Summary

This biography chronicles the early life of Theodore Roosevelt, from his sickly childhood to his becoming the Vice President in 1901. Born into a wealthy and influential New York family, Roosevelt overcame childhood asthma and other ailments through rigorous exercise and sheer determination. His love for nature and exploration led him to the Badlands of Dakota Territory, where he established two ranches and lived as a cowboy, transforming himself physically and mentally. His early political career, including three terms in the New York State Assembly, saw him championing civil service reform and fighting against corruption. He served as Police Commissioner of New York City and made many enemies by his insistence on enforcing an unpopular law. After the tragic deaths of his wife and mother on the same day, he sought refuge in the West, but ultimately returned to public life, running successfully for Governor of New York. With the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt resigned from his post to lead the Rough Riders in Cuba. His exploits at Kettle and San Juan Hills earned him national renown and made him a strong contender for higher office. After a tumultuous battle with party bosses, he reluctantly accepted the nomination for Vice-President in 1900, setting the stage for his unexpected ascent to the Presidency following McKinley's assassination. Throughout his life, Roosevelt was driven by a strong sense of duty and love of country, traits that helped him to overcome numerous obstacles.

The book opens with a vivid description of Roosevelt's 1907 New Year's reception at the White House, showcasing his energetic personality and popularity. It then goes on to describe his childhood struggles with asthma and how his father inspired him to build his body. His Grand Tour of Europe as a child exposed him to diverse cultures and sparked his fascination with history and nature. Roosevelt's education continued at Harvard, where he became a social butterfly and skilled boxer despite physical limitations. The death of his father profoundly affected him, instilling a fierce desire to live up to his ideals. After Harvard, he married his sweetheart, Alice Lee, and began his political career in the New York State Assembly, battling against corruption and pushing for reform.

As a young politician, Roosevelt's independence and willingness to speak his mind earned him both admirers and enemies. His investigation of judicial corruption brought him to national attention, and he went on to serve on the New York City Police Board, battling against powerful forces and exposing corruption. The tragic deaths of his wife and mother were devastating blows, prompting him to seek refuge in the West and start over. He remarried and continued his political ascent, becoming Governor of New York and gaining national prominence with his leadership of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt's charismatic personality and reputation for integrity made him a popular figure, but also a target for political machinations.

The final chapters of the book detail Roosevelt's complex relationship with party boss Thomas Platt and the struggle for the vice-presidential nomination. Despite his initial reluctance, Roosevelt was swept up by the political tide and accepted the position in 1900. The book concludes with McKinley's assassination in 1901, setting the stage for Roosevelt's unexpected rise to the Presidency. Throughout the book, Roosevelt's complex personality is portrayed with candor and detail, showcasing his energy, ambition, idealism, and occasional naiveté. His love for his family, his passion for nature and history, and his strong sense of duty are all interwoven in a narrative that illuminates his remarkable journey to power.

Roosevelt's life was marked by a constant desire to achieve great things, to push himself to the limits both physically and mentally. He was an adventurer, a scholar, a conservationist, a politician, a warrior, and a family man. His personality was complex and contradictory, capable of great warmth and fierce anger, deep sensitivity, and blunt aggression. The book captures this complexity with detail and psychological insight, painting a vivid portrait of a man who became one of the most important figures in American history.