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The Wilderness Warrior

Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America
Jun 14, 2013pokano rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Was there ever a US President more colorful, more energetic than TR? And certainly there was never one who loved nature more than he. This VERY long book by Douglas Brinkley presents, often in excruciating detail, TR's efforts at conservation. A more energetic editor would have made this a better book. That said, there is no doubt that the current generation and generations to come owe a huge debt of gratitude to TR for recognizing the conservation value of many areas (including several in the Pacific Northwest) and setting them aside before lumber, mining, livestock and farming interests got there first. Brinkley candidly sets forth the enigma of Roosevelt--how could a man who loved nature as much as he be such an enthusiastic trophy hunter? Many amateur reviewers have complained there are many factual errors in the book; that may be and I wish I knew what they were. But the book should be read by anyone who appreciates our national parks, national forests, and national wildlife refuges.