Book Review: Teddy Roosevelt made U.S. a superpower
In the picturesque Badlands of Medora, North Dakota, the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a testament to the enduring legacy of the 26th president of the United States. This ambitious project aims to encapsulate the spirit and essence of Theodore Roosevelt, a man whose life and achievements continue to resonate in contemporary America. This summer, as the library takes shape, it coincides with the release of Bret Baier’s compelling new book, “To Rescue the American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt and the Birth of a Superpower.” Baier’s work serves as a vivid exploration of Roosevelt’s transformative journey from a frail child to a symbol of American grit and exceptionalism, offering readers a fresh perspective on a historical figure whose impact remains profound.
Baier’s book is an engaging narrative that intertwines meticulous research with vibrant storytelling, making it a captivating read. It chronicles Roosevelt’s evolution through a series of personal tragedies that propelled him toward a life of purpose in the untamed American West. The author deftly illustrates Roosevelt’s multifaceted career, from his early days in the New York legislature, where he fought against political corruption, to his tenure as governor, where his reformist zeal earned him both admirers and adversaries. The narrative crescendos with Roosevelt’s ascension to the presidency following the assassination of William McKinley, showcasing how his diverse experiences shaped his unique leadership style in the Oval Office. Baier’s writing breathes life into Roosevelt’s relentless pursuit of conservation, his passion for nature, and his fervent patriotism, making the book not just a biography but a tribute to a man who helped redefine America’s identity on the world stage.
Through Baier’s lens, readers rediscover Roosevelt’s indomitable spirit, which is reflected in his love for the land and the natural world. The author captures Roosevelt’s buoyancy and zest for life, painting a portrait of a leader whose enthusiasm for adventure and commitment to public service continue to inspire. “To Rescue the American Spirit” is more than just a recounting of historical events; it is an invitation to understand the complexities of a man who, despite personal and political challenges, emerged as a transformative figure in American history. As the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library prepares to open its doors, Baier’s book serves as an essential companion, offering insights into the life of a president who not only shaped a nation but also embodied the very spirit of America itself.
MEDORA, North Dakota — Standing here this summer in the Badlands overlooking where the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is under construction, any person curious about the 26th president can be assured that this place will indeed capture the spirit and essence of the man.
I was left with the same sense after reading the new Bret Baier book, “To Rescue the American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt and the Birth of a Superpower.” It’s a nonstop page-turner written with great research and vivid detail. Roosevelt comes bursting out of the book on every page.
Baier brings forth nuggets of Roosevelt’s life lost to history that shaped and formed a once-sickly child into a symbol of grit and American exceptionalism whose mark on our country is still evident today.
The book is nothing short of enthralling, delivered in a way that makes it difficult to set aside. Baier details Roosevelt’s life, from his triumph over a series of tragic events that rocked his world and left him looking for purpose in the wide and wild wonders of the American West to the man he became in battle, in conservation and in politics — all different aspects of his life that still affect our country today.
Baier details Roosevelt’s turn in the New York legislature as a champion of ridding the state’s politics of corruption. He follows his nightly city walks as the New York City commissioner and reveals his stubborn efforts to bring reform to government as New York governor — efforts that earned him powerful enemies. It becomes clear why he has endured in our national psyche.
As his road to the White House comes through tragedy — as vice president, the man he served under, William McKinley, was assassinated in Buffalo, New York — we see Roosevelt take all of his experiences to the Oval Office to lead in a way no other president had.
Roosevelt’s spirit prevails not just page after page but word after word as the reader rediscovers his passion for our land as a conservationist and hunter who was mesmerized by the study of insects and animals all of his life.
Roosevelt’s buoyancy, lust for life, and patriotism combine to make for a rigorous read thanks to Baier’s writing and penchant for detail.
Salena Zito is a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner.
