Theodore Roosevelt and the American Political Tradition (American Political Thought) (American Political Thought (University Press of Kansas))
In this extraordinary book centering on Theodore Roosevelt, Yarbrough has combined three genres to produce a new kind of political writing. As biography, it offers a rich and compelling account of TR s life, especially in the period of his mature years. As intellectual history, it supplies the best treatment to date of TR s own political thought, situating it within the framework of the various strands of progressivism. Finally, as political theory in its own right, it explores TR s political and constitutional ideas in the light of the thought of the founders and of Abraham Lincoln, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of TR as both a thinker and statesman. Yarbrough has pulled off the perfect intellectual trifecta. --James W. Ceaser, author ofReconstructing America: The Symbol of America in Modern ThoughtTaking Theodore Roosevelt seriously as political thinker, Yarbrough shows convincingly that the Rough Rider contributed significantly to a redefinition of the American social contract. Thoroughly researched, carefully argued, and well written, this book offers fresh insights into how TR became permanently etched in the American imagination and left a legacy that poses fundamental challenges to the Framers Constitution. A must read for anyone who wants to understand the deep philosophical and historical roots of contemporary developments in American political life. --Sidney M. Milkis, author ofTheodore Roosevelt, the Progressive Party, and the Transformation of American DemocracyRoosevelt has at last received the attention of a superb analyst of his political thought. Yarbrough s stylish and comprehensive study goes beyond the show and the bombast to the ambition, the power, and the failings of TR s designs for republican self-government. --Harvey C. Mansfield, author ofManliness and Machiavelli s Virtue“Taking Theodore Roosevelt seriously as political thinker, Yarbrough shows convincingly that the Rough Rider contributed significantly to a redefinition of the American social contract. Thoroughly researched, carefully argued, and well written, this book offers fresh insights into how TR became permanently etched in the American imagination and left a legacy that poses fundamental challenges to the Framers’ Constitution. A must read for anyone who wants to understand the deep philosophical and historical roots of contemporary developments in American political life.” --Sidney M. Milkis, author ofTheodore Roosevelt, the Progressive Party, and the Transformation of American Democracy“Roosevelt has at last received the attention of a superb analyst of his political thought. Yarbrough’s stylish and comprehensive study goes beyond the show and the bombast to the ambition, the power, and the failings of TR’s designs for republican self-government.” --Harvey C. Mansfield, author ofManliness and Machiavelli’s Virtue