T.R.

The Last Romantic

By: H. W. Brands

Narrated by: Matt Kugler

From the New York Times bestselling author, an acclaimed biography of President Teddy Roosevelt

"A rip-roaring life... Every red-blooded American should read this entertaining book." — Wall Street Journal

In his time, there was no more popular national figure than Roosevelt. It was not just the energy he brought to every political office he held or his unshakable moral convictions that made him so popular, or even his status as a bonafide war hero. Most important, Theodore Roosevelt was loved by the people because this scion of a privileged New York family loved America and Americans.

And yet, according to Brands, if we look at the private Roosevelt without blinders, we see a man whose great public strengths hid enormous personal deficiencies; he was uncompromising, self-involved, and a highly imperfect brother, husband, and father.

Beautifully written, and powerfully moved by its subject, T.R. is the classic biography of one of America's greatest and most complex leaders.

Critic reviews

"A rip-roaring life of Theodore Roosevelt, in my view the most lovable, fascinating and creative of American presidents. Every red-blooded American should read this entertaining book.... Mr. Brands calls T.R. the last romantic, and it is true."—Paul Johnson, Wall Street Journal

"Roosevelt's life in Mr. Brands' able hands is a demonstration of the remarkable power of the human will. Roosevelt literally created the character he lived out, and then lived within it until he finally became his creation."—Washington Post

"Brands makes the case that Roosevelt believed in heroes and measured himself against giants of history and literature.... He puts them in vivid context with often wry narration and an impressive depth of historical research."—USA Today

"Brands outlines with suitable vigor the most important aspects of T.R.'s presidential years.... It seems likely that T.R. will stand for some time as the standard one-volume life."—Chicago Sun Times

"Brands shows how this hero of the charge up San Juan Hill, more than anyone else, led the United States onto the world stage."—Los Angeles Times

"Brands' narrative is lucid, fast-moving and unblended by hero-worship. In a single volume he has packed Roosevelt's 60 years of ambition, adventure, expediency, achievement, and, finally, frustration at having peaked too soon."—Publishers Weekly

Very good read

TR: The Last Romantic

HW Brands

I cannot compare it to Edmund Morris’ trio of books on President Roosevelt, however HW Brands did a very good job capturing the Colonel.

Having read numerous books about TR, it was good to see Mr. Brands find fresh information and perspectives on events. I got to learn some things.

Mr. Brands does not appear to be a fervent admirer, nor is he unduly critical. Which makes for an interesting read.

Similarities of Today's Politics

I liked how the cradle to grave content gave me an understanding of TR's nature. I come away with such cliches as; "some things never change" and "history repeats itself." There are definitely a number of parallels in the political climate of 2025.

Brands is an excellent historian

This was the first of Brands' books I have read, and I can safely say that it is one of the most engrossing histories I have ever read. I had previously prided myself on knowing a lot about TR, but this book gave me so much more information that I didn't previously have. A much read for fans of TR and of history in general!

so much I did not know

very interesting man with an exceptional life. lots of things never taught in history class

The Romantic

A great read which not only introduces you to Theodore Rex it also shows you how perceptions have changed over time. The author compiles this biography from many sources, including personal correspondence from TR. it’s easy to see why the people who lived at that time loved him. A quick warning, the GOP of today is vastly different than it was at that time. It was a very different time.