Women biographers

In her review of Patricia O’Toole’s When Trumpets Call: Theodore Roosevelt After the White House, Nicole E. Goldstein rejects O’Toole’s assertion that Roosevelt was powerless after leaving the White House. Goldstein asserts that the biography is marked by “amateur pop psychology,” wrong conclusions, and trite phrasing. A picture of the book’s front cover appears at the center of the first page of the review.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2005

Creator(s)

Goldstein, Nicole E. (Nicole Elan)

In her review of Doris Kearns Goodwin’s The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism, Alice L. George notes that the book provides biographies of both presidents, as well as pointing out their differences and similarities. In keeping with the structure of Goodwin’s work, George emphasizes the 1912 campaign and the schism between Roosevelt and Taft. Goodwin also chronicles each man’s relationship with the press, a process mastered by Roosevelt and neglected by Taft. George acknowledges Goodwin’s “writing prowess,” but asserts that the book is too long and should have been shortened by at least 100 pages. 

The front and back covers of The Bully Pulpit illustrate the essay. 

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2014

Stacy A. Cordery, a biographer of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, reacts to David H. Burton’s recollection of his February 1970 visit with Longworth. Cordery notes that Burton’s story confirms some of her impressions of Longworth: that she tried to steer interviews to topics she favored, and that she despised Warren G. Harding. Cordery also asserts that Burton’s piece rightly points out Longworth’s kindness and generosity which are often ignored in favor of emphasizing her biting wit and disdain for those she did not like or respect. A photograph of Cordery appears at the center of her essay.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

2010

Creator(s)

Cordery, Stacy A.