Morris completes his fully detailed, correlatively dynamic triptych of the restless,
energetic, on-the-move first President Roosevelt, following The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (1979), the title
self-explanatory in terms of its coverage of TR’s life, and Theodore Rex (2001), about his presidency. Now
the author presents Colonel Roosevelt, the title by which Roosevelt chose to be called during his
post-presidential years (in reference, of course, to his military position during the Spanish-American War).
This is the sad part of TR’s life; this is the stage of his life story in which it is most difficult to
accept his self-absorption, self-importance, and self-righteousness, but it is the talent of the author, who
has shown an immaculate understanding of his subject, to make Roosevelt of continued fascination to his
readers. In essence, this volume tells the story of TR’s path of disenchantment with his chosen successor in
the White House, William Taft, and his attempt to re-secure the presidency for himself. The important theme of
TR’s concomitant decline in health is also a part of the narrative. We are made aware most of all that of all
retired presidents, TR was the least likely to fade into the background.
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