” ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Vague and mildly interesting biography......
If I had a chocie, I would rate this book as 3.3 stars. The author tries to do justice to the first born son of one of the most famous Americans of the first quarter century of the 20th Century. He rightfully painted Theodore Jr. as a man totally overshadowed by the legacy of his father but yet managed to put his own imprint into history. I also thought it was insightful that Theodore Jr. did right to followed his father's examples even although by doing so, he ran the risk of being accused that he was merely mimicing his more famous sire. On these points, I thought the author did well. But when the author tries to paint a general picture of what kind of the man Theodore Jr. was but he was only partially successful. I would regard this a very friendly and sympathatic book on Theodore Jr. being that all of his strengths, accomplishments and great deeds were highlighted but there is nothing much written on his negatives or failures. (Even his defeat for his race for New York govenor's office was sugar coated.) As any reader would know, no one is perfect and no one is perfect as Theodore Jr. was portaryed in this biography.

Another weakness of the biography lies in Theodore Jr.'s military career. He won the Medal of Honor of his actions on 6 June 1944 when he landed on D-Day in Normandy but I am still wondering what he did to earned such a prize. Outside of reading how brave, courageous, and a great leader of men that Theodore Jr. was, I didn't get any picture that separate him from any other brave, courageous and great leader of men that thousands of American officers who served in World War II outside of the fact that he was a high ranking officer. Maybe that where one of the main weaknesses of this biography lies, that the author's knowledge of Theodore Jr.'s military skills proves to be quite mininal. Citing Stephen Ambrose and reading out citations of valor exactly don't do justice to a man's military career. The author's sources appears to be somewhat limited. (That is bit ironic considering that the subtitled of this book is "The Life of a War Hero".)

Overall, although its pretty well written and easy to read, I found this biography to be pretty limited. But it still the only one we have on the life of Theodore Jr. that I know of and perhaps some day, a more ambitious writer will tackled Theodore Jr. with more gusto.

Fascinating, albeit brief, account of the son of a legend
So much has been written about Theodore Roosevelt that one can feel like they personally know the man.Alas, TR's star was so bright that, in history's eyes, it has flashed over the lives of those close to him, especially those of his children.What is a shame is that little has been written about his namesake son, Theodore (Ted) Roosevelt, Jr.Most of what is known about him comes from anecdotes gleaned from biographies of his famous father.What was it like to live with the pressure of that famous name?Fortunately, author H. Paul Jeffers has taken the separate scraps of knowledge about Ted Roosevelt and crafted a relatively absorbing biography of a man who, it can be argued, was the equal of a his father on many levels.

"In the Rough Rider's Shadow" is a very appropriate title because it describes how Ted Roosevelt had lived most of his life.What Jeffers is able to reveal is a very accomplished man who bore the name Theodore Roosevelt as a mark of honor instead of a burden.Ted's path in life was not dissimilar to his father's.He attended Harvard, and while not the other-worldly student that his father was, still graduated with honors.He served in the United States Army bravely in the Great War and with conspicuous gallantry in World War II (earning the Congressional Medal of Honor).He was an admired family man who was a loving husband and caring father.He even developed a love of outdoor expeditions that his father was so famous for.The only real difference between the two men was that Ted didn't have the love of politics that TR did.He served a few terms in the New York Assembly before an unsuccessful bid for the 1924 New York governorship.After that, he was through running for elected office.Instead, he did wonderful work in appointed positions such as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (once again emulating his father) and colonial governor in both Puerto Rico and the Phillipines.

Most of what is known about Ted Roosevelt comes from the movie "The Longest Day" where his bravery on Utah Beach (which earned him the Medal of Honor) during D-Day was portrayed by Henry Fonda.Because the book is less than 300 pages, the reader is not able to develop a close connection with Ted the way one could with his father via such remarkable books at Edmund Morris' "Theodore Roosevelt" saga.Still, thanks to Jeffers research and the assistance of a wonderful memoir by Ted's wife, Eleanor (not THAT Eleanor Roosevelt), we are able to get a little closer to a remarkable man.

An American Hero!
As the son of a former president, Ted Roosevelt, Jr. could have chosen just about any life for himself. The life he chose was one which placed him in the service of his country.Ted was the only American general on the Normandy beaches on D-Day and led his troops to succeed in their mission.(Henry Fonda portrayed Roosevelt in the Longest Day recreating his participation in the Utah Beach landing.)

While Jeffers' book may be classified as military history, it is much more than that.Jeffers traces Ted Roosevelt's life from his days growing up the son of the flamboyant Teddy Roosevelt, adventurer, Rough Rider, and president, to his adult life which in many ways mirrors his father's life and in other ways excells beyond what his father could have hoped to accomplish.

Ted Roosevelt is frequently mentioned in histories of the Allied invasion of Normandy, but Jeffers is one of the few who makes him the focus of an entire volume.Jeffers struggled with spotty sources depending heavily on Ted's wife's autobiography and Ted's own writing.Still, he manages to put together much of the life story of this exceptional American hero.Jeffers does a fine biography, though there are some gaps in the story.Roosevelt's WWII service appears to be why most remember him, but Jeffers is unable to put together as complete a narrative as he does for other events in Ted's life.Ted's son Quentin participated in the Normandy landing as well, landing at bloody Omaha beach, but little is said of his experience on that day.

Even with weaknesses, this is a must read for WWII buffs and military historians.It is hoped that this will serve as an invitation to a more extensive work.

This book was previously released with the title "Theodore Roosevelt, Jr--the Life of a War Hero."Additional reviews are available under that title. ... Read more

Product Description
We knew toil and hardship and hunger and thirst . . . but we felt the hardy life inour veins, and ours was the glory of work and the joy of living.

—Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt is one of America’s liveliest and most influentialfigures. He was a scholar, cowboy, war hero, explorer, and a brilliantpolitician. As president, Roosevelt’s far-reaching policies abroad and athome forever changed both our nation’s place in the world and the life ofevery modern American.

Fascinating details and an intimate, fast-paced narrativeexplore the heroic life and complex world of anAmerican icon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Couldn't put it down!
I have read a lot about Roosevelt and didn't expect to learn much new, but being an Albert Marrin fan, decided to read the book anyway.Well, being an Albert Marrin fan, I should have known I would be learning a lot even if I had read a lot about Roosevelt.The reason being, he doesn't just focus on TR, he also talks a lot about the times in which he lived and the people around TR.This would be an excellent read for a high schooler studying US history or the 20th century.I would make any of Albert Marrin's works must reading for those in honor classes or AP.

A good biography
In this interesting biography, author and historian Professor Albert Marrin presents the life and times of Theodore Roosevelt. Beginning with a look at mid-nineteenth century Manhattan and Theodore Roosevelt's parents, the author then goes through the history of the United States, and the life of Roosevelt, as the one affected the other and vice versa.

Overall, I found this to be a very interesting book. The author did a very good job of presenting President Roosevelt's life and the history of America in a brief yet informative manner, giving the reader a good understanding of who Theodore Roosevelt was and what he accomplished. My biggest gripe against this book, however, is that the author often seems to be talking down to the reader, as if a young reader needs to be told not just what the facts are but also what to think about them. After a short period of time I began to find it rather irritating.

But, that said, I do think that this is an interesting read, and a good biography of the twenty-sixth President of the United States.

Theodore Roosevelt
Albert Marrin is a wonderful writer and he brings history to life. I have read several of his books and he has never failed to be informative and interesting.By the time you have finished the book, you feel as though you have met the person you are reading about. Unlike most biographies, he doesn't waste a lot of space on idle information. He gets to the point and gives you the important points while keeping the reader wanting more. I suggest all his books ... Read more

Product Description
Edith Kermit Carow grew up in New York City in the same circles as did Theodore Roosevelt. But only after TR's first wife died at age twenty-two did the childhood friends forge one of the most successful romantic and political partnerships in American history. Sylvia Jukes Morris's access to previously unpublished letters and diaries brings to full life her portrait of the Roosevelts and their times. During her years as First Lady (1901-09), Edith Kermit Roosevelt dazzled social and political Washington as hostess, confidante, and mother of six, leading her husband to remark, "Mrs. Roosevelt comes a good deal nearer my ideal than I do myself." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent Bio read
Loved this book, read it twice, very intimate, not just a bunch of political facts and dates, you really get to know Edith and the Roosevelts, loved it.

Great Biography
I agree with the other reviews who say there should be a movie about Edith Roosevelt. I didn't know much about her at all but the biography was well written and very informative. Everything about her would make for a great movie. Edith was an intellegent woman and possibly one of the best first ladies we ever had. She seemed very well organized and very efficient whether she was running her family household or the White House staff. I highly recommend reading this biography.

Excellent biography
Being an admirer of the Roosevelt family (Theodore and his kin), I was amazed at how I much this biography.The insight into her life, the little they know (from diaries and a few letters she did not burn) is amazing and her love for Theodore (and his love for her) is so incredibly romantic, showing intense it became over the years as opposed to just dying out.
Edith was an amazing woman, probably the epitome of the First Lady, wife, mother and a woman in general.She stood by her husband, helping him along, while still standing for what she believed in and caring for her large family.
It's an excellent read about an excellent woman.

Captivating
During a recent visit to Sagamore Hill on Long Island (the home of the Roosevelts), this book caught my eye because it gave a such a different perspective of Roosevelt history.Though I am now only about 3/4 of the way through, I cannot say that I am at all disappointed.It reads like a novel and is extremely well written.I cannot put it down.While it is true that there are other books which better cover the details of TR's colorful political career (Sylvia J. Morris's husband's books accomplish this) and even TR's earlier family history (try "Mornings on Horseback" by David McCullough for this), this book is must for those interested in the story of Edith and her remarkable family.Also, the story does have a great deal of romance and some poignancy -- particularly in the death of TR's first wife, Alice Lee, and his troubled relationship with his daughter, Alice's namesake.I agree with one of the other reviewer's -- Edith's story would make a marvelous motion picture.

Why hasn't there been a movie made on her romance/marriage?
Her lifelong romance with Theodore Roosevelt is certainly the stuff that films (or at the very least, TV movies) are made of. She never stopped loving the brilliant, bellicose, captivating, exasperating "boy" she had fallen in love with at a very young age. She helped mold him into a man. How two strong-willed persons of such opposing personalities thrived in such a successful marriage is even more reason why their story in film would be interesting.If Edith, certainly one of the most private historical figures in our country's history, had not the burned thousands of letters from her "Teedie"/Theodore (wishing to keep their lifetime of thoughts and passions to themselves), their romance might be up there with John and Abigail.TR also destroyed most of the letters from "Edie"/Edith because of Edith's constant pleading to him to do so.

What has survived through thousands of letters that friends and relatives did not destory and through Edith's 40+ years of private diaries (left to her daughter Ethel) is a portrait of a iron-willed, intelligent, passionate lady who survived many family crises and lived through enough U.S. political history for a couple of high school textbooks.

She was often the mother AND the father of her large household of children and pets as TR would often leave to go on hunting trips, safaris, and political campaigns. She ran the household in every area mostly because she had to get control of the family finances. (TR almost had to sell Sagamore Hill before he married Edith because he had lost so much of his inheritance in the Badlands. His older sister helped him get through some lean financial years.)

But, she knew that he would always return to her bed and to no one else's. She often looked down at her sisters-in-law, nieces, and female friends who had married "safely" and did not have a passionate, romantic partnership such as the one she shared with TR. In many ways she was as contradictory in her beliefs as her husband.She was certainly Victorian in her moral strictures, yet one of her closest confidants and friends in the later White House years was the not-so-in-the-closet homosexual chief military aide to her husband (and this gentleman, Archibald Butt, would later help many of the Titanic's passengers to safety before he perished).

One of the most poignant chapters in the book deals with the sons getting ready to go off to fight in the Great War. Quentin, her baby, is eighteen and falling in love with the daughter of one of the anti-Roosevelts, the Whitneys. Edith and TR are concerned with their son falling in love with one of the "plutocrat" Whitneys.However, once they meet Flora they fall in love with her and take her into their family as one of their own. Quentin has to leave the safe environs of Sagamore Hill and the Long Island air training centre and be shipped off to Europe.The elder Roosevelts try to get passports for themselves to travel with Flora so that Flora can marry Quentin in Europe. They can't get passports to travel overseas during the war. Quentin is shot down over France, and TR & Edith have to break the news to her at Sagamore Hill.Flora would remain close to some of the family members until she died many years later.

In short, this is a detailed biography of a great lady, First Lady, wife, world traveler, mother, and grandmother. The vivid detail of the White House during TR's electric eight years at the head of the country is worth the price and time alone. The Kennedys and Camelot had nothing on the intellectual and artisic salon that the Roosevelts inspired and supported during their many years in Washington. ... Read more