The Naturalist: Theodore Roosevelt, A Lifetime of Exploration, and the Triumph of American Natural History
4.7 | 374 ratings
Price: 15.75
Last update: 02-02-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- CONNIE CHUCHLATR, a man of his time.The book points out the discrepency betweenTR's motives for hunting and preserving wild areas. He was definitely a sport hunter, killing wildlife for recreation. He also was an intelligent observer and student of nature. He did, however, fail to discern basic ecological relationships. He, as most of his contemporaries, viewed predators as vermin to be killed at any opportunity. The same day that he killed a bull snake in the process of killing its prey, a jackrabbit (predator/prey) in order to save the rabbit, he went out and killed a pronghorn. Was his motive for killing prey more justified than that of the snake? There was no victory dance for the snake, but TR let loose with one, shouting, "I got him!" (the pronghorn) twice. His actions that day seemed to be at odds with his precept of having a "soundness of head" rather than a "softness of heart". Yes, TR accomplished some good for conservation through the power of the presidency, but if one is discerning, he also did a lot of damage on an individual basis. His hunting exploits over the years were certainly for personal pleasure, yet at least some were justified as for scientific collection. If one reads enough about TR, reads his own words, it is obvious (or should be) where he was "coming from". This book was well written and interesting, but it was written by an animal collector. For many TR is the kind of man that can easily become a hero.
- Amazon CustomerExcellent choice!A gift to an avid reader and lover of American history. The reader was surprised to learn new and fascinating things about Teddy. The reader, at age 96, thought she knew all there was to know! I was inspired to choose this book after watching Kevin Costner’s program about Yellowstone National Park…..NOT meaning the mini series.
- Amazon CustomerInterestingThis was a good read that was full of great stories and facts surrounding Roosevelt’s life long affair with studying animals across the spectrum.
- nstoneWell writtenThis isn’t necessarily an unbiased look at TR, since it focuses so narrowly, but it was a really good, detailed read on that subject
- ChadA Must For History BuffsEnjoyed from the beginning to the very end. An incredible account of how Roosevelt helped shape our Natural History Museum.
- Kevin O.Well written and focusedI absolutely love this book. It is a bit brief on some points that I hold dear but it is very well written and edited for the point of history that is intended. I bought this book for myself years ago and have now been giving it out as a gift.
- Bob KThe Conservationist PresidentI've always respected Theodore Roosevelt for his conservation philosophy. This book presented much more on who the man really was. Although he was a great conservationist his main drive seemed to be the actual hunting of big game. That was somewhat disappointing, but it does not blind me to his accomplishments in conserving habitat and the wildlife that depend on it. I do recommend this book.
- Eric F.Great bookEverything arrived on time and as advertised