A classic bio of Theodore Roosevelt. Although a little dated, it still holds up among the best of the many Roosevelt bios. In contrast to the Pringle biography of Roosevelt which examines Roosevelt mostly in psychological terms, Harbaugh takes Roosevelt as a serious thinker and a skilled politician. ( )

A good workman-like biography of the Rough Rider President. It is really only the story of his adult years since only a handful of pages are devoted to his life before his service in the New York legislature starting in 1882. The author tries to be balanced in his assessment of TRs accomplishments and personality. He is, however, quite enamored with the Progressive movement and cannot conceal his dislike and disdain for business. ( )