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The Golden Lad: The Haunting Story of Quentin and Theodore Roosevelt
More than a century has passed since Theodore Roosevelt was in the White House, but he still continues to fascinate. Never has a more exuberant man been our nation's leader. He became a war hero, reformed the NYPD, busted the largest railroad and oil trusts, passed the Pure Food and Drug Act, created national parks and forests, won the Nobel Peace Prize, and built the Panama Canal—to name just a few.
Yet it was the cause he championed the hardest—America's entry in to WWI—that would ultimately divide and destroy him. His youngest son, Quentin, his favorite, would die in an air fight. How does looking at Theodore's relationship with his son, and understanding him as a father, tell us something new about this larger-than-life-man? Does it reveal a more human side? A more hypocritical side? Or simply, if tragically, a nature so surprisingly sensitive, despite the bluster, that he would die of a broken heart?
Roosevelt's own history of boyhood illnesses made him so aware of was like to be a child in pain, that he could not bear the thought of his own children suffering. The Roosevelts were a family of pillow-fights, pranks, and "scary bear." And it was the baby, Quentin—the frailest—who worried his father the most. Yet in the end, it was he who would display, in his brief life, the most intellect and courage of all.
Yet it was the cause he championed the hardest—America's entry in to WWI—that would ultimately divide and destroy him. His youngest son, Quentin, his favorite, would die in an air fight. How does looking at Theodore's relationship with his son, and understanding him as a father, tell us something new about this larger-than-life-man? Does it reveal a more human side? A more hypocritical side? Or simply, if tragically, a nature so surprisingly sensitive, despite the bluster, that he would die of a broken heart?
Roosevelt's own history of boyhood illnesses made him so aware of was like to be a child in pain, that he could not bear the thought of his own children suffering. The Roosevelts were a family of pillow-fights, pranks, and "scary bear." And it was the baby, Quentin—the frailest—who worried his father the most. Yet in the end, it was he who would display, in his brief life, the most intellect and courage of all.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published February 15, 2016
About the author
Eric Burns
33 books70 followersEric Burns is an American media critic and journalist. He began his career as a correspondent for NBC News where he appeared regularly on NBC Nightly News and on the Today show.
Burns has written five critically-acclaimed books and continues to work in television. He has worked as a commentator for Entertainment Tonight, host of Arts & Entertainment Revue on A&E, and is the former host of Fox News Channel's Fox News Watch, as well as a media analyst for the network.
Burns received an Emmy Award for media criticism and was named by the Washington Journalism Review as one of the best writers in the history of broadcast journalism.
Burns has written five critically-acclaimed books and continues to work in television. He has worked as a commentator for Entertainment Tonight, host of Arts & Entertainment Revue on A&E, and is the former host of Fox News Channel's Fox News Watch, as well as a media analyst for the network.
Burns received an Emmy Award for media criticism and was named by the Washington Journalism Review as one of the best writers in the history of broadcast journalism.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 10, 2016
This book is filled with factual errors and conjecture and in my opinion needs to be re-edited. Call me a crank if you want, but here is a copy of the letter that I sent to the publisher regarding all of the mistakes and unsubstantiated conjecture in this book:
March 10, 2016
Clairborne Handcock:
Editor
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Dear Editor:
As a frequent reader of presidential biographies, I am always surprised when I come across something that is glaringly and factually incorrect. I have just finished reading The Golden Lad by Eric Burns, and I want to point out a few very obvious errors in the book. I am not sure whether these were mistakes by the author or the editor assigned to the project; but I believe that they should be corrected.
Before I get into the specifics, I want you to know that I am not a professional historian, but I do maintain a website and blog on presidential history, and Theodore Roosevelt happens to be one of my favorite subjects. I should also let you know that I verified these facts by contacting Marie Kutch of the Theodore Roosevelt Society in Oyster Bay, NY as well as referring back to my own copies of books written by Edwin Morris, David McCullough, Candice Millard, Doris Kerns Goodwin and Theodore Roosevelt himself as well as others.
I will make references to specific pages and passages in the hard cover edition of the book for easy reference.
Page 15: 3rd paragraph: Referring to Theodore Roosevelt’s Sr. decision to hire a surrogate to fight for him in the civil war, the passage reads: Three of its members (referring to his family) — his mother, sister Bammie and wife Martha – might have lived in the North, but their sympathies, and even some of their property, lay in the south. There are several problems with this statement. If the author is referring to Theodore Roosevelt Sr., then it should specify his mother-in-law, Martha-Elliot Bullock, his sister-in-law Annie Bullock and his wife Martha Roosevelt, who were all from Georgia, and still owned property in the south while living in New York under Roosevelt Sr. roof.
The statement specifies Roosevelt Sr.’s mother, who was not southern and did not own property in the south, Bammie; who is Martha and Theodore Sr.’s daughter (TR’s sister). I honestly can’t tell if Mr. Burns is referring to Theodore Roosevelt Sr. or Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (TR). In either case the statement is incorrect and confusing.
Page 17: 4th paragraph: Teddie scurried after his prey, retrieved them and eagerly took them home to show off. If Edith was the only family member present, the boy was unlikely…More often than not, she would demand that he dispose of the poor dead birds..etc. Which Edith is the author referring to? Is he referring to TR’s childhood friend and future wife Edith Carrow? If so, as Teddie’s younger playmate and neighbor, she would not have been in a position to demand anything. And even if he is referring to Edith Carrow, which is unlikely, she was not a family member. It is more likely that the author meant to say Martha or possibly his Aunt Annie. Again, this is very confusing and factually incorrect.
Page 23: 2nd paragraph: Theodore Roosevelt, assigned the rank of Colonel, found the appellation…etc. Theodore Roosevelt was assigned the rank of Lt. Colonel, not Colonel. He officially accepted his colonelcy on July 31th 1898, after the battle of Kettle Hill. He did have a field commission of Colonel during the battle because his superior officer and friend, Colonel Leonard Wood had been promoted a few days earlier. The point of this argument is that the author is referring to him as Colonel Roosevelt while discussing his field training and the forming of the Rough Riders, which is again, incorrect. If you don’t believe me, ask a Colonel if there is a difference between the 2 ranks. I am sure they would be happy to set it straight.
Page 41: 1st paragraph: Referring to Edith Carrow’s behavior after Theodore’s wedding to Alice Lee, She cried herself to sleep in bewilderment as much as sorrow. How does the author make this claim? How does he know she cried herself to sleep? This is one of many leaps into conjecture that the author makes throughout the book.
Page 41: paragraph 5: …when his presidential carriage collided with a trolley just as it left the White House grounds. Absolutely incorrect! The accident occurred on Sept. 3 1902 in Pittsfield, MA, which I am quite sure is nowhere near the White House grounds.
Page 145: paragraph 5: …but were partially written by Ethel: her husband needing a hand in guiding the pen. Ethel was his daughter, not his wife. I am assuming the line should either read: …but were partially written by Edith: her husband needing a hand in guiding the pen. or perhaps …but were partially written by Ethel: her father needing a hand in guiding the pen.
As I stated earlier, the author frequently ventures into conjecture and supposition instead of clearly stating the facts. The author makes several references to Quentin fighting his ‘demons’ in real life and then mentions Quentin’s reoccurring dreams of a goblin by his bed when he was a child. The author seems to be suggesting that these ‘dream goblins’ are somehow actually manifesting themselves in his real life and spurring on Quentin’s reckless behavior. He even suggests that goblins might be a Victorian substitute for demons. Am I to assume that the author somehow believes that demons and goblins are, in fact, real? Come on, what century are we living in here?
Aside from all of the clumsy passes at pop psychology in the book as it tries to analyze the way Roosevelt thought about his life, and felt about his family, I am mostly disturbed by these factual errors that I found throughout the book. As I have outlined, with just the first reading of the book, I found several glaring mistakes that simply jumped out at me. I assume that if I took a second pass at it, I would probably find more. Thankfully for me, and possibly for the author, that is unlikely.
Sincerely,
James DiGiovanni
March 10, 2016
Clairborne Handcock:
Editor
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Dear Editor:
As a frequent reader of presidential biographies, I am always surprised when I come across something that is glaringly and factually incorrect. I have just finished reading The Golden Lad by Eric Burns, and I want to point out a few very obvious errors in the book. I am not sure whether these were mistakes by the author or the editor assigned to the project; but I believe that they should be corrected.
Before I get into the specifics, I want you to know that I am not a professional historian, but I do maintain a website and blog on presidential history, and Theodore Roosevelt happens to be one of my favorite subjects. I should also let you know that I verified these facts by contacting Marie Kutch of the Theodore Roosevelt Society in Oyster Bay, NY as well as referring back to my own copies of books written by Edwin Morris, David McCullough, Candice Millard, Doris Kerns Goodwin and Theodore Roosevelt himself as well as others.
I will make references to specific pages and passages in the hard cover edition of the book for easy reference.
Page 15: 3rd paragraph: Referring to Theodore Roosevelt’s Sr. decision to hire a surrogate to fight for him in the civil war, the passage reads: Three of its members (referring to his family) — his mother, sister Bammie and wife Martha – might have lived in the North, but their sympathies, and even some of their property, lay in the south. There are several problems with this statement. If the author is referring to Theodore Roosevelt Sr., then it should specify his mother-in-law, Martha-Elliot Bullock, his sister-in-law Annie Bullock and his wife Martha Roosevelt, who were all from Georgia, and still owned property in the south while living in New York under Roosevelt Sr. roof.
The statement specifies Roosevelt Sr.’s mother, who was not southern and did not own property in the south, Bammie; who is Martha and Theodore Sr.’s daughter (TR’s sister). I honestly can’t tell if Mr. Burns is referring to Theodore Roosevelt Sr. or Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (TR). In either case the statement is incorrect and confusing.
Page 17: 4th paragraph: Teddie scurried after his prey, retrieved them and eagerly took them home to show off. If Edith was the only family member present, the boy was unlikely…More often than not, she would demand that he dispose of the poor dead birds..etc. Which Edith is the author referring to? Is he referring to TR’s childhood friend and future wife Edith Carrow? If so, as Teddie’s younger playmate and neighbor, she would not have been in a position to demand anything. And even if he is referring to Edith Carrow, which is unlikely, she was not a family member. It is more likely that the author meant to say Martha or possibly his Aunt Annie. Again, this is very confusing and factually incorrect.
Page 23: 2nd paragraph: Theodore Roosevelt, assigned the rank of Colonel, found the appellation…etc. Theodore Roosevelt was assigned the rank of Lt. Colonel, not Colonel. He officially accepted his colonelcy on July 31th 1898, after the battle of Kettle Hill. He did have a field commission of Colonel during the battle because his superior officer and friend, Colonel Leonard Wood had been promoted a few days earlier. The point of this argument is that the author is referring to him as Colonel Roosevelt while discussing his field training and the forming of the Rough Riders, which is again, incorrect. If you don’t believe me, ask a Colonel if there is a difference between the 2 ranks. I am sure they would be happy to set it straight.
Page 41: 1st paragraph: Referring to Edith Carrow’s behavior after Theodore’s wedding to Alice Lee, She cried herself to sleep in bewilderment as much as sorrow. How does the author make this claim? How does he know she cried herself to sleep? This is one of many leaps into conjecture that the author makes throughout the book.
Page 41: paragraph 5: …when his presidential carriage collided with a trolley just as it left the White House grounds. Absolutely incorrect! The accident occurred on Sept. 3 1902 in Pittsfield, MA, which I am quite sure is nowhere near the White House grounds.
Page 145: paragraph 5: …but were partially written by Ethel: her husband needing a hand in guiding the pen. Ethel was his daughter, not his wife. I am assuming the line should either read: …but were partially written by Edith: her husband needing a hand in guiding the pen. or perhaps …but were partially written by Ethel: her father needing a hand in guiding the pen.
As I stated earlier, the author frequently ventures into conjecture and supposition instead of clearly stating the facts. The author makes several references to Quentin fighting his ‘demons’ in real life and then mentions Quentin’s reoccurring dreams of a goblin by his bed when he was a child. The author seems to be suggesting that these ‘dream goblins’ are somehow actually manifesting themselves in his real life and spurring on Quentin’s reckless behavior. He even suggests that goblins might be a Victorian substitute for demons. Am I to assume that the author somehow believes that demons and goblins are, in fact, real? Come on, what century are we living in here?
Aside from all of the clumsy passes at pop psychology in the book as it tries to analyze the way Roosevelt thought about his life, and felt about his family, I am mostly disturbed by these factual errors that I found throughout the book. As I have outlined, with just the first reading of the book, I found several glaring mistakes that simply jumped out at me. I assume that if I took a second pass at it, I would probably find more. Thankfully for me, and possibly for the author, that is unlikely.
Sincerely,
James DiGiovanni
December 3, 2016
Burns begins the book with the Spanish-American War then goes into TR’s relationship with his youngest child, Quentin. TR had six children and was a doting father. Quentin was a fragile child and became his father’s favorite. TR was also a fragile, illness-prone asthmatic child. TR claims he overcame his ailments with a rigorous exercise regime. As the youngest child, Quentin grew-up in the White House. Burns tells of the escapades of the “White House Gang” led by Quentin. TR brought up his children with a strong sense of noblesse oblige. Most of the information in the book is well known to students of TR. Burns presumably attempts to show TR as a father, but Burns spends more time discussing TR than his children. I would have loved to learn more about Quentin and his siblings. Unfortunately, Quentin died young. He was an Army aviator during WWI and was killed when his plane was shot down over France.
I was disappointed at the number of factual errors in the book. There were so many of them I wondered if Burns did not do his research or the publisher failed to have the book edited. I will provide you with two examples of simple easily verifiable errors. The first one: Burns said Quentin signed up for the Army Air Corp. The Corp did not exist until 1926. During WWI, it was the Army Air Service. The second example: Eric Burns states Quentin flew an American made fighter plane when in fact, he flew a French Nieaport28. The USA did not make a combat plane during WWI. The book is medium length at just over seven hours. The book could have been a delight but between the factual errors and the concentration on TR, with little on the father-child relationship, the book for me was spoiled. This is the first book by journalist Eric Burns that I have read. I cannot recommend this book unless the reader knows little about TR.
Traber Burns does a good job narrating the book. Burns is an actor and audiobook narrator.
I was disappointed at the number of factual errors in the book. There were so many of them I wondered if Burns did not do his research or the publisher failed to have the book edited. I will provide you with two examples of simple easily verifiable errors. The first one: Burns said Quentin signed up for the Army Air Corp. The Corp did not exist until 1926. During WWI, it was the Army Air Service. The second example: Eric Burns states Quentin flew an American made fighter plane when in fact, he flew a French Nieaport28. The USA did not make a combat plane during WWI. The book is medium length at just over seven hours. The book could have been a delight but between the factual errors and the concentration on TR, with little on the father-child relationship, the book for me was spoiled. This is the first book by journalist Eric Burns that I have read. I cannot recommend this book unless the reader knows little about TR.
Traber Burns does a good job narrating the book. Burns is an actor and audiobook narrator.
April 11, 2017
This was a Goodreads First Read Giveaway contest win. I get a free copy of the book and although under no obligation to leave comments/review, it is obviously the reason the publisher’s/author’s make them available at no cost. So, I always like to do my part and share my thoughts.
I am a big fan of Teddy Roosevelt. I enjoyed Mornings on Horseback and the The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey and thoroughly enjoy reading about his adventures and his life. The reason I entered the drawing for this book was the title, which insinuated a new look at his life through his relationship with his youngest child Quentin.
I would estimate that 90% of this relatively short book is a brief summary of Teddy’s life which I suppose, is needed to tell the story. However, after reading the two books I mentioned previously it felt like Cliff Notes. If this was your first Roosevelt book, the brief look might be enough of a tease to want you to seek more information in a more detailed book.
The bummer was that only about 10% was devoted to Quentin. The title is a misnomer in that it implied that there would be more content on him. While there were a couple of new nuggets about his early life, I had already encountered the gist of his life story through the other sources.
In the end, I don’t think I was the target audience for this book. Rather, it would be ideal for someone who wanted to get a quick read and discover the highlights of Teddy Roosevelt’s life both public and private without a lot of the detail that tend to scare away readers away from more voluminous history books.
I am a big fan of Teddy Roosevelt. I enjoyed Mornings on Horseback and the The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey and thoroughly enjoy reading about his adventures and his life. The reason I entered the drawing for this book was the title, which insinuated a new look at his life through his relationship with his youngest child Quentin.
I would estimate that 90% of this relatively short book is a brief summary of Teddy’s life which I suppose, is needed to tell the story. However, after reading the two books I mentioned previously it felt like Cliff Notes. If this was your first Roosevelt book, the brief look might be enough of a tease to want you to seek more information in a more detailed book.
The bummer was that only about 10% was devoted to Quentin. The title is a misnomer in that it implied that there would be more content on him. While there were a couple of new nuggets about his early life, I had already encountered the gist of his life story through the other sources.
In the end, I don’t think I was the target audience for this book. Rather, it would be ideal for someone who wanted to get a quick read and discover the highlights of Teddy Roosevelt’s life both public and private without a lot of the detail that tend to scare away readers away from more voluminous history books.
February 17, 2016
A huge disappointment.
I have been fascinated with Theodore Roosevelt and his family since I read "Mornings on Horseback" by David McCullough, and have read many books about this compelling individual since then. Love him or hate him, Theodore Roosevelt is anything but dull.
This book is just a muddled mess, and it begins with the tile. Yes, there is a connection between Quentin and Theodore - not unusual for a father and son, nor when the son is the youngest in the family, or when the son and the father are so similar in personality. And ultimately his father's influence will determine the boy's destiny.
That's not a sufficient premise to hang a book on, so the author stumbles about, cherry picking the best anecdotes about Roosevelt. And the author then feels the need to add his own pop psychology analysis to these stories, when the stories speak for themselves.
And there are several times in the book when the author confuses members of the family - not difficult to do given such a large family, and the tradition of using the same name across generations, but that's why the general public relies on historians ,to keep the information straight for them!
I think a better book would have been if Mr. Burns had delved into the relationships Theodore had with ALL of his children - growing up with a larger-than-life figure, and then each of them trying to make their own mark on history.
I have been fascinated with Theodore Roosevelt and his family since I read "Mornings on Horseback" by David McCullough, and have read many books about this compelling individual since then. Love him or hate him, Theodore Roosevelt is anything but dull.
This book is just a muddled mess, and it begins with the tile. Yes, there is a connection between Quentin and Theodore - not unusual for a father and son, nor when the son is the youngest in the family, or when the son and the father are so similar in personality. And ultimately his father's influence will determine the boy's destiny.
That's not a sufficient premise to hang a book on, so the author stumbles about, cherry picking the best anecdotes about Roosevelt. And the author then feels the need to add his own pop psychology analysis to these stories, when the stories speak for themselves.
And there are several times in the book when the author confuses members of the family - not difficult to do given such a large family, and the tradition of using the same name across generations, but that's why the general public relies on historians ,to keep the information straight for them!
I think a better book would have been if Mr. Burns had delved into the relationships Theodore had with ALL of his children - growing up with a larger-than-life figure, and then each of them trying to make their own mark on history.
July 25, 2016
Much has been written about Theodore Roosevelt’s public life. But in The Golden Lad, author Eric Burns gives the reader a portrait of Roosevelt’s private life. Theodore Roosevelt was a loving and devoted husband and father. He relished the time he spent with his family—especially his children. He played with them, wrote them letters and poems, took them on trips, and listened to their concerns. Even when he was President, Roosevelt made time to write to his children. Within the Roosevelt family there were two daughters and four sons. The youngest was Quentin who, many believe, was Theodore’s favorite.
Burns focuses on Theodore and Quentin’s strong bond and reveals how Quentin’s tragic death contributed to Theodore’s death as well.
Thank you to Iris at Pegasus Books for giving me the opportunity to read this interesting book!
Burns focuses on Theodore and Quentin’s strong bond and reveals how Quentin’s tragic death contributed to Theodore’s death as well.
Thank you to Iris at Pegasus Books for giving me the opportunity to read this interesting book!
March 29, 2016
Wildly disappointing. I wondered how a book about a young man who dies before age 25 could be really called a book. Here's how--its simply a biography of Theodore Roosevelt with excerpts of letters to, from or about Quentin. And, worst of all, there's that new historian angle of speculation--speculating for several minutes, for example, on where baby Quentin might have crawled at Sagamore Hill. Most moments from letters are excruciatingly over-analyzed so that stupid teen comments become possible harbingers of doom and the like. Did Quentin have a daemon or a goblin in his head? Ugh.
And, we don't even really get to Quentin, aside from occasional snippet-like anecdotes, until Part three. Part four is back to TR!
How in the world a journalist published a book in which Quentin [and TR's other younger children]are consistently described as Alice's Roosevelt's STEP--sibling(s) and not, correctly, as HALF-siblings is beyond me. Other silly errors as well.
Want to know about Theodore? Read Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough. Want to know about TR the father? Read his Letters to His Children. Want to know about the Amazon trip? Read Candice Millard's excellent River of Doubt. Skip this mess.
And, we don't even really get to Quentin, aside from occasional snippet-like anecdotes, until Part three. Part four is back to TR!
How in the world a journalist published a book in which Quentin [and TR's other younger children]are consistently described as Alice's Roosevelt's STEP--sibling(s) and not, correctly, as HALF-siblings is beyond me. Other silly errors as well.
Want to know about Theodore? Read Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough. Want to know about TR the father? Read his Letters to His Children. Want to know about the Amazon trip? Read Candice Millard's excellent River of Doubt. Skip this mess.
October 30, 2015
Author Eric Burns has written a poignant biography intertwining two family members: President Theodore Roosevelt and his son Quentin. Both family members were close and thanks to Burns thoughtful writing we can see how father and son influenced one another.
Throughout Burns book you will learn much about the Roosevelt family and about an era when polite society, faith and a sense of adventure were still welcome. Burns book may help the reader realize how much America has changed since Roosevelt's time.
Recommend.
Review written after downloading a galley from Edelweiss.
Throughout Burns book you will learn much about the Roosevelt family and about an era when polite society, faith and a sense of adventure were still welcome. Burns book may help the reader realize how much America has changed since Roosevelt's time.
Recommend.
Review written after downloading a galley from Edelweiss.
April 4, 2016
Disappointing. Much less about Quentin than I was led to believe. Basically a rehash of every bio I've read about Theodore with a bit more about Quentin thrown in.
June 19, 2024
Could have been better researched.
March 28, 2021
Was this even edited?
EDITH= Wife
ETHEL= Daughter
Alice and Edith's children are HALF SIBLINGS not Step.
For all the "favorite son favorite son" it seemed that Quentin was the one who got the least one on one with Dad, except for Archie perhaps. Alice and TR later grew pretty close, she inheriting a keen sense of politics.
It's very odd to have a biography written (poorly) by someone who clearly hated TR. It is nice to see the many stories of goofing off in the white house, playing with his children and carrying on relationships with all of them.
EDITH= Wife
ETHEL= Daughter
Alice and Edith's children are HALF SIBLINGS not Step.
For all the "favorite son favorite son" it seemed that Quentin was the one who got the least one on one with Dad, except for Archie perhaps. Alice and TR later grew pretty close, she inheriting a keen sense of politics.
It's very odd to have a biography written (poorly) by someone who clearly hated TR. It is nice to see the many stories of goofing off in the white house, playing with his children and carrying on relationships with all of them.
December 22, 2022
Most everyone knows at least something about Teddy Roosevelt, that he was New York City 's Police Commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, the heroic leader of the Rough Riders, Governor of New York, Vice President, then elevated to the Presidency with the assassination of William McKinley, Trust Buster, Champion of Conservation, hunter of Big Game, explorer of the Amazon, and prolific author. But there were somethings about TR that perhaps few knew.
This excellent book by Eric Burns covers all that in a well flowing narrative that covers not only Roosevelt's life, but that of his youngest and perhaps most dear child, his son Quentin. The book begins in 1897 with Quentin's birth, a birth that taxes his mother's health until she briefly hovers near death, prompting painful memories for Roosevelt of the death of his first wife Alice Hathaway Lee, the mother of his eldest child, Alice. But America is about to enter the Spanish American War and TR feels duty bound to go, raising a regiment of volunteers consisting of cowboys and Ivy Leauge athletes as well, even though his wife is at deaths door. This is due to the fact that TR believes the best way a man can die is gloriously in battle, a belief that ironically will come back to haunt him with the death of his son.
The book continues to tell the story of TR and Quentin in the years between 1897 and 1919 when TR will pass away in his sleep at age 60, just as he predicted many years before, his body weakened by malaria and other tropical diseases contracted to The jungles of Cuba and the Amazon, the lasting effects from an assassination attempt, and as some have said, his intense grief over Quentin, killed in aerial combat above Frsnce in World War One. Along the way the reader will discover things they perhaps never knew, such as TR'S bloodlust when it came to animal life, his 1910 African Safari little more than an orgy of wholesale slaughter, and sometimes his fellow humans. The reader will also see how the fathers reckless absence of fear would be inherited by the son with tragic results, Quentin meeting his end when he decides to take on three enemy planes alone.
As a Roosevelt aficionado and amateur expert, I can heartily recommend this book, it's informative narrative flows nicely along, without bogging down with minutiae as it effortlessly weaves together the stories of a larger than life American icon and his beloved son, his "Golden Lad"
This excellent book by Eric Burns covers all that in a well flowing narrative that covers not only Roosevelt's life, but that of his youngest and perhaps most dear child, his son Quentin. The book begins in 1897 with Quentin's birth, a birth that taxes his mother's health until she briefly hovers near death, prompting painful memories for Roosevelt of the death of his first wife Alice Hathaway Lee, the mother of his eldest child, Alice. But America is about to enter the Spanish American War and TR feels duty bound to go, raising a regiment of volunteers consisting of cowboys and Ivy Leauge athletes as well, even though his wife is at deaths door. This is due to the fact that TR believes the best way a man can die is gloriously in battle, a belief that ironically will come back to haunt him with the death of his son.
The book continues to tell the story of TR and Quentin in the years between 1897 and 1919 when TR will pass away in his sleep at age 60, just as he predicted many years before, his body weakened by malaria and other tropical diseases contracted to The jungles of Cuba and the Amazon, the lasting effects from an assassination attempt, and as some have said, his intense grief over Quentin, killed in aerial combat above Frsnce in World War One. Along the way the reader will discover things they perhaps never knew, such as TR'S bloodlust when it came to animal life, his 1910 African Safari little more than an orgy of wholesale slaughter, and sometimes his fellow humans. The reader will also see how the fathers reckless absence of fear would be inherited by the son with tragic results, Quentin meeting his end when he decides to take on three enemy planes alone.
As a Roosevelt aficionado and amateur expert, I can heartily recommend this book, it's informative narrative flows nicely along, without bogging down with minutiae as it effortlessly weaves together the stories of a larger than life American icon and his beloved son, his "Golden Lad"
September 9, 2017
My thoughts echoed the thoughts of Grumpus. Just 10% of the book was devoted to Quentin and his early death in wartime. Quentin was a just a child of 21 years old who never lived to reach his potential and President Roosevelt died within months of Quentin's death. I found the book to be less than compelling. I came away with one persistent thought though. Theodore Roosevelt always felt a bit of shame because his father bought his way out of serving in the Civil War, Roosevelt, glorifying war, led the charge up in correctly
named San Juan Hill, and sent his sons off to Serve in WWI. Did he find the glory or did he realize his son's death was too high a price?
named San Juan Hill, and sent his sons off to Serve in WWI. Did he find the glory or did he realize his son's death was too high a price?
May 28, 2017
I was excited to read more about TR's relationship with his sons, as many if not most the of the biographies I have read of Theodore Roosevelt don't deal extensively with this or really have given that topic fair treatment. I was disappointed in this book; there was a lot of TR, precious little Quentin Roosevelt (TR's "Quenty-quee") and very little of both of them together, despite what the title declares.
It was a slightly more "personal" treating of the Roosevelt clan, but not what was advertised.
It was a slightly more "personal" treating of the Roosevelt clan, but not what was advertised.
July 7, 2019
Nicely done description of Teddy Roosevelt’s love for,his children. He seems quite the father, even in the White House. I have read and seen how TR was with his children, as well as his own fierce love of life. This book concentrates more on his youngest son, Quentin.
July 11, 2017
We love TR, and this was an interesting portrait of him, its focus on his role as a father in all he did.
February 10, 2018
Disappointing. More about TR than Quentin.
April 30, 2018
Growing up Roosevelt especially being the youngest.
March 19, 2022
Very disappointed!! I am a huge Theodore Roosevelt fan and have read many of his biographies. This book was filled with errors. I don't understand how an historian could make so many mistakes.
October 6, 2016
Solid short biography on Theodore Roosevelt and his Favourite son who perished in WW1, a fighter pilot shot down over France. How Quentin's Favourite playmate in the Whitehouse was 'Taffy' Taft, some of William Howard and how when the parents friendship turned sour, it affected theirs.
February 23, 2017
This book was a little awkward in places but I found it a good read about an intriguing family. I was able to add some more pieces to my knowledge of Theodore Roosevelt's personality and story.
February 18, 2017
A good story on the short life of Quentin Roosevelt
January 1, 2016
This short biography of Theodore Roosevelt is a synopsis of material contained in other longer biographies of the late President. Although it supposedly focuses on the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and his youngest son, Quentin, the book contains little information about Quentin other than tales that were published elsewhere and offers no great insights into the relationship between the two, or for that matter into Theodore Roosevelt's relationship with his other children which is discussed in as much detail as that with Quentin, which is not much other than in the pages discussing the events leading up to Quentin's death in World War I. In fact, some key facts were left out of the book as it skips around in time and place in order to provide some background information about the character of Theodore Roosevelt.
In summary, the book is quite disappointing! In fact it could have used some fact checking and an editor who should have corrected the typographical errors that appear in the text as well as had the author flesh out the information provided in the text, rather than presenting as a biography material that might have started as a magazine article and was subsequently extended into a book.
In summary, the book is quite disappointing! In fact it could have used some fact checking and an editor who should have corrected the typographical errors that appear in the text as well as had the author flesh out the information provided in the text, rather than presenting as a biography material that might have started as a magazine article and was subsequently extended into a book.
December 17, 2016
"Theodore Roosevelt is one of the most fascinating presidents in American history. Yet the most poignant tale about this larger-than-life man has never been told." What, that he was a father who was extremely close to his children, and so was devastated when one of them died in the war?
This is a strange little book. Part Roosevelt family biography, part...I'm not sure; amateur psychological profile? Yes, the death of Quentin Roosevelt crushed his father, who "never recovered" - but who also died less than half a year later. Well, that's kind of what I'd assume any father would experience - I know I would - and six months certainly doesn't seem like an extraordinarily long period of mourning for one's favorite child. So overall, I'm not quite sure what the central theme of this book was, or what it was actually trying to accomplish.
That said, though, there was a lot of interesting info here, and much like Patrick French in Younghusband (another one of my turn-of-the-20th-century heroes), he paints a rather eccentric portrait of his complex and flawed subject - which somehow makes him only more human and appealing, if certainly more tragic.
This is a strange little book. Part Roosevelt family biography, part...I'm not sure; amateur psychological profile? Yes, the death of Quentin Roosevelt crushed his father, who "never recovered" - but who also died less than half a year later. Well, that's kind of what I'd assume any father would experience - I know I would - and six months certainly doesn't seem like an extraordinarily long period of mourning for one's favorite child. So overall, I'm not quite sure what the central theme of this book was, or what it was actually trying to accomplish.
That said, though, there was a lot of interesting info here, and much like Patrick French in Younghusband (another one of my turn-of-the-20th-century heroes), he paints a rather eccentric portrait of his complex and flawed subject - which somehow makes him only more human and appealing, if certainly more tragic.
January 21, 2016
Just when you think you have read everything there could possible be written about Theodore Roosevelt, Eric Burns proves you wrong. I enjoyed learning about the youngest son of Theodore Roosevelt, as well as a little bit about his other children. The interactions between Roosevelt and his children can be hard to read at times, especially his interactions with his eldest daughter. But you need to keep in mind the time and era this took place. It is also hard to read about his decline, following his son death. The Golden Lad is an addition you will want to make to your history section of your personal libraries. Due out Feb 1.
March 8, 2016
Some might quibble with Eric Burns about his qualifications as historian, but his sometimes elegiac tale of TR and his beloved son, Quentin (who died in the waning days of WWI, trying to live up to his father's beliefs) is a small thing of beauty. Burns captures both father and son gently, but also provides a clear setting of their time in history with its Edwardian values being crushed by the horrors of The Great War. Well worth some of your time...
August 6, 2016
Well researched but mostly about Theodore Roosevelt rather than Quentin. I guess the author did the best he could with the material available for Quentin. I have read lots about TR so I could skim over some of the history put out there and I know it was to put things into context but I found myself only interested in the parts about Quentin. So a good history book but won't be everyone's cup of tea unless you love the Roosevelts.
January 15, 2016
A light, novelistic tale of Theodore Roosevelt's relationship with his youngest son, Quentin. Fans of Roosevelt will find that "The Golden Lad" covers familiar territory, but it is an enjoyable glimpse at an often-overlooked member of the Roosevelt brood.
March 28, 2016
This book tells the story of the special connection between Theodore Roosevelt and his sons, especially Quentin. Roosevelt loved the violence of hunting and war and yet when Quentin was killed in action during WW1, his grief was so great that it hastened his death.
February 25, 2016
Excellent, well researched, and at times, heartbreaking. I learned so much more about Roosevelt and his family than I ever knew before. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2016
Having read many Roosevelt biographies, I did not find much new in this book. There is a lot of detail on Quentin's childhood years. It's an OK read if you haven't delved into the TR branch before.
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