Family memoirs and previously unpublished material provide the backdrop for this poignant portrait of a man whose heroic idealism inspired a nation. Edward Renehan's graceful prose allows listeners a close-up look at an entire family of larger-than-life heroes. Theodore Roosevelt taught his sons that wealth and influence were inextricably bound with a duty to defend democracy to the death. His own exemplary conduct in the Spanish-American War helped win the war for the United States. Later, as the world watched the "Great War" escalate in Europe, Roosevelt's four sons competed with one another to be the first at the front lines. The pride of watching his sons live up to his high expectations was bittersweet: his youngest was killed in action, and two were seriously wounded. Informative and insightful, this family saga reveals the powerful bond between a devoted father and his children. John McDonough's impeccable narration exposes the complexity of the Rough Rider who espoused the warrior way of life but sorely regretted the tragedy his ideals visited upon his sons.
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"I listened to this as an audiobook. I had already read a few books about Theodore Roosevelt, this added another layer to my knowledge. I really enjoyed it. " — Barbara (4 out of 5 stars)
"I listened to this as an audiobook. I had already read a few books about Theodore Roosevelt, this added another layer to my knowledge. I really enjoyed it. "
“A wonderful book about one of America’s leading families. No father, no son, no mother, no daughter could read it without tears…Recommended without reservation—and with heartfelt thanks to Edward Renehan for a truly great read.”
“Elegant, compelling…brimming with patriotism and pathos. A family saga of the most extraordinary nature.”
“Beguiling…Provide[s] a revealing portrait of the old Anglo-Saxon elite that once dominated American society. No family personified that elite quite like the Roosevelts.”
“Through previously unpublished family papers, judiciously chosen facts and a moving narrative that skillfully parallels the personal and political, Renehan reveals a great deal about American society and politics, and about the culture of war. But most of all, he tells a sad story of the end of an era and the end of a man.”
“John McDonough narrates in a warm, clear, and straight-forward voice that gives the listener welcome access to this fascinating and little-known aspect of the Roosevelt family.”
“Renehan’s book is not a political or military history, but for those who aspire to a fuller understanding of Roosevelt’s character, it is vital. Despite his blistering public image, Roosevelt was a gentle, if occasionally stern, parent who was intimately involved in his children’s daily lives…Renehan’s portraits of the children further enrich a superb, real-life family saga.”
“A warm, poignant picture of the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and his six remarkable children, based on previously unpublished family letters, papers, and interviews…Renehan’s research leaves us with the portrait of a dearly loved father and grandfather who doted on his children without spoiling them and became an unforgettable role model…An unusual view of the human side of an extraordinary public figure.”
" I enjoyed this book a lot. A different perspective on one of the most fascinating people in history. "
" I listened to this as an audiobook. I had already read a few books about Theodore Roosevelt, this added another layer to my knowledge. I really enjoyed it. "
" An excellent account of the Oyster Bay children... a not so well known, and fascinating story. "
" A good biography on President Theodore Roosevelt and his children. A man and his children that always seemed to put 110% into everything they attempted. "
" Wonderful insight into an amazing life and his family. "
" Good biography about Theodore Roosevelt and his family. Very interesting. "
" I've already read bios of T.R. & I don't really care about his sons. I will read the book about floating the amazon instead. You don't have to finish every book you start. This is probably an all right book but not for me right now. "
George K. Wilson is a working actor in stage, film, television, and commercials with almost one hundred audiobook narrations to his credit. He began in broadcast journalism with American Forces Radio and Television and is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He had a lead role in the cult film classic Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and appeared on television’s One Life to Live, Ryan’s Hope, and The Doctors and has been heard on voice-overs for The Guiding Light and The Cosby Show, as well as many television and radio commercials.
John McDonough, one of AudioFile magazine’s Golden Voices, has narrated dozens of audiobooks, and won eleven Earphones Awards. He is known for his narrations of children’s books, including Robert McCloskey’s Centerburg Tales and Albert Marrin’s Commander-in-Chief Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. Outside of his audiobook work, he has starred in a revival of Captain Kangaroo on the Fox Network.
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