Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way o...

I have to admit that this book was not what I expected when I ordered it. What I experienced was the story of a loving family with all their quirks, virtues, and flaws. The book is well written and historically correct, however at no time is it dry or humdrum. The real lives of the Roosevelt family is filled with so many memorable characters, scenes, twists, and turns that the reader cannot wait to turn the page and plunge headlong into the next family experience. It is only at the end of the book when the afterward is read that one is brought back to reality and is reminded that this story is true and of the profound effect the family had on our nation is made evident.I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good, sweeping family drama filled with interesting characters, multiple generations, and unique places during the late 1800's. Readers who love history will revell in this book, but don't let the word "history" scare you off. Truth is as good a read as fiction in this case!

On the cover of David McCullough’s MORNINGS ON HORSEBACK, a young Teddy Roosevelt stares past the reader, rugged and confident. But don’t be fooled: the former president isn’t this book’s true focus. If it were, it would just be another Roosevelt biography. But it’s much more. It’s the story of a family. It’s a look into an age that swelled with exuberance and possibility.To understand the 20th Century’s first president, one needs to understand his fascinating roots. McCullough ushers us into the Roosevelt’s Manhattan enclave, where we’re introduced to Teddy’s parents: Mittie (the consummate Southern lady) and Theodore (the dapper New York scion). They inhabit a life ripped straight from an Edith Wharton novel. These opening chapters bring into focus the complex, charming nest that hatched such a peculiar, dynamic President. Undoubtedly Teddy is iconic - the man has his face carved into a mountain for Pete’s sake - which can make us forget that he was more than just a President: he was a brother, a son, and a nephew. The book’s opening hundred pages explore this simple truth.When Teddy leaves Manhattan for Harvard and, later, a budding political career, the book loses momentum. The slowness hits a particularly dense shoal when McCullough details the 1884 Republican primary. Anyone who’s read enough 19th century history knows that era’s political conventions are fatally boring - page after page of bargaining, politicking, and negotiation. McCullough tries his very best, but is unable to add much color to the convention’s blandness.Some redemption is delivered in the chapters devoted to Teddy’s Dakota years. The man rode horses across the steppe, speculated on cattle, dealt with scofflaws, and nearly found himself drawn into a duel with a local kingpin (and sharpshooter, mind you). It’s exciting stuff.Despite the flaws, it’s a good book. McCullough brings a fascinating era to life and makes the reader a part-time resident for 360 wonderful pages. You’ll come away from the experience with a fuller understanding of an historical figure. And, ultimately, isn’t that the goal of every biography?

Some people have the gift of making history and the people that they are writing about really come to life. David McCullough is one of them. TR came from a family that was so incredibly caring and nourishing. When you read this book you will feel happy for him that he came from such and environment and sad for ourselves that the type of people whose values and kindness do not seem to exist anymore. Of course he came from wealth, but that is not necessarily the reason that his family environment was so rich. It was because the parents possessed true love for each of their children. The father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr was a fine example of manly love. His morality was of the commandment that when much has been given, much must be required. He gave back to his community, cared more about philanthropy than about business which he found tedious and was equally giving of himself to his children. I think he is an excellent example of a person creating an environment of greatness that produced incredible fruit for his family and community.

David McCullough is an Historian's Historian in every sense of the word, but has the unique gift of being able to tell a story that allows the reader to picture easily in his mind's eye the person or great engineering event (The Great Bridge, The Path Between the Seas, his books on the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal) he writes about. To most people Theodore Roosevelt was a confident and robust man of action, but Mr. McCullough takes us behind this public image to show the struggles Roosevelt had to overcome physically and out of the shadows of an accomplished father to become the public Roosevelt, we know and admire. It is also the story of father who passed onto his son the sense and obligation of public service despite the blessings of a wealthy and privileged upbringing. The story ends before Roosevelt becomes President, but from the beginning of the book up to the end is a joy and inspiration that a single purpose of mind can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles in one's life.I recommend not only this book but all the books Mr. McCullough has written for a unique view of the stories he writes about. You go away with an understanding and appreciation for what you have read.

One of the most remarkable, entertaining books I have ever read. It would not be possible for me to recommend this book any higher! It’s a treasure.

The book seemed well researched but was not enjoyable for me. It covers his childhood through his loss in a mayoral election. There is nothing about the latter part of his career or presidency. If you really like history and LOTS of detail (an entire chapter on childhood asthma), you might enjoy it. I waded through it for a book club.