The Man in the Arena: Selected Writings

by Theodore Roosevelt, Brian M. Thomsen (Editor)

By the time he was twenty-five the future president of the United States was already a published author. From The Naval War of 1812 through his four-volume Winning of the West, Teddy Roosevelt proved himself a master historian...but one must not make the mistake of labeling him a stodgy academic.
The future president was also a great outdoorsman, with such works as Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail and African Game Trails capturing his rough and ready lifestyle.
Theodore Roosevelt was part Francis Parkman, part Lowell Thomas, and one hundred percent spirit of America and master of the printed page.
The Man in the Arena collects self-contained excerpts from some of his greatest works, including such revealing memoirs as The Rough Riders, the Autobiography, and Through the Brazilian Wilderness, in an effort to capture the many aspects of a great American who was indeed larger than life and his own best "Boswell."

Genres: History, Biography, Politics, Nonfiction, Business, Memoir, Philosophy

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1905

About the author

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., also known as T.R., and to the public (but never to friends and family) as Teddy, was the twenty-sixth President of the United States, and a leader of the Republican Party and of the Progressive Movement.

He fathered Alice Roosevelt Longworth, a daughter.

He became the youngest President in United States history at the age of 42. He served in many roles including Governor of New York, historian, naturalist, explorer, author, and soldier (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001 for his role at the Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War).

Roosevelt is most famous for his personality: his energy, his vast range of interests and achievements, his model of masculinity, and his "cowboy" persona.

Reviews

[Ismael Lazreg M · Rating 4 out of 5]

“No es el crítico quien cuenta; ni aquel que señala cómo el hombre fuerte tropieza, o dónde el autor de los hechos podría haberlo hecho mejor. El reconocimiento pertenece al hombre que está en la arena, con el rostro desfigurado por el polvo, el sudor y la sangre; quien se esfuerza valientemente; quien yerra, quien da un traspié tras otro, pues no hay esfuerzo sin error ni fallo; pero quien realmente se empeña en lograr su cometido; quien conoce grandes entusiasmos, las grandes devociones; quien se consagra a una causa digna; quien, en el mejor de los casos, encuentra al final el triunfo inherente al logro grandioso, y quien, en el peor de los casos, si fracasa, al menos fracasa atreviéndose en grande, de manera que su lugar jamás estará entre aquellas almas frías y tímidas que no conocen ni la victoria ni la derrota."

[Porter Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teddy Roosevelt was an incredible man, one of the most prolific writers of the early 20th century, and certainly the most prolific writer among our US presidents. This book is an effective cross section of his massive collections of journals, publications, and field notes, giving a sampling of his prowess as a biographer, historian, naturalist, politician, journalist, and soldier. Definitely a compelling read for anyone who wants to learn about this man among men.

[Jason Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming”

[Steve Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

great piece. just not for me

[Swensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s right. What a man.

[Al Borden · Rating 3 out of 5]

this guy was such a racist windbag! unbelievable!!