At the turn of the twentieth century, Adler states, the nation was ready for change, and Roosevelt was the man to lead it. This biography opens in 1901 with the shooting of President McKinley at the Pan-American Exposition, an event that led to his death and the presidency of his successor, Theodore Roosevelt. After a chapter on Roosevelt's youth, family, and education, the ­chronological narrative traces his adult life as a reformer, outdoorsman, family man, hunter, politician, rancher, Rough Rider, governor, vice president, president, trust buster, and wilderness explorer. While noting that Roosevelt had critics as well as supporters, the book portrays him as a great president who was generally beloved and deserving of praise. Black-and-white illustrations, including photos, drawings, and political cartoons, help readers envision the man, his contemporaries, and the period in which they lived. Well researched and clearly written, Adler's account offers a good introduction to the man and his times.

Theodore Roosevelt, a sickly young boy from a wealthy New York family, went on to serve his nation in many ways, most notably as a colonel in the Spanish-American War and as president. Adler systematically shares the highlights of an action-packed life, including memorable primary-source quotes that, along with period photographs, bring the influential figure to life. Timeline. Bib., ind.