The Lion's Pride: Theodore Roosevelt and His Family in Peace and War

by Edward J. Renehan Jr.

In The Lion's Pride, Edward J. Renehan, Jr. vividly portrays the grand idealism, heroic bravery, and reckless abandon that Theodore Roosevelt both embodied and bequeathed to his children and the tragic fulfillment of that legacy on the battlefields of World War I.
Drawing upon a wealth of previously unavailable materials, including letters and unpublished memoirs, The Lion's Pride takes us inside what is surely the most extraordinary family ever to occupy the White House. Theodore Roosevelt believed deeply that those who had been blessed with wealth, influence, and education were duty bound to lead, even--perhaps especially--if it meant risking their lives to preserve the ideals of democratic civilization. Teddy put his principles, and his life, to the test in the Spanish American war, and raised his children to believe they could do no less. When America finally entered the "European conflict" in 1917, all four of his sons eagerly enlisted and used their influence not to avoid the front lines but to get there as quickly as possible. Their heroism in France and the Middle East matched their father's at San Juan Hill. All performed with selfless--some said Two of the boys, Archie and Ted, Jr., were seriously wounded, and
Quentin, the youngest, was killed in a dogfight with seven German planes. Thus, the war that Teddy had lobbied for so furiously brought home a grief that broke his heart. He was buried a few months after his youngest child.
Filled with the voices of the entire Roosevelt family, The Lion's Pride gives us the most intimate and moving portrait ever published of the fierce bond between Teddy Roosevelt and his remarkable children.

Genres: Biography, History, Presidents, American History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, World War I

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Currently publishing as Edward Renehan

Edward John Renehan, Jr. (born c 1956) is a publisher, consultant and writer, and onetime professional musician. He made headlines in 2008 when he was convicted of document theft.

Reviews

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because Theodore Roosevelt is such a dynamic character. I expected from the title that his children would be the star of it, but, true to TR's form, he dominated the book's small stage. What his relationships with his children showed about HIM tends to be at the center of the author's interest. Nevertheless, the anecdotes are interesting and, once TR passes on and doesn't overshadow his now grown children, we actually do learn some interesting things about them. For instance, what reader cannot be enthralled by the fact that Theodore Roosevelt's son and namesake stormed the beach at D-Day, at the age of 57, with HIS own son involved in the invasion. This stuff cannot be made up.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a friend who shares my admiration for Teddy Roosevelt and it's pretty good. However, I just finished "Colonel Roosevelt" which is the last volume of Edmund Morris's Roosevelt trilogy, and the definitive work on the man. Therefore, The Lion's Pride felt like a Cliff's Note, or a long magazine article.

Still, if you're not familiar with the old Rough Rider, this book would be a good primer.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly interesting. It's great for history buffs, TR enthusiasts, but also just plain good material for fathers. There is insight both for the eras these figures lived in but also the written interaction among people who lived then.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - the last chapters especially were deeply moving. A critic can find much to fault with the Roosevelt family, some of it justified; but there is something affecting about the four sons of a former president all serving their country in front line combat. And Ted Jr. and Archie in WWII! Respectively, the oldest participant in D-Day (who also received a Congressional Medal of Honor), and Archie the only man to twice be considered 100% combat disabled. The Lion's pride indeed.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I know this book was written 25 years ago but didn't know that when it was made available through the Audible Plus membership. Since I consume all things Roosevelt, I hoped for something new.

Roosevelt had six children: four males and two females. However, you wouldn't know that from this book. It's all about the men. Ethel kept a mostly private life, but Alice had just as colorful life as her brothers. Just because she didn't serve in the military and win some awards does not mean she did not live an impactful life.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. 3.5 stars only because my mind wanders during political sections, which of course, have to be included. I love learning about the personal lives of others, especially including the Roosevelt family. The final CD was an interview with the author. I really enjoyed hearing the interview.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting snapshot of Roosevelt' life and of his children. Some very sad and short.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this and look forward to reading more about TR and his legacy.

[Nick Dupree · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a TR fan, you'll definitely be keenly interested in this book. It brings you into incidents in TR's later life (and those of his kids) seldom heard of in TR canon. All of his kids seem to become heroes, forming a powerful American dynasty which evidently quietly continues into the present—though later Roosevelts aren't mentioned, to my disappointment. Also not mentioned much is Alice Roosevelt and all the consternation and controversy she created, decade after decade, even living long enough to spar with Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes in the 1970s, knocking him back on his heels with her quick (and sometimes off-color) wit. That this isn't mentioned is a minus.

The author has a tendency to emphasize courage, honor, chivalrous World War I moments of the sons and daughter Ethel, and Roosevelt family values. Ethel is an absolute heroine as a nurse in the war in France, saving lives as German shells explode around her; finally, she gets the credit long due her. TR is delightful, especially as a grandfather. I can picture an old military man enjoying sharing this book with his children or grandchildren. Those big on family and military honor and the like will love this book. If not, you'll feel most of the book is devoted to moments and facts obscure enough to only interest TR aficionados. I learned, for example, that Theodore and wife Edith were relatively late adopters of the home telephone, a historic detail not found in any book about TR I've read, and I've read a dozen or more.

I am a TR aficionado, I really liked the book. It provides a perspective on TR and family not available elsewhere. From me, four stars. I heartily recommend it for ages 12 and up.

[Aubrey Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved studying Theodore Roosevelt. I read Mornings on Hourseback, his Autobiography, and The Lion's Pride in order. The nobility of this great man is very inspiring. The stands he took as a leader have greatly shaped our country. As a dabbling libertarian I am uncomfortable with many of the stances he took, but I can't help but admire some of the results. His stance on conservation and the national parks it secured for the generations to come is something in profoundly thankful for. His stance on worldwide relations and militarism might be untenable but I wish they won't. The cost of unrighteousness peace must be higher than the cost of war.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it’s a bit dry, but very interesting nonetheless. This book chronicles the life of Theodore Roosevelt – his goals, his thoughts, his loves, etc. He overcame asthma by sheer force of will, he created the largest national park in the country, he befriended mountain men, cowboys and ne’er-do-wells. It’s a great insight into the life of this oft overlooked president.

[Keli Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this in my car... I had to renew it at the library...because it took me over 3 weeks...It was BORING in some parts..and I wish they had told more about how the kids were at the white house..but I am a big fan of Alice Roosevelt Longfellow and Quentin Roosevelt I loved hearing those stories very interesting...and I feel so smart now!!!

[Bcoghill Coghill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've already read bios of T.R. & I don't really care about his sons. I will read the book about floating the amazon instead.
You don't have to finish every book you start.
This is probably an all right book but not for me right now.

[Eileen]

I am listening to this on tape. There is a lot about WWI I wasn't aware of. Good so far

[Jill sometime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insight into an amazing life and his family.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biography on President Theodore Roosevelt and his children. A man and his children that always seemed to put 110% into everything they attempted.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook. I had already read a few books about Theodore Roosevelt, this added another layer to my knowledge. I really enjoyed it.

[Jfarley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of the Oyster Bay children... a not so well known, and fascinating story.

[Kit Sublett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. A different perspective on one of the most fascinating people in history.

[Huston Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much T.R. and not enough T.R. offspring. Left me feeling unfulfilled in regards to the title.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really neat history of not necessarily Teddy himself, but more of the dynamic between he and his kids set against the run up to WW I.

The Roosevelts were one seriously bad-ass family.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the family side of this man's life.