I Rose Like a Rocket: The Political Education of Theodore Roosevelt

by Paul Grondahl

A biographical analysis of Theodore Roosevelt's political education contends that his training occurred not in the wilderness as believed by popular opinion, but within strategic political locations that exposed him to nineteenth-century government and prepared him for a presidential career. 35,000 first printing.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Politics

464 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful surprise. It's full of anecdotes—some thrilling, some humorous, all interesting—and Grondahl has a way with the pen that makes them sing.

Grondahl briskly covers the highlights of TR's youth up through his graduation from Harvard (and lowlights—he suffered much tragedy as a young man) and then turns to TR's experience as a rookie Assemblyman walking into the political hornet's nest that was Albany, New York. This in my view was the strength of the book. Grondahl's writing is spectacular here, bringing to life all the hostility of the incumbent bullies on the one hand and the absolute defiance of TR on the other. He refused to be intimidated, and he refused to play their bribe game. Through Grondahl's writing you can feel TR's unflinching resolve, viscerally, vividly, tangibly, as if his aura permeated the room even today.

The book continues through the major epochs of TR's early life: his years as a ranchman in the Badlands, his first posting as Civil Service Commissioner in Washington, DC, becoming Police Commissioner in NYC, his brief stint as Secretary of the Navy before resigning to lead the Rough Riders, then back into politics as Governor of New York—a position which led to the Vice Presidency. The book ends at his infamous promotion to President, as there was only "one life between that madman and the presidency".

My one wish for the book is that the editor had helped with organization, breaking each chapter into subchapters. Grondahl bounces from one scene to the next, often switching without warning.

Despite the book's meandering form, it's still a five-star read for me. The writing is so stellar that it overcomes its structural deficiencies. It's of course not as thorough as Morris's trilogy, but if you're looking for a shorter read on TR, this is a phenomenal choice.


[EDIT] I should mention that I’ve read several books on TR, and spent considerable time searching book lists for more. I’ve never once seen this one mentioned. I’m baffled as to why it’s been glossed over.

The way I came about it was by gift. My father was in a bookstore one evening looking for books on Custer. He stood in front of the American History section and lifted his eyes to the left side of the top shelf. Grondahl’s book happened to be the first one he saw. Knowing about my perpetual quest for books about TR, he grabbed it. I’m so glad he did. What a discovery. It really is that good.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer on Roosevelt's rise from a NY Assemblyman up to becoming president.

When you look at Roosevelt's accomplishments before becoming President - politician, author,decorated soldier, and then governor of NY - all before turning 43, you wonder if there will ever be another person like him.

[Frank Murtaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's an ironic twist to a book devoted to Teddy Roosevelt's life before he became U.S. President (in 1901). For such a book to be worth reading, the man must have made profound impact before reaching the White House. In Roosevelt's case, he did just that: New York City police commissioner, war hero (Rough Riders), New York Governor. He still managed to become the youngest man to reach this country's highest office. TR's presidency is, in fact, a different/later book. This one is a detailed, carefully researched biography of a man not just larger than life, but almost too much for a single life to contain. "I have never known a person a horse seemed more pleased to carry than Colonel Roosevelt."

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book from my personal library for my annual Theodore Roosevelt read.
This book aims to focus attention on TR's political education prior to the presidency - specifically his time in New York politics as an assemblyman & police commissioner and in D.C. as a civil service commissioner. It does so in a book half the size of Edmund Morris' The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt.
Got a bit dry at times - author doesn't have quite as an engaging style as the aforementioned Morris, Candice Millard, or Doris Kearns Goodwin. Learned a few nuggets so it was still a worthwhile read.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very insightful look into the political formation of Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President. Both very well researched, and very well written.

[Edgar Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grondahl is a veteran political reporter who covers the New York state legislature. He brings this unique perspective to an analysis of Roosevelt’s career before the presidency. He makes crisp judgments along the way that many biographers avoid or simply accept Roosevelt’s self assessment. He sees Roosevelt as at best a marginal success as a Civil Service Commissioner and a failure as New York City Police Commissioner. He also has some deft insights into the strains within Roosevelt’s two marriages. Grondahl has mined to good success many obscure local sources. He has provided what is the definitive account so far of Roosevelt’s career in the rough and tumble world of legislative politics in Albany. He is also a very good writer.

I Rose Like a Rocket: The Political Education of Theodore Roosevelt

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summation of Roosevelt's life until he became President. Not as detail as some other books about parts of his life but one I may refer to as a reference or refresher about aspects of his political rise.

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Could've spent the same time reading a more complete biography and gotten more out of it.