The Bully Pulpit

Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism

By: Doris Kearns Goodwin

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 36 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the 2015 Audie Award for History/Biography and Finalist for Audiobook of the Year

Audie Award, History/Biography, 2015

After Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, Doris Kearns Goodwin wields her magic on another larger-than-life president, and another momentous and raucous American time period as she brings Theodore Roosevelt, the muckraking journalists, and the Progressive Era to life.

As she focused on the relationships between Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in No Ordinary Time, and on Lincoln and his team in Team of Rivals, Goodwin describes the broken friendship between Teddy Roosevelt and his chosen successor, William Howard Taft. With the help of the "muckraking" press - including legendary journalists Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens, William Allen White, and editor Sam McClure - Roosevelt had wielded the Bully Pulpit to challenge and triumph over abusive monopolies, political bosses, and corrupting money brokers. Roosevelt led a revolution that he bequeathed to Taft only to see it compromised as Taft surrendered to money men and big business. The rupture between the two led Roosevelt to run against Taft for president, an ultimately futile race that resulted in the election of Democrat Woodrow Wilson and the diminishment of Theodore Roosevelt's progressive wing of the Republican Party.

Like Goodwin's chronicles of the Civil War and the Great Depression, The Bully Pulpit describes a time in our history that enlightened and changed the country, ushered in the modern age, and produced some unforgettable men and women.

©2013 Doris Kearns Goodwin (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

“Few audio productions this year are likely to match, or deserve as much praise as, this history of the Progressive Era and the presidential friendship that shaped, and was destroyed by, its politics... Edward Herrmann is simply her most simpatico reader...his steady, unflagging delivery is perfectly attuned to her narrative voice and, without mimicry, to the broad array of voices, personalities, and events that highlight this rich personal and social drama.” (AudioFile Magazine)

“Swiftly moving account of a friendship that turned sour, broke a political party in two and involved an insistent, omnipresent press corps. . . . It’s no small achievement to have something new to say on Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency, but Goodwin succeeds admirably. A notable, psychologically charged study in leadership.”(Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Great Insights

You wouldn't have thought you could make a book 40% about William Howard Taft a great listen, but Doris Kearns Goodwin does a great job and the narration was perfect.

Super history

Engrossing
America at a cross roads and many people of consequence and importance. All told in very engaging form.

Story of McClure magazine w/TR and Taft as costars

Great read, but misleading title. Much of story is the birth of *Muck raking" reporting.

what a wonderful and insightful book.

I almost didn't pick up this book. I am glad I did though, it spoke so we'll about a period of American history that truly was a monumental moment of change. I think anyone who loves American history and the time to listen should.

Excellent (from a non-political person)

I really enjoyed this and have rarely found interest in in politics, and only some interest in history. The author does a wonderful job of stringing together not just historical events but shows the very real humanity of everyone who is written about. By the end of the book, I feel a warmth towards the Tafts, the Rosevelts, the journalist and many who were part of their lives.

Because of this, it was easy to keep engaged as the story most always is moving at a delightful pace. I know I learned so much about politics, early reform, and the significance of these people because of this book. It's definitely sparked political interest for me.

The book ending is like losing a friend.

The Pregressive Era

The details of this era are fascinating, especially to compare & contrast with current times. Theodore Roosevelt will always hold a special place in my heart for his relentless pursuit of what he believed to be right (though I don’t always agree with his beliefs). The Muckrakers were a special group of journalist, the likes of which I would like to see a modern revival. My thanks to the author for spotlighting this time in our history, and the narrator is wonderful to listen to.

Another winner from Doris Kearns

Excellent writing, amazing research. Many facts I was not aware of. Two great Americans in a very interting junction of American history.

Excellent

This is a vivid and well-rounded account of a pivotal period in recent (ish) American history. I worried at times that the muckrakers were running away with the story but Doris Kearns Goodwin hauled them back into proper alignment. I suppose Taft was the real revelation. A very good read/listen.

Bully

Very interesting I enjoyed immensely the life of both men. Didn’t know much about either one but I learned a lot about them

Well done!

Rarely have I enjoy a book about history so much. The author brought President Roosevelt and Taft to life, with details interesting and informative.