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Theodore Roosevelt: A Life
Nathan Miller's critically acclaimed biography of Theodore Roosevelt is the first complete one-volume life of the Rough Rider to be published in more than thirty years. From his sickly childhood to charging up San Juan Hill to waving his fist under J.P. Morgan's rubicund nose, Theodore Roosevelt offers the intimate history of a man who continues to cast a magic spell over the American imagination. As the twenty-sixth president of the United States, from 1901 to 1909, Roosevelt embodied the overwheliming confidence of the nation as it entered the American Century. With fierce joy, he brandished a "Big Stick" abroad and promised a "Square Deal" at home. He was the nation's first environmental president, challenged the trusts, and, as the first American leader to play an important role in world affairs, began construction of a long-dreamed canal across Panama and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for almost singlehandedly bringing about a peaceful end to the Russo-Japanese War. In addition to following Roosevelt's political career, Theodore Roosevelt looks deeply into his personal relations to draw a three-dimensional portrait of a man who confronted life-wrenching tragedies as well as triumphs. It is biography at its most compelling.
648 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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1406 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Miller
70 books14 followersNathan Miller received his bachelor's and master's degrees in history from the University of Maryland before becoming a reporter for the Baltimore Sun. He spent more than 15 years as a journalist, including a three-year tour as the paper's chief Latin American correspondent, based in Rio de Janeiro, before becoming an investigator and speechwriter for Sen. John L. McClellan on the permanent subcommittee on investigations and later the Senate Appropriations Committee. Miller left the congressional staff in 1977 to be a full-time freelance writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 27, 2022
Nathan Miller's Theodore Roosevelt: The Life is a sturdy narrative biography of the Rough Rider President, well-suited for readers without the time or patience for Edmund Morris's expansive trilogy. Whereas Morris has an eye (or weakness) for the rousing and picturesque, Miller mostly presents Roosevelt's life in straightforward fashion without embellishment. Fortunately Miller is a good enough writer, and his subject certainly lively enough for this approach to avoid becoming dry or tedious. He dutifully covers TR's early life battling asthma, his career as New York politician and Western cowboy, his rough-riding fame in the Spanish-American War and improbable rise to the Presidency, with many books, debates, romantic tragedies and hunting trips along the way. While largely admiring of his subject, Miller is also more apt that Morris (although not so much as, say, H.W. Brands or Kathleen Dalton) to call out Roosevelt's shortcomings: his racial views that, though relatively liberal for the time, are hard for modern readers to admire; his bloodthirsty imperialism which qualified his posturing as a peacemaker; a supreme egotist whose view of politics as an extension of personal morality led him, at worst, to seem like a posturing hypocrite. He also pegs Roosevelt less as a progressive than a conservative reformer who viewed his trust-busting and sympathies with organized labor (if not its most radical adjuncts) as a necessary escape-valve for society to avoid truly radical change. Still, in Miller's view the balance sheet lands in TR's favor, with environmental protection acts, achievements in international diplomacy (Miller credits Roosevelt with helping to initiate the "Special Relationship" between the US and UK, so crucial in two world wars and after) and (however qualified in practice) his confrontations with Big Business - along with an expansive personality that, for better or worse, changed the Presidency forever. A solid, reliable portrait of America's most colorful president.
June 19, 2015
http://bestpresidentialbios.com/2015/...
“Theodore Roosevelt: A Life” by Nathan Miller (published in 1992) was the first comprehensive, single-volume biography of Roosevelt in over three decades. Miller was the author of more than a dozen books including “FDR: An Intimate History” and was a four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee. Miller died in 2004 at the age of 77.
While Miller’s biography is solid in nearly every respect, it is exceptional in almost none. In a field crowded with good TR biographies, this book’s raison d’etre seems to be a cache of previously unpublished correspondence between Roosevelt and his first wife. While these letters provide a few new interesting insights, little else in the biography stands out as unique or particularly noteworthy.
To its credit, this biography provides a more efficient reading experience than its 567 pages might suggest. The author’s writing style is straightforward and normally easy to follow, and he uses none of the excessively erudite language that can burden an otherwise excellent presidential biography.
Unfortunately, Miller’s book is far less an insightful day-to-day narrative and more a matter-of-fact summary of Roosevelt’s life. It seems content to convey facts without also providing meaningful historical interpretation or analysis. And it occasionally feels less like a presidential biography than a political science book.
Readers will find this biography comprehensive, if too brief on many topics. And it provides a good balance between Roosevelt’s personal and public lives. But while the book is often interesting, it is far less engaging than many other biographies of Roosevelt. The chapters describing TR’s journeys in the Dakota Badlands, Africa and Brazil, for example, may inspire readers new to Roosevelt but will seem lifeless and bland to most others.
In addition, the reader never gets inside Roosevelt’s mind or really learns what makes him tick. Where some biographers transport the reader to the subject’s own world – often allowing them to witness to the subject’s innermost thoughts – Miller’s examination of Roosevelt feels comparatively remote and sterile. Never does the reader develop a meaningful familiarity with TR or view history through his eyes.
And as solid as the biography appears at first glance, at its core it is missing a sense of vitality. It is somewhat like an otherwise good movie that seems to be missing something…and then it becomes obvious there is no soundtrack. The basics are in place, but a vital component, responsible for creating context and engaging the audience, is missing.
Overall, Nathan Miller biography provides a crisp, clear and straightforward review of Teddy Roosevelt’s life. It is unpretentious, comprehensive and eminently readable, but falls short in several minor ways. Perhaps most strikingly, it feels distant, antiseptic and lifeless. Miller’s biography is more than adequate as an efficient and reasonably thorough introduction to Roosevelt. But by no means is it the best choice for either new or experienced fans of Theodore Roosevelt.
Overall rating: 3½ stars
“Theodore Roosevelt: A Life” by Nathan Miller (published in 1992) was the first comprehensive, single-volume biography of Roosevelt in over three decades. Miller was the author of more than a dozen books including “FDR: An Intimate History” and was a four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee. Miller died in 2004 at the age of 77.
While Miller’s biography is solid in nearly every respect, it is exceptional in almost none. In a field crowded with good TR biographies, this book’s raison d’etre seems to be a cache of previously unpublished correspondence between Roosevelt and his first wife. While these letters provide a few new interesting insights, little else in the biography stands out as unique or particularly noteworthy.
To its credit, this biography provides a more efficient reading experience than its 567 pages might suggest. The author’s writing style is straightforward and normally easy to follow, and he uses none of the excessively erudite language that can burden an otherwise excellent presidential biography.
Unfortunately, Miller’s book is far less an insightful day-to-day narrative and more a matter-of-fact summary of Roosevelt’s life. It seems content to convey facts without also providing meaningful historical interpretation or analysis. And it occasionally feels less like a presidential biography than a political science book.
Readers will find this biography comprehensive, if too brief on many topics. And it provides a good balance between Roosevelt’s personal and public lives. But while the book is often interesting, it is far less engaging than many other biographies of Roosevelt. The chapters describing TR’s journeys in the Dakota Badlands, Africa and Brazil, for example, may inspire readers new to Roosevelt but will seem lifeless and bland to most others.
In addition, the reader never gets inside Roosevelt’s mind or really learns what makes him tick. Where some biographers transport the reader to the subject’s own world – often allowing them to witness to the subject’s innermost thoughts – Miller’s examination of Roosevelt feels comparatively remote and sterile. Never does the reader develop a meaningful familiarity with TR or view history through his eyes.
And as solid as the biography appears at first glance, at its core it is missing a sense of vitality. It is somewhat like an otherwise good movie that seems to be missing something…and then it becomes obvious there is no soundtrack. The basics are in place, but a vital component, responsible for creating context and engaging the audience, is missing.
Overall, Nathan Miller biography provides a crisp, clear and straightforward review of Teddy Roosevelt’s life. It is unpretentious, comprehensive and eminently readable, but falls short in several minor ways. Perhaps most strikingly, it feels distant, antiseptic and lifeless. Miller’s biography is more than adequate as an efficient and reasonably thorough introduction to Roosevelt. But by no means is it the best choice for either new or experienced fans of Theodore Roosevelt.
Overall rating: 3½ stars
August 21, 2019
Learned an enormous amount of content about TR's life. I enjoyed the insight into TR's infatuation with his father, his triumphant over his initial physical weakness, his growth as a politician from the local, state, and national level, to finally the most popular, enthusiastic, influential politician of the first twenty years of the twentieth century.
He portrayed a sense of manliness that I believe should be reexamined and reapplied into modern society. His beliefs stemmed from a moral assumption that America should do good in the world and extend the benefits of wealth to all Americans. His progressive ideas are now common practices in government.
A true American.
He portrayed a sense of manliness that I believe should be reexamined and reapplied into modern society. His beliefs stemmed from a moral assumption that America should do good in the world and extend the benefits of wealth to all Americans. His progressive ideas are now common practices in government.
A true American.
April 21, 2020
A great book about an extraordinary man who I aspire to be just like. Miller’s writing style is excellent. Informative and entertaining. I found a few parts to be a bit wonky and dry, particularly Roosevelt’s battles with Congress. But overall, a great read. I’d recommend this book to those interested in history and American politics.
January 9, 2025
Enjoyed knowing more about this man's incredible life, full of accomplishments! His personna reminds me of another presidential leader who can also be fired up with passion, speaking his mind concerning right and wrong. Teddy accomplished so much for the good of our country at that time, laying a solid foundation for many policies we enjoy today! A "bully" of a leader.
August 13, 2021
I wish I could get credit for reading 5 books from reading just this one. IT WAS A BEAST!
I enjoyed the clarification of relationships, politically and socially, which influenced parts of how our country is run today.
I learned a TON!
I enjoyed the clarification of relationships, politically and socially, which influenced parts of how our country is run today.
I learned a TON!
August 30, 2013
Some presidents are just more interesting than others. If the author is any good at all, they just get out of the way and let the story tell itself. I thought this author did an excellent job of doing just that. President Roosevelt probably wrung more mileage out of his life than any two other presidents I've read about. This is an amazing story! It is however over 500 pages so it isn't for the timid, but it has my wholehearted recommendation.
November 10, 2022
Well written and for a biography this was an easy read.
September 13, 2018
Nathan Miller does a serviceable job of putting together a workmanlike, straightforward biography of the country's twenty-sixth president. While the book plays the hits of T.R.'s life in and out of the White House, it feels a bit too much like a paint by the numbers piece of writing.
The telling of a grand, sweeping narrative is not in the cards; a broader strand of social commentary is not in the offing either. Theodore Roosevelt merely recounts Roosevelt's young, middle, and adult years with admirable precision.
The fact that the book is over halfway finished before Roosevelt's first term in 1901 comes about is a tribute to just how enriched with adventure his life truly was. His service in the Spanish-American War (the "Crowded Hour" in Cuba) is covered well by Miller; this section goes into minute detail about the heroics of The Colonel and his Rough Riders.
The author also does nice work writing about Teddy's time as an Assemblyman in New York and his stint as a member of the police board and Civil Service Commission. These show Roosevelt's rise up the ladders of power and are chock full of details that place his service in these institutions within their historical context. What could have received more examination than Miller gave it were T.R.'s environmental work and his context within the broader reformist, progressive movement. Although the writer admirably steered clear of overt insertion of opinion, there were subtle hints that he would be placed more on the right wing spectrum of U.S. politics. While he tried to conceal this, attentive readers will notice it comes through obliquely on a few occasions. What is clearly at play in the book, however, is his willingness to give T.R. numerous benefits of the doubt and to answer critiques naysayers may raise about his actions.
What seems rushed-oddly-are Theodore Roosevelt's seven and a half years as president. Miller could have gotten much more granular than he did in these chapters given the ample material to work with. Despite this shallow strategy of covering T.R.'s presidency, friction with European powers over influence in Latin American countries, as well as a quick delving into the back story behind the Panama Canal saga, are covered well in the book. Somewhat incongruously, Roosevelt's third party run in 1912 and the decade plus he spent out of office prior to his passing were covered with nearly as much depth as his time as president.
This book is a solid work, but it could have been even more given the wide spectrum of activities the always colorful Teddy Roosevelt was involved in.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
The telling of a grand, sweeping narrative is not in the cards; a broader strand of social commentary is not in the offing either. Theodore Roosevelt merely recounts Roosevelt's young, middle, and adult years with admirable precision.
The fact that the book is over halfway finished before Roosevelt's first term in 1901 comes about is a tribute to just how enriched with adventure his life truly was. His service in the Spanish-American War (the "Crowded Hour" in Cuba) is covered well by Miller; this section goes into minute detail about the heroics of The Colonel and his Rough Riders.
The author also does nice work writing about Teddy's time as an Assemblyman in New York and his stint as a member of the police board and Civil Service Commission. These show Roosevelt's rise up the ladders of power and are chock full of details that place his service in these institutions within their historical context. What could have received more examination than Miller gave it were T.R.'s environmental work and his context within the broader reformist, progressive movement. Although the writer admirably steered clear of overt insertion of opinion, there were subtle hints that he would be placed more on the right wing spectrum of U.S. politics. While he tried to conceal this, attentive readers will notice it comes through obliquely on a few occasions. What is clearly at play in the book, however, is his willingness to give T.R. numerous benefits of the doubt and to answer critiques naysayers may raise about his actions.
What seems rushed-oddly-are Theodore Roosevelt's seven and a half years as president. Miller could have gotten much more granular than he did in these chapters given the ample material to work with. Despite this shallow strategy of covering T.R.'s presidency, friction with European powers over influence in Latin American countries, as well as a quick delving into the back story behind the Panama Canal saga, are covered well in the book. Somewhat incongruously, Roosevelt's third party run in 1912 and the decade plus he spent out of office prior to his passing were covered with nearly as much depth as his time as president.
This book is a solid work, but it could have been even more given the wide spectrum of activities the always colorful Teddy Roosevelt was involved in.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
February 26, 2020
Teddy Roosevelt was a fascinating character, a mix of thoughtful and impulsive, of endearing and infuriating. His political beliefs were also a mixture that wouldn’t fit in today. He was a progressive, who supported corporate regulation, workers rights, African American rights, women’s rights, progressive income tax, expansion of and conservation of public lands, and so on. On the other hand, he was an imperialist who believed in American manifest destiny, and believed in aggressively (and militarily) defending American honor. He was a staunch Republican who annoyed and fought against the party old guard, and who then split off the short-lived Progressive (Bull Moose) party from the Republican party when the 1912 nomination was given to Taft, despite TR dong so much better in those states that held primaries (not all did in those days).
He was personally brave, and stubborn. At one point on the campaign trail he was shot. When the crowd jumped and was likely to kill the gunman, Teddy told them to stop and bring the man to him. He stared at the man, then simply turned away and headed to the location he was to give a speech that night. At the start of the speech. his shirt soaked in blood, he told the crowd they might have to keep it down because he’d been shot. He then pulled out his 50-page speech that was folded in this breast pocket, which now had a bullet hole in it.
Late in his life he had an expedition to the upper Amazon having been invited by several South American countries (where he was met by large, cheering crowds). The expedition took months, and he developed malaria and lost 57 pound. In the end, this weakened him enough that it probably contributed to his early death, at the age of 60.
Nathan Miller’s biography does a good job exploring the life and character of Teddy Roosevelt, both the good and the bad. And for all his faults, he’s the kind of leader we could use again today.
He was personally brave, and stubborn. At one point on the campaign trail he was shot. When the crowd jumped and was likely to kill the gunman, Teddy told them to stop and bring the man to him. He stared at the man, then simply turned away and headed to the location he was to give a speech that night. At the start of the speech. his shirt soaked in blood, he told the crowd they might have to keep it down because he’d been shot. He then pulled out his 50-page speech that was folded in this breast pocket, which now had a bullet hole in it.
Late in his life he had an expedition to the upper Amazon having been invited by several South American countries (where he was met by large, cheering crowds). The expedition took months, and he developed malaria and lost 57 pound. In the end, this weakened him enough that it probably contributed to his early death, at the age of 60.
Nathan Miller’s biography does a good job exploring the life and character of Teddy Roosevelt, both the good and the bad. And for all his faults, he’s the kind of leader we could use again today.
August 17, 2023
This book was a very solid four stars. I’ve read several books about Roosevelt. Miller’s book shed new light for me on his family, especially Edith and Elliott, as well as Alice, his daughter. I loved the intricacies of his politics. Miller demonstrated the TR was an adept politician and the book goes into great depth about such things as his mediation to end the Russo-Japanese War, his trust busting efforts, his progressive domestic agenda, his conservation efforts, and his ability to connect with the American people through his speeches and the election system. There are lots of clever antidotes, many of which were quite funny.
I would have liked more detail on his time around Medora in North Dakota. To be fair, barely any mention was made on his trip to map the River of Doubt. Also, it’s troubling to hear the detail of his bloodlust for killing large game for trophies in Africa (in particular). It’s actually quite sickening. And I’m not sure enough credit was given to young TR as an amateur naturalist. By the time he was a teenager he had become one of the nation’s top experts.
All in all this was a good book and I enthusiastically recommend it.
I would have liked more detail on his time around Medora in North Dakota. To be fair, barely any mention was made on his trip to map the River of Doubt. Also, it’s troubling to hear the detail of his bloodlust for killing large game for trophies in Africa (in particular). It’s actually quite sickening. And I’m not sure enough credit was given to young TR as an amateur naturalist. By the time he was a teenager he had become one of the nation’s top experts.
All in all this was a good book and I enthusiastically recommend it.
March 5, 2025
This book was as full of life as its subject. Theodore Roosevelt is one of those larger than life characters one reads about in the history books. This book brings him fully to life. From his early days as a sickly little boy to his transformation as a robust and energetic politician, this book tells the complete tale. It recounts the tragic story of his first wife, Alice, and her untimely death, which plunged Theodore into grief, so much so that he erased all trace of her from his diaries, letters, and scrapbooks, and omitted her name from his memoirs. It tells the story of his love for his country, and how he worked for her as Governor of New York and later as its President. Post-presidency, Theodore didn't limp into retirement. He undertook two strenuous journeys to Africa and to South America, collecting specimens for museums and writing articles for newspapers. At the conclusion of the book, the reader feels a sense that this was a life well lived.
July 2, 2017
More politics than I like but a completely absorbing detailed account of life and times of one of the most energetic, heroic, intelligent, and fascinating people ever! How 1 person could accomplish and experience so many incredible things and adventures is hard to comprehend. While not perfect, I doubt there will ever be another politician who was so true to his own ideals of morality, bravery, and honesty, for the American people over large corporations/Wall Street/wealthy, and so hard working and productive! Safe to say there will never be another one like him!
April 10, 2018
Another fabulous biography of one of my favorites, Teddy Roosevelt. This single volume biography does a nice job of covering all of the major political events of Roosevelt's life, while also being sure to cover his family life and relationships. The author is obviously a fan of Roosevelt, and while he does admit when Roosevelt was flawed, he perhaps too often explains away his shortcomings. However, it was an engaging read and recommended.
July 28, 2025
Miller doesn’t just list off dates and achievements he brings Roosevelt’s energy, ambition, and contradictions to life in a way that’s both readable and rich in detail. From cowboy to president, it captures how TR wasn’t just tough he was thoughtful, strategic, and way ahead of his time. It’s the kind of biography that makes you want to get up and go do something bold after every chapter. If you’re even a little into history or leadership, this one hits.
February 12, 2021
Oddly bought this book as I didn't actually know one Roosevelt had done. Was a really good read and I believe had covered the key moments of his career. While there are many positive attributes to his character his hunting and inconsistent treatment of race are hard to swallow, of course he was also a man of his time. Great book though and I feel much better informed now!
March 14, 2022
What a fantastic book! He was definitely one of the most energetic, active, and interesting presidents. His thoughts and policies seemed to be far ahead of his time.
He was a bit impulsive and opinionated.
He was a bit impulsive and opinionated.
July 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book but hated the way it ended. Theodore Roosevelt dies, end of story. Not a word about his funeral, where he was buried or his family afterward. Nothing about his legacy. Left me wanting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
A very well researched and easy to read biography. Usually reading about the presidents I get bogged down in this or that political wrangling on such and such issue but not so here. Miller's use of diary entries and letters brings every issue to life and makes me care more about the outcomes.
January 20, 2024
A really fun read. There are about 20 total pages of boring political quagmire but the rest of the 750 pages are an exciting view into his personal thoughts, emotions, and personal constitution of man. He really is one of the most exciting people of consequence in that period
July 21, 2019
This is the best biography I have ever read. Roosevelt is a superhero.
January 29, 2020
Too short, summarized major events where there could have been more detail similar to Edmund Morris's trilogy
October 24, 2020
Very good read. The author went into detail about Roosevelt's life. Was an enjoyable read.
July 22, 2025
Thorough and educational. A memorable and admirable person.
September 20, 2025
Exhaustive detail
Well researched.
Well researched.
October 21, 2025
Great book, would highly recommend. Really enjoyed reading it.
December 10, 2025
Purchased at Sagamore Hill.
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March 22, 2017
FINALLY finished reading this after promising myself this would be the year I'd do it. A fascinating story which I am glad I've finally read, but not the easiest of books to plough through late at night. Now on to something a bit lighter I think...
July 20, 2023
EARLY GOING --So far it has been a highly readable biography, even though filled with details.
young Teddy is plagued with asthma, but is inspired to try to develop his physical strength and fitness so that he will not always be a scrawny, sickly person.
FINISHED -- I think it has been a very fair account of a controversial (at the time) president, governor, and 3rd-party candidate who acted out of deeply-held convictions and instincts. His "Square Deal" program appealed to working people who were being gouged by monopolistic corporations in the coal and railroad industries especially.
young Teddy is plagued with asthma, but is inspired to try to develop his physical strength and fitness so that he will not always be a scrawny, sickly person.
FINISHED -- I think it has been a very fair account of a controversial (at the time) president, governor, and 3rd-party candidate who acted out of deeply-held convictions and instincts. His "Square Deal" program appealed to working people who were being gouged by monopolistic corporations in the coal and railroad industries especially.
February 19, 2016
I read this as a hard cover before I joined GRs. The dates that I read it are guesses. I think I read it back in 2000 or 2001 but I can't get the date to reflect that and trying to check it out page by page takes too darn long. Anyway, it's a book I consider well worth reading. Growing up, I always wondered why Theodore Roosevelt was one of the four faces depicted at Mt Rushmore. Now I know and well he deserves to be; besides being the president to start the conservation ball rolling, he is also the one who promoted and developed the U.S. Navy to become a world-wide naval power and was responsible for positioning us in SE asia, a feat which is still important to this day. He was also the first president to travel west of the Mississippi. Thank you Teddy for remembering that we westerners are Americans, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews