T.R.: The Last Romantic

T.R. - The Last Romantic by H.W. Brands is an excellent biography of the youngest President of the United States. It is well-written, informative and opinionated.Roosevelt more than anyone is the figure who shaped the modern American Presidency. He increased the role and reach of the executive and expanded greatly the scope of the state. Moreover, he reshaped politics by changing the terms of debate, giving voice to progressive causes that had been marginalised within both of the major parties. However, T.R. was much more than just a politician. In his 60 incredible years, he was an author, a rancher, an explorer, a hunter and a soldier.Overall, an excellent book.

Fantastic read. Before reading this one, I read Brands' FDR (Pulitzer Prize finalist) book. I am amazed this one was not a Pulitzer Prize finalist ! It is so well written. The prose is easy to read, the stories come to life jumping off the page, the details are rich and the emotional storyline is ever present. One comes to understand Theodore Roosevelt's life was defined by R&R: resolution and resilience. "The Old Lion" truly lived a square deal. He dealt fairly with everyone; he wouldn't advocate anything he would not do himself; he dreamed big and made those big dreams come true. He always overcame obstacles and challenges not only rising above but restrengthening himself into stronger steel in the process. From his Rough Rider days, to making the Panama Canal a reality, to sending the US Navy all around the world in one fell swoop (a feat never done before much like JFK's mission of putting a man on the moon), conquering the Amazon and minutely describing his African safaris; he lives life to the fullest. He lived life as a true romantic, but giving back as much if not more than the joy he took in with every breath and opportunity. He reminds us all why we were put on earth- to make life better for mankind and to savor the zest of life. Great job H.W.Brands. Enjoyed every minute of this excellent read.

With 816 pages of actual text this biography of Theodore Roosevelt is long, incredibly detailed and very well-written. Brands’ claim that runs like a thread throughout the book is that Roosevelt was the "last romantic.” By that Brands means that, among national leaders, Roosevelt was the last to be dedicated completely (and not just verbally) to the idea of the “hero,” the person who fails to live if he or she is afraid of dying. Brands’ thesis seems correct. After overcoming his frail childhood Roosevelt never stopped living to the extreme. Many of his actions strike the reader today as egotism writ large but much of it also led Roosevelt to be fearless against the monopolies that dominated politics in his day and to simply not care whether the powers-that-be did not like his actions, whether it was as Police Commissioner in New York or as president. Roosevelt at times disturbs (or even disgusts) the modern reader (he would consider that a sign of our degradation) but also at times inspires the reader. This is a fascinating book about one of the most unique leaders in American history. The book will take a while to get through but Brands make this trip with TR an engaging and highly enjoyable journey.

Overall, a solid biography. Good insight of main character's assets and flaws. A bit detailed for a less patient reader. Overall a solid 4

This is a great read and well worth the considerable investment of time. Brands is an excellent writer with an expansive vocabulary, so the narration is delightful. And he sustains the thesis that romanticism was the defining principle of Roosevelt's life. Brands calls TR the last romantic. I might go further and label him an anachronism, a believer in the romantic ideals of truth and justice long after the righteous passion of the Civil War had to the greed of the Golden Era.Along with a robust portrait of Roosevelt, Brands also presents the political, economic, and social milieu of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The issues of class struggle, the role of corporations, and the limits of presidential power are remarkably similar to today's concerns.Roosevelt was a larger-than-life character and visionary leader who dominated the political life of this country for two decades. Yet his contribution to forming (or rather reforming) the nation is often overlooked. Whether you love the man or hate him (seemingly the only two alternatives, then and now), this book will help you understand him. I recommend it.

It's a long book but it doesn't seem like it. TR is one of the most important presidents ever and this book is a worthy addition to any library