Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to W. P. Pycraft
Subject(s): Antelopes, Antlers, Books and reading, Deer, Naturalists, Science writers, Thayer, Abbott Handerson, 1849-1921
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Theodore Roosevelt appreciated W. P. Pycraft’s letter and is embarrassed he did not acknowledge receipt of Pycraft’s book. Since returning from a trip to London, Roosevelt has read Pycraft’s book multiple times and was very impressed. Roosevelt questions why, in his previous letter, Pycraft was concerned Roosevelt would have objections to his book. Roosevelt is frustrated by “pretentious shame,” because he believes that anyone, not just trained scientists, can make important discoveries if they are curious and observant. And there are many scientists who would benefit from listening to these discoveries, including Alfred Russel Wallace. Roosevelt considers Wallace a great scientist, but found the argument of his most recent book completely ridiculous. Roosevelt explains the flaws in Wallace’s arguments about antelopes and rabbits. Roosevelt wants to impress upon all naturalists that observation is more valuable than collection. Roosevelt considers Pycraft’s book to be an excellent example of the importance of observation. Roosevelt invites Pycraft to visit his home.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1911-09-29
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Pycraft, W. P. (William Plane), 1868-1942
Language
English
Period
(1911-1912) Progressive Party Candidate
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
6
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to W. P. Pycraft. [September 29, 1911]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o219991. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to W. P. Pycraft. [29 Sep. 1911]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. January 9, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o219991.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919., [1911, September 29]. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to W. P. Pycraft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o219991.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. January 9, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
