Theodore Roosevelt's Letters to His Children

by Theodore Roosevelt

Darling Ethel: Of course you remember the story of the little prairie girl. I always associate it with you. Well, again and again on this trip we would pass through prairie villages-bleak and lonely-with all the people in from miles about to see me. Among them were dozens of young girls, often pretty, and as far as I could see much more happy than the heroine of the story. One of them shook hands with me, and then, after much whispering, said: "We want to shake hands with the guard " The "guard" proved to be Roly, who was very swell in his uniform, and whom they evidently thought much more attractive than the President...-from "Prairie Girls"

Remembered today for his expansive personality and grand sense of adventure, Theodore Roosevelt--politician and soldier, naturalist and historian--was also a devoted, doting father and husband. This beautiful selection of the letters he wrote to his children over the courses of their lives, as well as a few written to other correspondents about the children, reveal a man deeply in love with his family and with the joys of fatherhood. The tales of Christmases at the White House and whistle-stop tours through the American countryside offer a cozy glimpse into one of the greatest American presidencies... and Roosevelt's tenderness with his sons and daughters--as he treats them as friends, confidantes, and equals--creates a warm and intimate portrait of one of the great American characters.

Also available from Cosimo Classics: Roosevelt's A Book-Lover's Holidays in the Open, America and the World War, Through the Brazilian Wilderness and Papers on Natural History, Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail, The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses, and Historic Towns: New York

OF INTEREST TO: Roosevelt fans, readers of autobiography, students of the American presidency

American icon THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919) was 26th President of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909, and the first American to win a Nobel Prize, in 1906, when he was awarded the Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War. He is the author of 35 books.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Presidents, Memoir, Historical, Childrens

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1919

About the author

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., also known as T.R., and to the public (but never to friends and family) as Teddy, was the twenty-sixth President of the United States, and a leader of the Republican Party and of the Progressive Movement.

He fathered Alice Roosevelt Longworth, a daughter.

He became the youngest President in United States history at the age of 42. He served in many roles including Governor of New York, historian, naturalist, explorer, author, and soldier (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001 for his role at the Battle of San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War).

Roosevelt is most famous for his personality: his energy, his vast range of interests and achievements, his model of masculinity, and his "cowboy" persona.

Reviews

[Christy Whitsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this charming book of letters for the 2023 Lit Life Challenge. I stumbled upon it on Hoopla while trying to find CS Lewis’ book of letters to children. I am reading a biography of Roosevelt, and reading his letters in concert with the bio made me develop a much greater affection for him. He tells of his exploits as he hunts, updates various children on the pets and smaller children’s White House adventures, and discusses literature. He also gives advice about enjoying sports at school but not letting them become such a focus that the rest of life suffers, including the mental life.

[Cathy Creighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot describe how oddly joyful this book is. Here we find a president living in the white house with his family. When he is away from his kids he writes them letters about Guinea pigs cats kittens dogs as if they are people in a story. He talks to his children as if they are his playmates. He plays hide and go seek,rough houses, hikes, swims, rows, plays tennis, reads with and rides horses with the kids. He encourages them to be their best and constantly tells them that he respects and supports them. What a guy and what a dad! (And quite a bit of interesting history is revealed which reflects well on TRs open mindedness).

[Jon Mellberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin?! Firstly; I loved this book right from the get-go. It oozes that Roosevelt spirit; the thrill seeker, the adventurer, the hunter, the romper, the reader, the horseman, and more. But it also revealed things far more valuable and more educational: his absolute love and devotion to his wife and to their many children. The man who walked softly and carried a big stick also frequently engaged in pillow fights, races, sports, and more with his children. He gave them life instruction, relayed interesting and amusing stories, and shared his ups and his downs with them. He was never shy about his love and affection for his family. His heart ached while away from them, and he reveled in the advancement and enjoyment of their lives, individually and as a whole family unit.

The book features several dozen short letters. Most are only a few paragraphs long (with a small amount spanning a few pages). Some feature TR’s own doodles and cartoons. Teddy has a unique and lively vocabulary. My particular copy was gifted to me by my sister Andrea and her husband Brandon; it’s an antique, published in 1919 and is a 2nd hand copy. All of which makes it more valuable.

The best part is what is never actually mentioned but is supremely evident throughout this book: Teddy Roosevelt was and continues to be a giant of American history. His contributions to this country are vast and ever looming. But if you had never known TR before reading this book, you’d take him for an ordinary man who loved nature, loved his friends, but above all, loved his family to pieces. The lesson, to me at least, is that a person (in this case, a man, husband and father) can leave a huge mark on the world (assumedly, a good mark!) AND be a faithful and devoted family man. If Teddy could do it, the rest of us have no excuses…

I’d recommend this to anyone, but in particular new fathers!

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slighty interesting due to the subject. Not very insightful though. It would have been more interesting if each letter had some historical or personal context included..This is just a collection of his letters.

[Linnea Kroeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the relationship between Theodore and his children. He wasn't just a father to them, he was their friend, and that becomes apparent in this collection of letters.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 35 of 2023: Letters to His Children by Theodore Roosevelt (1919, ed. by Joseph Bucklin Bishop, kindle version, various pagination).

It has become fashionable to hold up TR as an example of toxic masculinity. While many who promote toxic masculinity (such as the Christiam men's movement and white Christian nationals) have adopted TR as a masuline ideal, I would vehemently disagree that TR is a toxic male. This collection of letters certainly dispels that idea.

This collection of letters to TRs six children and selected family friends from 1898-1911 show great love and care to and for his children. They include descriptions of everyday life, advice, and sometimes discipline. There is a constant praise and affection for his wife (mother of all except his oldest Alice).

Roosevelt's motto of "Dare mighty things" is exemplified in the descriptions of events in his letters. These include:

His somdiering in Cuba during the Spanish American War
his Presidency and having uoung children in the White House
the Panama Canal
his ride in a submarine
his trips out West
gis work on ending the Russia Japan war (giving him a Nobel Prize)
his love of literature

"I love all these children and have great fun with them, and I am touched by the way in which they feel that I am their special friend, champion, and companion."
Aug. 16, 1903
to Emily Crowe

Recommended for those interested in Roosevelt.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Letters to His Children
✔️Published in 1919.

This compilation of letters President Theodore Roosevelt wrote to his children and the children of friends is touching and eye-opening. I can tell that TR was a man who cared deeply for his children, and was not afraid to express his thoughts and feelings with them.

While the Kindle version does not contain the original drawings made by Theodore Roosevelt, the one I found on Project Gutenberg did. That is a treat, indeed!

🟤 Project Gutenberg.
🟣Kindle version.

[Steve Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. TR was a man's man, but he did love his kids. Based on the volume of mail to his sons versus his daughters I'd have to conclude that he favored the boys. One must keep in mind that TR produced the work to craft his public persona as an involved and caring parent. Reading between the lines - many of these letters were written while he was globe-trotting on adventrures and generally NOT parenting.

[David Westerveld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this glimpse into the the humanity of a great man. A great example of a father who cared for and took interest in the lives of his children and made time to know what they were doing and play with them even while he was the president of the United States. A delightful and encouraging read.

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a compilation of letters Roosevelt wrote to his children. It was fun to go into the mind of one of America’s toughest presidents. He fought with the Rough Riders, was a hunter, a boxer, wrestled, did Jiu-Jitsu to name a few things. He was a very active president.

Even more than that he was a father and a husband. From his letters, you could see he loved his family very much and was active in their lives. He would go with them on trips, horseback writing, and would give his children advice.

It’s really interesting to see how someone as busy as Roosevelt was, still had time to write prolifically to his children with his usual humor. Where did he find the time? Reading his letters made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough in my life.

I found the book to be enjoyable. I would recommend this book, but don’t think everyone would enjoy this book. If you like history check it out

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As busy as he was with being President Of the United States, he took time to be genuinely interested in his children, their pets and projects; and encouraging and enjoying them. He used the word “cunning” quite often, but he didn’t realize that the letters would be collected and put into one book. Not only a treasure to his progeny, this book is a wonderful read for families. Although not a history book, it does shed fascinating first-hand light on events as the 19th century turned to the 20th.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is a wonderful example of parent-child correspondence (albeit one-sided, as all letters are solely from the 26th President to his children and not vice-versa). The collection is amazing in its historical importance (TR shares his observations during the surveying of the Panama Canal as well as Caribbean travels as President), delightful in its expressions of love for the recipients and their mother, and illuminating in their frankness and honesty.

[Denman P · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure of a book. I've always had an affinity for Teddy and this book solidified that. The gentleness and affection he displayed when interacting with his children is to be envied. I felt myself wishing I was his child. Some of the advice he gave go his children I've applied. Its worth a read and can be read like daily devotions.

[Sherri Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. It was wonderful to read what Teddy thought he should write to his children.

[Christie Wessels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this glimpse into the personal life of Theodore Roosevelt, President, and his relationship with his children and family. What a wonderful father he was.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have the book if you would like to read it.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and loving letters from Roosevelt to his children, many of them during his presidency. Even a few copies of his drawings. You learn much about the man through what he conveys to his children.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie read y11...10/24

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

TR sounds like a pretty wise and wonderful father.I especially enjoyed his descriptions of rough and rowdy play in the White House!

[Janelle Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy Roosevelt was a good writer and I enjoyed the quipped prose and humor in his letters. It’s evident that he dearly loved his children and enjoyed doing life with them.

[Peter Espelien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really touching and heart warming about the love Teddy Roosevelt had for his children even after they go away to collage. Usually I don't really like non-fiction but because I had to read one for class I decided this one looked pretty good so I decided I would try it out and it turned out to be a really good story. The fact that the letters go from about a year after TR's youngest son was born until he went away to collage really adds meaning to the book. Some of my favorite letters out of the book are from when TR was serving in the Spanish war about the camps he was at and the things they did there. If there is anybody out there that needs a good biography, non-fiction to tread this is a great book you should totally check out. Why should I check out this book you may ask well for one it tells you all sorts of things you never knew about TR and his children but also because its got all sorts of adventure in it about all the presidential trips and hunting trips TR went on from 1897-1911 and day to day life at The White House. One important lesson you learn from this collection of letters is never ever let anything get in the way of family not even presidency.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a magical little volume-- I found the 1923 hardbound printing lying in the middle of a sidewalk in Berkeley. I scooped it up and brought it home. What a charming little volume it is, as it shows the colossal "TR" in his private role as a doting daddy. Letters about guinea-pigs and ponies and pillow-fights. Shared jokes and recommendations for good behavior. Simple little cartoons of President Daddy's travels.

Difficult to choose among so many lovely, warmhearted communications, but here's one example:

"White House, June 17, 1906

BLESSED ETHEL:
Your letter delighted me. I read it over twice, and chuckled over it. By George, how entirely I sympathize with your feelings in the attic! I know just what it is to get into such a place and find the delightful, winding passages where one lay hidden with thrills of criminal delight, when the grownups were vainly demanding one's appearance at some legitimate and abhorred function; and then the once-beloved and half-forgotten treasures, and the emotions of peace and war, with reference to former companions whom they recall..."

[Shannon Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A devoted parent and husband, Roosevelt never let the demands of his professional career get in the way of his domestic commitments and he was always very careful to maintain close friendships with all of his children, fulfilling his role not only as instructor and counselor, but also as companion and playmate, even when he was away from home. This amusing collection of letters provides fresh insight into the character of Theodore Roosevelt, and is a nice example of what a healthy relationship between father and child should look like.

[Judas]

Found a first printing 1919 (published the year of TR's death) in an old bookstore. Having just read David McCullough's Mornings on Horseback it was a great find. His letters to his children are firm, yet gentle; sweet, yet paternal. Of great interest to me are the tragedies that befell his children in their personal lives. Was it TR's larger-than-life persona they couldn't live up to or live without?

[Jan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable collection of letters to his children. In almost every letter there is talk of animals. Like the time he had young Kermit show some congressmen his three snakes. Something that touched me was how he would discuss Sickens in some of his letters. Makes me want to read "Martin Chuzzlewit" just to see what he was talking about. He does show a great deal of pride in his children and how they turned out.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title suggests, a lovely collection of letter TR wrote to his children from 1898 to 1911. Roosevelt not only loved his children, he respected their intelligence. The letters to Kermit about Dickens had me wishing I could have read Kermit's letters to his father.

Another glimpse into the mind of an amazing man.

[Marian]

Just a cute glimpse into family life with the added perks of his handwriting and drawings for all TR fans. Some great vignettes, presidential hijinx, and "out of the mouths of babes" moments that had me laughing out loud.

*note I own the 1st edition hardcover published in 1919 by Charles Scribner's Sons.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Lincoln, Roosevelt is the best writer among the presidents (pace Jefferson!) and this book shows his warmth and humor more than most. The collection isn't large or very deep, but the reader gets a good sense of Roosevelt's character, and can readily see why his children adored him.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this is a personal look into President Theodore Roosevelt. His letters to his children are charming. It shows a man who truely cared about his family. The sketches that he includes in some of his letters as he tries to describe a story to his children are priceless!

[Bryana Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, and highly recommended. This collection of Roosevelt’s letters to his children shows the man’s broad and varied fields of interest and how his great appreciation for knowledge and endless pursuit of wisdom caused him to be able to enjoy the world widely.