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The King and the Cowboy: Theodore Roosevelt and Edward the Seventh, Secret Partners
An intimate look at two extraordinary figures and their secret collaboration-one that turned the alliance structure of the political world upside down
In this character-driven study, acclaimed historian and bestselling author David Fromkin reveals how two colorful figures-Theodore Roosevelt and Edward the Seventh- assumed leadership of the English-speaking world at the begi...more
In this character-driven study, acclaimed historian and bestselling author David Fromkin reveals how two colorful figures-Theodore Roosevelt and Edward the Seventh- assumed leadership of the English-speaking world at the begi...more
Paperback, 272 pages
Published
November 24th 2009
by Penguin Group (USA)
(first published 2008)
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I've read several other books by David Fromkin, Professor of International Relations and Law at Boston University and liked them. This one not so much. The thesis is that Edward VII and Theodore Roosevelt, who both came to power in 1901, forged a secret partnership to move their countries closer and to isolate Germany on the European continent. He draws this conclusion using the Conference of Algeciras as his model. As you recall, this international conference was called to resolve the crisi...more
While the book provides interesting biographical sketches of King Edward and, to a lesser extent Theodore Roosevelt as well as Kaiser Wilhem, it didn't really show a true relationship between the playboy king and the best U.S. president there ever was...that was a let down.
Also, I disagreed with some of his conclusions in the book. It has been my understanding that King Edward, by virtue of his relationship with the crowned heads of Europe, was able to influence many world events indir...more
Also, I disagreed with some of his conclusions in the book. It has been my understanding that King Edward, by virtue of his relationship with the crowned heads of Europe, was able to influence many world events indir...more
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Pretty good history of the relationships between Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and son of Queen Victoria, (who became King Edward VII) Theodore Roosevelt and the psychologically disturbed nephew of Edward, (and grandson of Victoria, Kaiser Wilhelm II). During the late 19th century and after he became king, Edward tried to put together an alliance between France and Britain, (along with Russia) to block Germany, who as favored by Victoria, (Victoria considered herself and her family Germans, tr...more
This is about the 20th book I've read about Theodore Roosevelt. While the book is not a bad book, the general idea of the book is not well proved by the end. Essentially it tries to show that there was some sort of secret collusion between the court of Edward VII and the 26th presidents cabinet. There clearly was, but really it just seemed like the typical sort of thing Roosevelt would do. Despite recent exhortations of warmongering in books such as "The War Lovers".. Roosevelt spent a...more
I've read three others by Fromkin but this one is a really lightweight. Interesting but it's full of places were you expect more detail. For example he notes that in the post-Civil War period the US government was completely corrupt. No examples. No details. Perhaps it's that Fromkin was trying to write a lighter-weight book but didn't do so consistently. The relationship between the Edward VII and Theodore Roosevelt (who never actually met!) does not come off as all that significant.
Interesting theory, but I would be wary of declaring that he really proved it (that Ed VII and TR were secret partners with a shared view that the US and GB must have a 'special relationship' in order to save the world from Ed VII's crazy nevvy kaiser bill.... The footnotes got fewer and farther between as the book ended.
Interesting--but a bit on the heavy side for me. The European and English monarchs of the late 1800's and early 1900's were a privileged bunch and clearly held great influence and power often achieved through strategic marriages to those of equal stature across country boundaries.
Interesting concept. I really liked the character sketches but the larger historical argument is a bit weak. Still, I can see this book working well in a World Civ intro course- it makes the interconnectedness of 19th century European royalty vividly clear.
Excellent book, filled with the reasons and portents of WWI. Interesting similarities and styles of TR and Edward VII that I had not known about. Short, quick book, well written.
An interesting part of history I hadn't remembered or never learned. Could have used a little better editing--some repetition.
Recommended in the book, Tolstoy and the Purple Chair: My Year of Magical Reading.
A very interesting look at the links between King Edward VII and Teddy Roosevelt, and the politics of their times. I just wish they had spent more time on the diplomatic manueverings and formations of the alliances that lead to WWI. That was treated too superficially for my tastes, but it has peaked my interest enought to look for more information on the subject.
This is an interesting read. It is a biography and provides good information concerning the politics of the early 1900's. I have known very little about this time period and am enjoying enlarging my vision of the time.
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David Fromkin is a noted author, lawyer, and historian, best known for his historical account on the Middle East, A Peace to End All Peace (1989), in which he recounts the role European powers played between 1914 and 1922 in creating the modern Middle East. The book was a finalist for both the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Fromkin has written seven books in total, with...more
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