Lion in the White House

A Life of Theodore Roosevelt

By: Aida D. Donald

Narrated by: Pam Ward

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

New York state assemblyman, assistant secretary of the Navy, New York City police commissioner, governor of New York, vice president, and, at 42, the youngest president ever: in his own words, Theodore Roosevelt "rose like a rocket". He was also a cowboy, a soldier, an historian, an intrepid explorer, and an unsurpassed environmentalist - all in all, perhaps the most accomplished chief executive in our nation's history.

Roosevelt built the Panama Canal and engaged the country in world affairs, putting a temporary end to American isolationism. And he won the Nobel Peace Prize, the only sitting president so honored. In Lion in the White House, historian Aida D. Donald masterfully chronicles the life of this first modern president.

©2007 Aida D. Donald (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Donald's swift prose makes this a satisfying read." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Aida D. Donald's elegant and affectionate portrait of Theodore Roosevelt is less a biography than a masterful essay on idealism and power....[A] beautifully written and deeply intelligent book." (Alan Brinkley, Professor of History, Columbia University)

Excellent subject

7 Roosevelt was dealing with a transition From a government for the few to a government for the many. This is only accomplished after 2 world wars and it fades on us as we speak.

A well written glimpse of the life of Teddy

The book provides a good overview of the improbable rise to the Presidency by a a boy who had to pull himself out of poor health through will and determination with the help of a loving family.

The author and I support Teddy Roosevelt.

Biased account, however insightful, entertaining. nothing wrong with hearing positive stories of a former president. the information is stories are still valid within the context of understanding there's a bias. I thought it worthwhile.

Expect some political bias

Author is obviously not a fan of the Republican Party. I prefer a more objective approach to historical topics.

Concise version of Teddy's life

This was mentioned in the Washington Post book review and I listened to it on a long car trip. I have read several Teddy books including the one on his childhood, Mornings on Horseback, so some of this I had heard before. The author did a good job of reviewing his life without getting stuck in the minute details. I thought the discussion of the political situation at the time of his prime and the cast of characters around him was the most interesting part. It is so hard to realize that he left the presidency just several years before World War I. I always thought the the fact that his youngest son died in the War contributed to his relatively early death. I toured his rebuilt house in NYC where they have lots of artifacts. There is a picture of Teddy and his brother as children leaning out a window and watching Lincoln's funeral procession going by. This book covers Teddy's place in history extremely well, and is not overly scholarly, which I appreciate.

Captivating & Informative!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in Teddy Roosevelt! This memoir was highly captivating and informative; Pam Ward does a great job narrating to the point where this book was finished so quickly!

short and packing depth

the book is well written. however, it does not go deeply enough into complex topics for the reader to thoroughly understand. great book of you want to write a freshman college paper about Roosevelt. lacking if you want to thoroughly grasp the man and the times. Glosses over many seminal moments.

Good history lesson!

Enjoyed learning more about the man.
Story drug on a bit on some topics and made little of more important.

A good abbreviated biography of a great man

Very good for a first timer reading about Roosevelt. It covers his major points in life, his laudable standings, and the low marks of his views. A fascinating man and a well read performance.

A Great man

I have read many books about the life of president Roosevelt each of those shed new light on the man

This book is a great fIrst read on his life that makes you want to know more. Like all great men they are complicated. I more than liked it and would
Encourage anyone who is not a TR fan to read it. I am sure they would come away with a different feeling.