Kathleen Dalton

I gave the book 4 stars. I thought the author was deficient in describing his presidency and his Governership of New York. On the other hand Dalton did show how TR could be a scientist, politician, leader, husband, father, idealist and pragmatist. She was able to show he was more the patrician Knickerbocker reformer rather than a dam Cowboy. She described adequately his attempts to reform the "malefactors of great wealth."
She certainly was strong in showing how his overcoming asthma and his father were such strong influences in his life. I was also impressed in her description of the relationship between him and Edith. It compares to the relationship between John Adams and Abigail.
Dalton is excellent in showing how he promoted a radical post presidency agenda: income tax, inheritance tax, workers rights, and direct democracy. I wanted a bit more on how TR was able to create the conservation movement which is by far his most lasting achievement.
Of course, TR's belligerence as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (sending Dewey and his Fleet to Manila to destroy the Spanish Navy) is curtailed when he becomes president. Even though he claims as President the USA did not fire one shot at a foreign foe TR forgets the little excursion in the Phillipines which was being wrapped up on his watch. Conservatives probably idealize TR for his "walk softly and carry a Big Stick" motto overlooking his radical social agenda. Liberals overlook the belligerence and his stance on a WW I and look at his domestic agenda and his conservation record.
He was a Man for all Seasons.
In summary, one mark of a good book is does it excite one about reading more about characters referred to in the book. Dalton makes me look forward to our Woodrow Wilson and Taft reads and I may have to read something on Henry Cabot Lodge and Robert LaFollette.… (meer)