The Rough Riders

By: Theodore Roosevelt

Narrated by: Monroe Clark McBride

The Rough Riders is the story of the First US Volunteer Cavalry, the regiment Theodore Roosevelt led to enduring fame in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt recounts how the regiment was raised from an unusual mixture of hardened Southwestern frontiersmen and privileged Northeastern college graduates and how it trained in Texas before sailing southward through the tropic seas toward the unknown. Writing at a time when war could still be seen as a romantic adventure, and rich with action, violence, camaraderie, and courage, Roosevelt describes the confusion of fighting in the jungle; the heat, hunger, rain, mud, and malaria that tested his men; and their ultimate triumph on the San Juan Heights.

Public Domain (P)2016 Cherry Hill Publishing, LLC

A brief look into a war that is all but forgotten.

This book was written by Theodore Roosevelt, arguably one of the greatest presidents if not one of the greatest men to have ever lived. His writing style is both brief and detailed, finding a balance between the two. It can be a bit hard to follow, as some language is not common to the world anymore. Also, he writes in such a way that you almost feel as though you are dropped into a conversation between himself and a friend in that at times you feel as though you missed bits of conversation and wish you could ask him to repeat himself.

If you are looking for an in depth history book information, this is not the book for you. however, if you enjoy first hand accounts, I would highly suggest this book. Roosevelt's account shows his character. He openly acknowledges where the account falls short and does not possess what he believes to be the most accurate information. This book, although limited, is an excellent starting point for someone who would like to gain a general knowledge of the Rough Riders.