One of my biggest issues with Theodore Rex was that there was very little of Roosevelt’s personality in the book. Admittingly, after being immersed in the books, I found it almost painful reading about Roosevelt’s fall from heights so painfully achieved. Like many others before him, and many after, this great man’s paramount enemies were time and himself, and I wish more was devoted to this subject. The first volume was written with an eye on an aristocratic, yet energetic youth, the second is a restrained tale of a mature diplomat, this one, with builds up to its known, yet still tragic, end. Morris’ writing got better with each volume. Like the previous books, Colonel Roosevelt by Edmund Morris is well researched and well-written. This time Roosevelt goes back to the Southwest, and a rough trip to the Amazonian jungle in Brazil. This stunt costs the Republican party the victory, a vote split between Roosevelt and Taft gave Woodrow Wilson the victory. His good friend, and now President, William Howard Taft is not governing to his liking, and, once again, he feels as if he has to throw his hat in the political ring. Still a popular persona, Roosevelt returns to the United States but cannot stay out of politics. The book opens with an exciting description of Roosevelt’s African safari, one would think he’d take a bit of time off after his administration, but maybe going on such a trip is his R&R.

The biography starts after Roosevelt has left the White House, and follows him until his death.

This book is a wonderful conclusion to The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt and Theodore Rex. This trilogy is considered to be one of the best sources on the life of the 26 th President of the United States. Colonel Roosevelt by Edmund Morris is the third, and last book in a trilogy encompassing the biography of the 26 th President.