Author: George Grant
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An insatiable reader of books on TR, I was immediately drawn to Carry a Big Stick by its small size and by its wealth of quotes from the President (something many authors neglect). Grant is unabashedly hero-worshipping here: no negatives are to be found. If one begins "Stick" with this in mind it can be accepted and tolerated.
Though it is clearly colored by Grant's conservative ideology (he tags turn of the 20th century politicians with turn of the 21st century labels - and greatly underrepresents TR's progressive leanings), it does reveal some facts about Roosevelt's religious convictions and church activities - something that is absolutely ignored in most modern biographies of historic figures.
The book is less a chronological account than a quick look by turns at each facet of the multi-talented and constantly moving President. It is adequate as an introduction but is highly selective.
Reprinted in paperback as The Courage and Character of Theodore Roosevelt. Oddly, it's not any cheaper!
Final score: B minus
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