I read this in two and a half days (hey, I was on vacation). I had no particular interest in TR going in, but once I got into this book, I kept missing bits of conversations because I was sneaking in a few more paragraphs about the Roosevelts' nineteenth-century rich-people escapades. McCullough packs in a lot of historical background here, and he got me to think twice about things like philanthropy in a time apparently without liberal guilt (with our vast wealth we'll give generously to many charities, and also let's get new livery for the servants and build a stupendously huge new house!), Republicanism among a generation that had known Lincoln, and, of course, the kind of fascination with nature that consists in shooting things all day long. Also, asthma, which McCullough researched at impressive length for this book.

The book lasts a little longer than I thought it needed to but still ends rather abruptly; and since I've never looked into the Roosevelts before I now have an extremely lopsided familiarity with TR's biography; but it's an excellent study of all those things in the subtitle.

Well-written partial biography of Theodore Roosevelt, focusing on his youth and family life. The first half highlights the salient events of his childhood, the manner in which he dealt with asthma, and his close relationship with his father (also named Theodore). The second half covers his education, first marriage, adventures in the west, and initial forays into politics.

The Roosevelt’s were wealthy and had the ability to travel, introducing young “Teedie” to regions of the world that ignited his passion for nature. This narrative non-fiction closely examines each of his immediate family members. He was especially close to his sisters, Conie and Bamie. He emerged as a leader in the family even at an early age and his elder brother, Elliott, often deferred to him. Young Theodore desired to follow in his father’s footsteps, and his future actions were heavily influenced by his father’s values.

McCullough provides an in-depth analysis of the family dynamics, and the responsibilities they felt to use their wealth for philanthropy. This book provides insight into the forces that shaped TR into a prominent leader. This book stops short of covering his political career on the national stage. It intentionally concludes at the time he first ran for mayor of New York. McCullough has a knack for relating history in an interesting way. Highly recommended to history fans.

4.5

David McCullough's "Mornings on Horseback" is a captivating exploration of Theodore Roosevelt's formative years, offering readers a unique perspective on the forces that shaped one of America's most dynamic presidents. This masterfully crafted biography goes beyond a simple recounting of events, delving deep into the complex tapestry of family influences, personal challenges, and societal factors that molded the young Roosevelt. McCullough's meticulous research and engaging storytelling bring to life the vibrant world of the Roosevelt clan, painting a vivid picture of a vanished way of life in the late 19th century. The author's attention to detail shines as he describes the family's struggles, including Theodore's severe bouts with asthma and the tension between his Southern belle mother and her Northern family during the Civil War era. One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of Theodore Roosevelt Sr., whose character and principles profoundly influenced his son. The elder Roosevelt's integrity and resilience in the face of adversity provide valuable insight into the foundations of Theodore Jr.'s own indomitable spirit. While the narrative focuses primarily on Roosevelt's early life, McCullough skillfully weaves in elements that foreshadow his future greatness. The author's description of young Theodore's transformation during his time in the Badlands is particularly compelling, illustrating how this period strengthened him physically and mentally while deepening his connection to nature. However, the book's narrow focus on Roosevelt's youth may leave some readers wanting more information about his later political career. Those seeking a comprehensive account of his presidency might find Edmund Morris's "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" more satisfying. Despite this limitation, "Mornings on Horseback" remains an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of Theodore Roosevelt's character. McCullough's ability to bring historical figures to life and his talent for scene-setting make this biography both informative and thoroughly entertaining. In conclusion, "Mornings on Horseback" is a testament to McCullough's skill as a historian and storyteller. It offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the early life of a remarkable individual and the extraordinary family that shaped him, making it a valuable addition to the canon of presidential biographies.

My 4th book on Teddy Roosevelt. I just can't quit this guy! This book was okay but probably could have been called "White Privilege: The Book" instead. It does give the reader a good idea about Teddy's upbringing and his family. He definitely had some tragedies in his life: His first wife and his mother died within hours of each other. He also struggled with asthma as a child. But most of his early life was that of a filthy rich little kid getting to go on outrageous adventures. It's no wonder he turned out the way he did after traveling literally around the world as a young boy. Very little political here, but I don't think that's what McCullough was going for. Much like his work on "Truman", McCullough left me a bit cold.

I read this book aloud to my husband in 2 lengthy road trips (one to North Dakota where Teddy Roosevelt retreated during a most difficult time of life) and we loved pausing to visit about it all. This is a story about a family. Such a fascinating group, with purpose, tragedy, change, and courage. I think Bamie was my favorite “character.” As we read, we became a little bogged down by all of the endless wealth and privilege and class division in chapter after chapter...until the elder Roosevelt unexpectedly passed away. Then the humanness seemed to really shine through, the relationships we’re more appreciated, and all that the father had meant to so many came gushing out. It was interesting to see how very similar political happenings still occur today. I always appreciate those who are strong in character, honest in heart, and a lover of mankind. I loved the speech Teddy gave in North Dakota. Beautiful. People are magnificent and I love learning more about what makes them who they are.

This was absolutely fascinating and full of information that I immediately wanted to discuss with others (which they did not always appreciate!).

I recently finished River of Doubt, the saga of Roosevelt and company exploring a tributary of the Amazon. He did this after his presidency and after his unsuccessful attempt to regain that presidency in 1912.

I had to read more. What was Roosevelt like as a child? What formed him? What was his family like?

I got my questions answered. This book more than fit the bill.

I did listen to most on an abridged audio read by Edward Hermann. His voice is mellifluous. I am lucky his voice did not put me to sleep as I drove and listened.

5 stars (that David McCullough sure knows how to write!!)

When compared to The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris, this book comes up short.

It is the weakest David McCullough book I have read. Of course, the weakest David MuCullough book is still better than most!

A Teddy Roosevelt prequel story. It gets less boring after the first 40% of the book.

Interesting read but not what I was hoping for. There were a lot of details devoted to his childhood years and family, which is great background information. But you read a book about Teddy to learn about Teddy. Probably the first 20-25% was about his grandparents & parents. I would have preferred it more to focus on a lot of what he did for America. The book pretty much skipped over his cleaning out of NY as police commissioner and all of the corruption he weeded out as well as good he did there. At the end McCullough spouted off a lot of facts as a finale (about the National parks he created and animal sanctuaries, his presidencies), and it would have been nice to have details into that AND especially his presidencies. Really didn’t touch that part of his life. If you are looking for a better biography I would recommend “the Rise of Theodore Roosevelt” by Edmund Morris.

For some reason I didn't read this Roosevelt biography by McCullough, one of my favorite presidents written by one of my favorite authors, when it first arrived on the scene. I had read other biographies on TR and thought I would skip this one. After a solid recommendation posted on Goodreads by my sister, I decided to take it up and give it a listen. I gained many insights about TR's early family life that I had not known (or remembered). It is indicative of the times (and interesting to me) that he was elected to the New York state legislature at age 23, as a recent Harvard graduate and a man of absolutely no experience. Yet, after a sheltered, privileged and perhaps idyllic childhood, TR had the strength of character to get past the loss of his first wife and start over. Obviously, he had the benefit of wealth that allowed him to make that restart, but it was shear determination that made him a successful entrepreneur, rancher and cowboy, while other wealthy Easterners lost their shirt in the wild west. I very much enjoyed listening to Mornings on Horseback.

http://bestpresidentialbios.com/2015/...

“Mornings on Horseback” is David McCullough’s 1981 biography covering Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood and was the 1982 Pulitzer finalist in the biography category. McCullough is a well-regarded author and historian best known for his biographies of John Adams and Harry Truman. His latest book “The Wright Brothers” will be published this May.

Covering the first twenty-eight years of Roosevelt’s life, McCullough’s narrative provides a fascinating perspective on Theodore’s childhood and early adulthood. But it also reveals far more than that – it offers a unique and engaging look at the life of a privileged New York family during the late nineteenth century.

As a consequence of McCullough’s focus, the reader misses the majority of Theodore’s political career (and the accompanying theatrics) including his time as Civil Service Commissioner, NYC Police Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy…and his presidency. But the lives of his parents and siblings (and his relationships with each) are captured brilliantly and provide valuable historical insight.

“Mornings on Horseback” is also well researched and often extremely detailed. And while not quite McCullough at his very best (his two Pulitzer prizes came about a decade later) it proves a wonderfully-told and endlessly entertaining story. One of the most familiar and celebrated features of his more recent narratives is on full display – his masterful ability to describe a scene in a way that dazzles and captivates the reader.

Particularly interesting chapters include those on his father’s nomination by President Hayes to be Collector of the Port of New York and TR’s adventures in the Dakota Badlands following the unexpected death of his first wife. And while the topic did not quite fill an entire chapter, you might not get as complete or rewarding a history of the earliest days of Harvard University if you were skip the book and take the campus tour.

But McCullough’s approach possesses several shortcomings. Most importantly for the ardent Teddy Roosevelt fan, the book never fully penetrates his mind or his soul. Although his actions are well-described and his family life revealed in colorful detail, the reader never gets really gets to know the future president or understand how his childhood experiences shaped his later career.

And although McCullough consistently demonstrates his prowess at scene-setting, he often fails to inform the reader why a particular setting is important to the story. Because so many of the book’s transitions from one scene to another are anything but seamless, the reader is often left to digest two or three pages before understanding the significance of a new topic to the storyline.

Also, McCullough’s attention and focus proves surprisingly uneven. Important topics sometimes secure an entire chapter (a detailed discussion of asthma, for example) while in other instances they hardly earn more than a page or two. Roosevelt’s campaign for mayor of New York City and the circumstances surrounding his second marriage, combined, were worth just over four pages.

The two most frequent complaints about McCullough’s book, however, are that it ends too soon…and ends too abruptly. The first grievance, of course, is really a compliment. But the second complaint has far deeper roots. Other than a helpful “Afterward” which in brief form follows Roosevelt and his siblings to the end of their lives, the book ends suddenly and without warning.

Overall, David McCullough’s “Mornings on Horseback” is entertaining and offers a unique perspective on Roosevelt’s early life. But it proves far more descriptive than interpretive. Readers seeking to understand TR thoroughly will come away disappointed, and Edmund Morris’s “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt” may prove more rewarding. But for those hoping to view the young Theodore Roosevelt through the lens of his family’s daily life, there can be no better choice.

Overall rating: 3¾ stars