Title: Colonel Roosevelt
Author: Edmund Morris
First published November 23, 2010
766 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375504877 (ISBN10: 0375504877)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
Edmund Morris, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author of The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt and Theodore Rex, presents the final installment of his trilogy, Colonel Roosevelt. This biography delves into the last decade of Theodore Roosevelt’s life, exploring the incredible adventures, tragedies, and accomplishments that defined his legacy.
Morris’ impeccable research and attention to detail, combined with his captivating writing style, make for a thrilling and moving account of one of America’s greatest presidents. From surviving an assassination attempt to founding a third political party, Roosevelt’s life was filled with hair-raising moments that will leave readers in awe.
Colonel Roosevelt is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the life of one of its most remarkable figures.
Editoral Review
Edmund Morris’ final installment in his trilogy of Theodore Roosevelt’s life, “Colonel Roosevelt” is a masterful portrayal of one of America’s most fascinating and complex figures. First published on November 23, 2010, this work of historical non-fiction belongs to the creative non-fiction genre where the author brings his own interpretation of history based on the collected historical information.
Morris has become known for his unparalleled ability to bring historical figures to life, and this book is no exception. The book begins in 1913, after Roosevelt has left the White House and embarked on a series of adventures, including a journey to the Brazilian jungles and an unsuccessful campaign for a third presidential term.
The story follows Roosevelt through his later years, detailing his battles with failing health, his outspoken critiques of Woodrow Wilson’s presidency, and his involvement in World War I. Morris’ writing is fluid and engaging, and he successfully captures Roosevelt’s larger-than-life personality.
His vivid descriptions of the places Roosevelt traveled, the people he met, and the challenges he faced are not only fascinating but also beautifully written. One of the books greatest strengths lies in Morris’ ability to weave together historical facts and personal anecdotes, creating a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of Roosevelt.
His approach allows readers to see both the public figure and the private man, giving us a deeper understanding of a man who has long been regarded as one of the country’s most important historical figures. Morris also pays close attention to the historical context surrounding Roosevelt’s life, exploring the social and political issues of the time.
By doing so, he helps readers understand how Roosevelt’s personal beliefs and values were shaped by his time and how he, in turn, left a lasting legacy on American history. The book is not without its flaws, however.
While Morris does an excellent job of presenting Roosevelt’s complex personality, the story can sometimes feel disjointed, and the timeline can be hard to follow. Additionally, while Morris explores important social and political issues, he can sometimes feel bogged down by historical detail, making the narrative a bit heavy-handed.
Nonetheless, these minor flaws are insignificant when compared to the overall quality of the book. Morris’ impeccable research and talent for storytelling make “Colonel Roosevelt” a must-read for anyone interested in the life of this extraordinary man.
The book is a masterful work of non-fiction that reads like a novel, drawing the reader in until they can hardly put it down. Overall, “Colonel Roosevelt” is a brilliant work of historical non-fiction that should be read by anyone interested in American history.
Morris’ excellent writing, meticulous research, and nuanced portrayal of one of America’s most fascinating figures make this book a true masterpiece. As such, we give it five out of five stars, with only minor reservations.