TR: The Last Romantic

No American character has greater captured the spirit of their time and generation and been a more popular figure than Theodore Roosevelt. In H.W. Brands' book, TR: The Last Romantic , this dynamic character is presented in a total encompassing fashion. Brand attempts to analyze TR not only as a historical figure but also as a human being.

Brands takes a Freudian approach to analyzing TR. He first starts with the way his childhood molded him and how he was but a reflection of what his parents made him. Mr. Brand depicts TR's father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr. as a man that held honor in the highest of regards. This belief is passed on to TR, and according to Mr. Brands, is the foundation of why TR was an individual vigorously committed to an honorable, romantic life. All of TR's childhood is laid out and sets the stage for some amateur psychoanalysis on the behalf of Mr. Brands that he cares throughout the book.

This well researched and documented book, almost all research is taken from TR's own extensive writings or other from other first hand accounts, is an excellent read for both the TR buff or the generic American history enthusiast. A true TR fan may have some trouble accepting some of Brands' extensive psychoanalysis, as well as his continuous presentation of his belief that TR often was hypocritical in his commitment to truth and honor. In addition, the last chapters, dedicated to the final years of TR, may leave you feeling like this great man had become a warped, bitter, and frustrated individual. This is a very different presentation then some other previous TR biographies, but that was probably H.W. Brand's goal.