Theodore Rex

By: Edmund Morris

Narrated by: Harry Chase

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

The most eagerly awaited presidential biography in years, Theodore Rex is a sequel to Edmund Morris’s classic bestseller The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. It begins by following the new President (still the youngest in American history) as he comes down from Mount Marcy, New York, to take his emergency oath of office in Buffalo, one hundred years ago.

Theodore Rex, full of cinematic detail, moves with the exhilarating pace of a novel, yet it rides on a granite base of scholarship. TR’s own voice is constantly heard, as the President was a gifted letter writer and raconteur. Also heard are the many witticisms, sometimes mocking, yet always affectionate, of such Roosevelt intimates as Henry Adams, John Hay, and Elihu Root. (“Theodore is never sober,” said Adams, “only he is drunk with himself and not with rum.”)

Interspersed with many stories of Rooseveltian triumphs are some bitter episodes-notably a devastating lynching-that remind us of America’s deep prejudices and fears. Theodore Rex does not attempt to justify TR’s notorious action following the Brownsville Incident of 1906-his worst mistake as President-but neither does this resolutely honest biography indulge in the easy wisdom of hindsight. It is written throughout in real time, reflecting the world as TR saw it. By the final chapter, as the great “Teddy” prepares to quit the White House in 1909, it will be a hard-hearted reader who does not share the sentiment of Henry Adams: “The old house will seem dull and sad when my Theodore has gone.”

©2001 Edmund Morris (P)2001 Random House Audio, a Division of Random House Inc.

Teddy

Loved hearing this, I am student of history, and enjoy learning of country's rich history!

Excellent narration, definitely abridged

Went with the abridged version since the narration for the unabridged was so poorly rated across the board. Harry Chase did a remarkable job here, incredibly captivating! It definitely felt abridged as it moved along at a pretty quick pace.

Read the Prequel First

Loren wanted more before the presidency. I suggest "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt", by the same author, which covers Teddy's life from birth to the beginning of his presidency. It is excellent.

Well worth the listening.

Theodore Rex satisfied most of my criteria for a solidly good read/listen. It was entertaining. It put into context and perspective historical facts I had floating around after all those history classes. It peaked my interest in a new period of American and world history and gave me a focus for further reading.

I agree with previous reviewers who felt that some topics were covered thinly but also agree that nearly 8 years of a presidency is quite a lot to cover in a single volume. Discussions of the Panama Canal were thin indeed.

I recommend Theodore Rex to all who enjoy history, politics and biography. It definitely improved my drive time.

Now I Know Why Teddy Is On Mt. Rushmore

I read the abridged version of the second volume in Edmund Morris' trilogy biography of Teddy Roosevelt, which hit the high points of his two terms in office. This is an interesting read for anyone catching up on turn of the century history especially because several of Roosevelt's policies are still relevant today.

Embarrasingly a little over my head.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes, the historical education was worth it.

Would you recommend Theodore Rex to your friends? Why or why not?

Not as much as I would recommend the Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, which had a better narrator and was more interesting since it had many segways away from politics and the technicalities of foreign policy.

What three words best describe Harry Chase’s voice?

Not as good as Mark Deakins

Was Theodore Rex worth the listening time?

Yes

Any additional comments?

To much politics, foreign policy, and social commentary for my simple taste. the Rise of Theodore Roosevelt read like an adventure novel by contrast.

Spend a compelling afternoon with "Theodore Rex"

Where does Theodore Rex rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best that I have listened to. The narrative was easy to follow and the narrator provided an excellent read.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The most compelling aspect of the narrative was the details provided that were not known to me about TR's life and how he made critical decisions during this time period.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really don't have a favorite. I found the narrative as a hold to be exceptional.

5 Stars, but very abridged

Gave this book 5 Stars because it does everything it promises. It's very abridged, has a great narrator, and is still excellently written.

I Originally wanted to listen to the unabridged version, but that narrator was probably the worst narrator I've ever heard so I wasn't able to get through that. If you're like me, understand that this version is only 8 hours, and definitely goes over things quickly. If you're looking for an in-depth book like the unabridged version of "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" you will be slightly disappointed. I listened to all of "Theodore Rex" and enjoyed it, but after it ended felt a little empty inside.

Great book

Definitely worth a listen. I learned a lot about Teddy Roosevelt, that I didnt know.

a MUST BUY audiobook!

Edmond Morris is an artist and a sage with his colorful and lifelike writing style. Harry Chase is a masterful and engaging narrator. This winning combination will bring you back to these audiobooks again and again. I can not get enough!