The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt

The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (1979) is a Pulitzer Prize winning biography of President Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. It is the first in a trilogy, with the second volume Theodore Rex published in 2001 and the third volume Colonel Roosevelt in late 2010.

The Rise covers the time period from Roosevelt's birth through his ascendancy to the Presidency. It includes the Roosevelt family history starting with his parents influence, his turbulent childhood illnesses, education, involvement in politics and accomplishments in politics that prepared him to be one of the most influential presidents of the modern era. Specific topics include the philosophy of Theodore's father, mother, and his family. His passion for learning despite severe illness is well documented. Morris reports that TR probably read the equivalent of one book per day during his life.

Morris examines his life as a young politician driven by a sense of public duty and stewardship, and captures multiple aspects of the events that shaped the character and performance of TR. The book provides insight into the world of influence from a master of corporate power vs. leaders who practice personal power.

Topics include: Early childhood, education and hobbies, travels in Europe and Africa, New York legislature, frontier life, civil service commissioner, New York police commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, the Rough Riders and victory in Cuba, Governor of New York, and short term as Vice President.

Film adaptation

The book will be made into a movie scheduled to be released in 2013. Originally Martin Scorsese was slated to direct the project, but has since dropped out, though not ruling out the possibility of producing the film. The script will be written by Nicholas Meyer and Paramount Pictures announced that it will be released in 2013.