Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines the political thought of Theodore Roosevelt, specifically his ceaseless desire and effort to reconcile America''s individualistic tradition with the more collectivistic ideals of his Progressive brethren. Many scholars and lay-people alike cast Roosevelt as either ''conservative'' or ''liberal,'' but his political thought defies so simple an interpretation; it was more nuanced and had a larger purpose than mere ideology. A thorough study of Roosevelt''s writings reveals his conviction that the concepts of personal autonomy and civic concern were not mutually exclusive. In fact, Roosevelt argued that it was because the principles of self-reliance and personal freedom were important that it was sometimes necessary for the entire community to use its collective power_and, in some cases, the institutions of the government_to enable individuals to do what they could not do alone. Moreover, while Roosevelt advocated and was responsible for a great expansion in the regulat
Trade ReviewTheodore Roosevelt’s dynamic mind opens a window into the soul of American Progressivism, and, likewise, Paul Rego’s constructive book opens a window into Roosevelt’s own mind. Like other Americans, Roosevelt struggled to reconcile the nation’s robust individualism with national purpose and unity. In this thoughtful and insightful book, Rego shows that, perhaps more than any other American, Roosevelt thought through the specific policies necessary for adapting government action to the purposes of national progress and individual character. -- David Robertson, professor of political science, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Rego offers 'an intellectual biography' of Theodore Roosevelt....A useful book....Recommended. General readers through researchers and faculty. * CHOICE, October 2008 *
[Henry] Pringle's well-written but venomous Theodore Roosevelt-published a decade after TR's death-set the tone for much of Roosevelt scholarship for a generation. Paul M. Rego does not make Pringle's mistake. He recognizes Roosevelt's complexity, and respects the power and breadth of his intellect. In short, he takes Theodore Roosevelt seriously, as both an accomplished statesman and as a serious political thinker. . . . He deftly demonstrates the power of Roosevelt's reconciliation of individualism with collective action, and traces the consistency of TR's thought from his early writings on history and nature to his mature statements during and after his presidency. . . . Anyone interested in TR, the presidency, American political thought, or American institutions will profit from this book. * Political Science Quarterly, Fall 2009 *
Americans have long admired Theodore Roosevelt as a man of action. In this new intellectual biography, Paul M. Rego shows the power of TR’s thought. Rego convincingly demonstrates that TR developed the most impressive political diagnosis and constitutional theory written by any American statesman since “Publius” penned The Federalist. Well written, informative, and highly recommended. -- Jeffrey K. Tulis, associate professor, University of Texas at Austin
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Table of Contents Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 1 Individualism and Its Discontents Chapter 4 2 Years of Preparation Chapter 5 3 The "Dude" Emerges Chapter 6 4 Hero Tales Chapter 7 5 The Square Deal Chapter 8 6 The Preacher President Chapter 9 7 The New Nationalism Chapter 10 8 TR, the New Freedom, and the World War Chapter 11 Conclusion Chapter 12 Bibliography
