Title: The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America
Author: Douglas Brinkley
First published July 28, 2009
960 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060565282 (ISBN10: 0060565284)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
In The Wilderness Warrior, Douglas Brinkley delivers a captivating and enlightening account of Theodore Roosevelt’s unparalleled dedication to protecting America’s national parks. Brinkley’s comprehensive knowledge, exceptional storytelling, and vibrant writing style bring to life TR’s remarkable achievements as a naturalist, bird-watcher, and conservationist.
A must-read for anyone interested in the history of America’s environmental policies, this book is a powerful tribute to the enduring legacy of a true American hero.
About the Author
Meet Douglas Brinkley, a history professor at Rice University and contributing editor at Vanity Fair. Known as “America’s new past master” by the Chicago Tribune, Brinkley has authored several notable books including The Quiet World, The Wilderness Warrior, and The Great Deluge.
Six of his works have even been selected as New York Times Notable Books of the Year. Brinkley resides in Texas with his wife and three children.
Editoral Review
In “The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America,” Douglas Brinkley delivers a meticulously researched portrayal of the 26th President’s tireless efforts to preserve America’s natural wonders. Brinkley, a prolific historian and author, brings his signature blend of engaging narrative and scholarly rigor to this seminal work of environmental history.
The book traces Roosevelt’s lifelong passion for conservation, beginning with his early expeditions into the western wilderness and culminating in his inauguration of the National Park System. Brinkley deftly weaves together multiple threads of history, including Roosevelt’s political career, his love of nature, and his dynamic personal life.
The result is a sweeping epic that illuminates the complex character of one of America’s most famous and beloved leaders. Brinkley’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making what could have been a dry subject come alive on the page.
He crafts vivid portraits of Roosevelt and his contemporaries, bringing their personalities and motivations to life. The author’s deeply-researched background serves as the backbone of this work, allowing readers to understand the intricacies of the battles waged by Roosevelt and his allies.
What makes “The Wilderness Warrior” particularly noteworthy is its relevance to contemporary environmental issues. Roosevelt’s campaigns for conservation, wildlife preservation, and ecological consciousness are strikingly prescient, anticipating many of the crises that face us today.
By reading this book, readers will come away with a better understanding of their place in the world and the impact that they can have on our shared environment. There are a few minor drawbacks to the book.
At times, Brinkley can delve too deeply into minutiae, which may lose some readers. He also seems to have a particular affection for Roosevelt, which could be perceived as bias.
However, these are minor quibbles in the context of the book as a whole. Overall, “The Wilderness Warrior” is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, environmentalism, or the conservation movement.
Brinkley’s scholarship and writing are exceptional, combining to create a powerful and impactful work. Whether you’re a diehard conservationist or a casual reader, you won’t be disappointed by this captivating and enlightening book.
