Genealogy Books - The Lion's Pride: Theodore Roosevelt and His Family in Peace and War

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Summary: Theodore Roosevelt as a father.
Comment: This is an excellent work about Theodore Roosevelt as a father. Although the author discusses his
children throughout the book, the focus is on TR himself. One thing I have admired about President
Roosevelt is that he loved being a father (although his relationship with his oldest daughter,
Alice, was strained), and this drew me to read this book. I was not disappointed.

The
author also gives us a glimpse into TR's father, Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., who was a very generous
man with his time and money. After reading about him, I understood why TR valued public service.

Because the author focuses on the president, the reader will see how TR influenced his
children to value public service. For example, all of his sons served in the military. Indeed,
Quentin Roosevelt died as a pilot in a dogfight in World War I. The elder son, Theodore Roosevelt
II, led the first wave on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day during World War II. He died of a heart
attack some weeks later. Archie was declared 100% disabled in both World War I and World War II.
Kermit also served well in both wars, but suffered from alcoholism and depression (TR's brother, who
was Eleanor Roosevelt's father, also suffered from the same). Also, TR's youngest daughter, Ethel,
served as a nurse in France in World War I.

This book is definitely worth reading to
get a view of Theodore Roosevelt as a family man. I wish we had more elected officials like him
today.

Customer Rating:

Summary: A Truly Unique and Fascinating American Family
Comment: Completely understanding TR is impossible without considering his children, or his own childhood for
that matter. These are the foci of the "The Lion's Pride: Theodore Roosevelt and His Family in
Peace and War." TR was deeply influenced by his father, a wealthy and generous, many would claim
great man whose most glaring defect and regret was what amounted to a buy out of his Civil War
service obligation. TR called him the "greatest man I ever knew." Yet, in many respects TR spent
the rest of his life attempting to overcome and reverse this blemish upon the family record through
extraordinary patriotism and service. Leading at the apex of conflict and danger was the duty of a
great and privileged family. This credo was embraced wholeheartedly by his children, which makes
for fascinating reading. While some would argue this compulsion became excessive and detrimental,
the Roosevelt's had no regrets and curiously embraced their family tragedies in the midst of great
pain. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the death of the youngest, Quintin while flying
patrol over German lines in WWI. On the other hand, if you are looking for an in depth look at any
one or more of the children this book will not suffice. Indeed, the early chapters focus on TR's
life leading up to WWI, while the latter chapters are largely dedicated to his offspring's
activities in young adulthood, particularly those related to the Great War. There is little
regarding TR's close and often tender relationship with his children during their childhood in the
White House or at Sagamore Hill. As a result, while I greatly enjoyed this book, I was hoping for
more breadth and insight into the children's upbringing and their lives after TR's death.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Excellent distillation of Roosevelt's last years
Comment: Renehan's accounting of the last years of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is condensed and fascinating.
Mostly covering 1898 and 1910-1919, the book provides insight into the southern New York high
society of the early 20th century. Famous names, including Vanderbilt, Roosevelt, Cowles, and
Coolidge, parade across the pages.

Nuggets include the mention of Harvard in that
time as a conservative and pro-military bastion (compared to today's institution fighting military
recruitment in court), Woodrow Wilson viewed as an appeaser, a coward, and an appointer of bigots in
his administration (in contrast to a reputation as being a visionary negotiator), observation by
Gen. George Patton that Theodore's eldest son, Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt III, was a courageous
commander- but no soldier (both father and son won the Medal of Honor...a feat perhaps not matched
by any other American family), and the contrast highlighted between Kaiser Wilhelm's non-combat
patronage of his sons (during WWI) and the former president Roosevelt's sons participating in front
line combat. Another interesting fact: three of Roosevelt's four sons died in military service--one
killed in action, one dead of a heart attack a month after D-Day and one day before he was to be
promoted to major general, and one a suicide). The fourth suffered from the long term effects of
severe war wounds.

Roosevelt is also revealed as a founding father of the original
progressive movement...born out of the Republican party, no less. "Progressive" used to mean
advocating sensible capitalism through the restraint of unlimited power of large corporations
(through the Sherman Act) and the promotion of sound environmental policy and conservation. It also
demanded the U.S. government uphold its main role--that of national defense. This is in stark
contrast to today's "progressive" thinking--complete rejection of market economics and corporations,
radical environmentalism, and pacifism. Roosevelt must spin in his grave.

All in all a
great primer of the former president. Makes you want to immediately run out and read more.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Love TR
Comment: I read any book on TR. This one I was hoping would reveal more about his family. It still is a
good read about TR.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Inspiring
Comment: This book made me want to be a better, more involved citizen. It really gets at the heart of this
incredible family.

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