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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,914 global ratings
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4 star
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Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Faimly, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt

Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Faimly, a Vanished Way of Life and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt

byDavid McCullough
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Top positive review

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Janice H. Kasten
4.0 out of 5 starsGood But Not Great
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2019
The book was, as is every McCullough book, very well written and very well researched. However, I did not find it as interesting as many other McCullough books are. Teddy lead a charmed childhood.- parents of extraordinary wealth, a physically beautiful and loving mother, a brilliant, highly ethical and loving father. Except for Teddy's bouts with asthma, the story is so picturesque that it does not provoke any powerful emotions. But I did feel more than a little bit of disappoint with Teddy, because he essentially abandoned his daughter by his first marriage and why did he get such pleasure in killing a multitude of animals. However, I have to remember the times were different and I have to recognize in the best of times even the best of people have flaws. There is one thing that bothers me about a multitude of history books - they will tell the day and month of an event but do not mention the year. I have to go back and read and research to find the year. I wish these writers would also mention the year when they give the date.
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44 people found this helpful

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Mrs.G
3.0 out of 5 starsNot What I Expected
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2019
As my title says, this book was not what I expected and sad to say, a bit of a disappointment. McCullough does ah exemplary job of the research and clearly explains all the details of the Roosevelt family's history going back to revolutionary history of the first Roosevelt forebears. He spends a great deal of time on the history of parents of President Roosevelt. Every detail of young Roosevelt is painstakingly presented in great detail, then he never explains how he becomes president or what happens after he left office. The ending was so abrupt, I was left disappointed that I will need to read yet another book to find the answers about the last 20 years of his life. I learned more about Teddy's parents, than Teddy himself. Parts of the story seemed truly belabored, especially the details of his time in the Badlands. After suffering through each minute detail of how he made his bird collection, I felt let down that upon his return from the Badlands, the author seemed too tired or bored with the story and just sort of wrapped it all up. Rarely am I ever tempted to not finish a book after more than halfway through, but I was with this one.
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13 people found this helpful

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From the United States

Janice H. Kasten
4.0 out of 5 stars Good But Not Great
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2019
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The book was, as is every McCullough book, very well written and very well researched. However, I did not find it as interesting as many other McCullough books are. Teddy lead a charmed childhood.- parents of extraordinary wealth, a physically beautiful and loving mother, a brilliant, highly ethical and loving father. Except for Teddy's bouts with asthma, the story is so picturesque that it does not provoke any powerful emotions. But I did feel more than a little bit of disappoint with Teddy, because he essentially abandoned his daughter by his first marriage and why did he get such pleasure in killing a multitude of animals. However, I have to remember the times were different and I have to recognize in the best of times even the best of people have flaws. There is one thing that bothers me about a multitude of history books - they will tell the day and month of an event but do not mention the year. I have to go back and read and research to find the year. I wish these writers would also mention the year when they give the date.
44 people found this helpful
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John
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting look into his early years...
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017
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Has there ever been a bad David McCullough book? His book on the early years of Theodore Roosevelt is excellent, easy to read and covers the years most people skip over when talking about TR. Its an interesting look into his family, his childhood, his relationship with his brother and sisters and how the family came first no matter what. You also get an insight into political activities at the time and TR's rise in the Republican party. Its an interesting look at NY society, how the wealthy were supposed to act, and how TR's father influenced him and his outlook on public service. All in all, an excellent read...
67 people found this helpful
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Kwan
5.0 out of 5 stars Not a traditional biography
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017
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If you’re looking for a typical biography on Theodore Roosevelt this is not the book for you. This book does not pretend to be a book designed to detail the life of TR from aristocrat to rough rider to president.

David McCullough presents a biography on the Roosevelt family and explains how the family was brought up, how they interacted with each other, and how much they loved each other. Granted, Theodore plays a big part in the book, it really is more an analysis about the development of character and virtues that came to define one’s life than it is a linear biography.

This would probably be the ideal book to read before tackling a more traditional biography on Roosevelt. I found McCullough, as always, to be rich with detail, candid, and depicting the Roosevelt clan in an engaging manner. My only critique is the chapter that describes Theodore’s experience in the badlands as I felt it was rather slow. Also, it would’ve been nice if McCullough detailed Theodore’s relationship was Frederic Remington better, but overall this is a must read for anyone looking to begin reading about Theodore Roosevelt
39 people found this helpful
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B Tatum
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great novel by one of my favorite writers, David McCullough
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2019
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I just finished this book on Teddy Roosevelt written by one of the greatest biography writers ever. I have read all of McCullough's books and not one has disappointed. He and Doris Kearns Goodwin are my favorite writers. Great storytelling of the lives, personality, family moments, friends writings on Teddy, all his adventures etc. Most people think non-fiction biographies are surely boring. This one will have you laughing, amazed by the incredible adventures Teddy took on his own all over the world, his love and appreciation of other peoples and cultures, and his forward-thinking legislative action he brought up with great passion for passage in Congress. A great story by a great author.
21 people found this helpful
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Mrs.G
3.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Expected
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
As my title says, this book was not what I expected and sad to say, a bit of a disappointment. McCullough does ah exemplary job of the research and clearly explains all the details of the Roosevelt family's history going back to revolutionary history of the first Roosevelt forebears. He spends a great deal of time on the history of parents of President Roosevelt. Every detail of young Roosevelt is painstakingly presented in great detail, then he never explains how he becomes president or what happens after he left office. The ending was so abrupt, I was left disappointed that I will need to read yet another book to find the answers about the last 20 years of his life. I learned more about Teddy's parents, than Teddy himself. Parts of the story seemed truly belabored, especially the details of his time in the Badlands. After suffering through each minute detail of how he made his bird collection, I felt let down that upon his return from the Badlands, the author seemed too tired or bored with the story and just sort of wrapped it all up. Rarely am I ever tempted to not finish a book after more than halfway through, but I was with this one.
13 people found this helpful
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Wayne Crenwelge
5.0 out of 5 stars Teddy and the Badlands
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2016
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Mr McCullough does entertain. I like his style of writing. This book has been in print for quite some time as this was one of his first books written. I have read two other biographies on Teddy Roosevelt, but they focused on Teddy as President. This biography is 95% about his early life and it leads up to the time of his in office as President. Same guy, but different focus of the author. If you like Teddy, then this book will be a nice addition for you. I hope this helps.
28 people found this helpful
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CC Coach Mike
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars The great TR
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2016
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Mr. McCullough's "Mornings on Horseback" is an account of the early life of Theodore Roosevelt. I have read a number of books on the life of this extraordinary man (I still feel the 3 volume Edmund Morris work is the definitive biography of President Roosevelt). This volume focuses on the Roosevelt family and life in the late 19th century. Mr. McCullough's belief is that his early family life strongly shaped TR's persona. This is very nice, one volume introduction to TR. It is also nice complimentary work that fleshes out his family life. GREAT READ!!(1)
44 people found this helpful
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EBP72
5.0 out of 5 stars I love McCullough but....
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021
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...there is always a "but" right? In this case my "but" with McCullough is I wanted more!! I feel like he could have written 2 or 3 more times the volume on the fascinating president that is Teddy Roosevelt. I say this tongue in cheek because I understand McCullough narrowed down a certain portion of his life. In seriousness this is a great book, another homerun from McCullough who is one of my favorite history writers.
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David Dickenson
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2019
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McCullough is an excellent social historian. You will have a hard time putting this book down.

I love how he focuses a good deal on Theodore's father and mother, as well as the whole family. One of TR's grandsons mentioned that other biographers had not adequately captured how much TR was part of a clan, and McCullough fills that void.

And, of course, the main subject matter is handled with skill and accuracy. The story is engaging, just like the man himself was.

My only wish is that McCullough would have written a full biography, but there are other good options for that, I suppose. In any case, the aim of the present book is to conclude when TR is "fully formed as a man." It is a story of becoming, full of excellent life lessons that can be observed along the way. In that way, the book fulfills its purpose marvelously.
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Wow Cowboy Novel
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2019
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DR H Really enjoyed DVid McCullough stories of the great parents of Teddy - 3Elliots and the sisters. The stories of the 10 month trip down the Nile and the iRanch
DR H Really enjoyed the great stories of the Nile river trip (10months) and the story on the marriage to young bride who died at age 21. Then Teddy lost his fear mother on the same 24hour period. What incredible courage and survival! DR H. Feels author the famous charge up San Juan mountain or hill in Cuba is sorely missed. Truly DRH

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