| Theodore Roosevelt practically invented the modern presidency--the press office, the bully pulpit from which the president spoke directly about moral issues and managed public opinion, federal intelligence gathering, effective trust-busting and the regulation of business, and America's active diplomatic intervention in world affairs. But he started out as a sickly, asthmatic boy dressed in effeminate velvet sheltered inside his parents' aristocratic world of old New York knickerbocker wealth and privilege. How could he rise up from a sickly and protected childhood with maids and relatives overing around him as he struggled to breathe?
Kathleen Dalton tells the story of TR's rise to greatness in three parts: first, his struggle to overcome illness and find a place--or several careers-- for himself, second, his rise to political power and his presidency, and third, his post-presidential career as an advocate of a strong federal government that provided protection for all its citizens from unemployment and ill health and old age poverty. This biography is also the story of a romance and marriage that made TR a more effective political and literary operator. His wife Edith Carow Roosevelt was more than a partner--she edited, silenced, and advised this impulsive and effusive character. He adored her even while he struggled under her guiding hand. | ||
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Plot & Themes Job/profession/poverty story Yes Phys disability/mental struggle? Yes Struggle with - physical disability/sickness Politician story? - Politician trying to reform Period of greatest activity? - 1900+ Loss of loved one? Yes Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - American Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 3 () United States Yes Europe Yes European country: - England/UK Africa Yes Kind of Africa: - White Enclave Farm/Ranch? Yes Farm/Ranch: - ranch Misc setting - Fancy Mansion Century: - 19th century Writing Style Book makes you feel? - encouraged - like laughing If this is a kid's book: - Age 16-Adult Pictures/Illustrations? - A ton 16-20 B&W How much dialogue in bio? - little dialog How much of bio focuses on most famous period of life? - 0-25% of book |
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