The Bully Pulpit

Name: The Bully Pulpit
Brand: Simon & Schuster
SKU: 9781416547877
Price: 69.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism

By Doris Kearns Goodwin

4.14

( 22,976 ratings, 2,203 reviews)

Summary

The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin delves into the intertwined lives of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, exploring their rise to power and subsequent rift. It showcases their dynamic interactions with the press, highlighting how this relationship reshaped American politics at the dawn of the 20th century. The book offers a richly detailed look at the progressive leaders' influence on reform, grounded in transformative journalism.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$69⁰⁰

OVERNIGHT DELIVERY ACROSS NZ

The Bully Pulpit

$69⁰⁰

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in American history, particularly the Progressive Era and the intriguing lives and complex relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. With its in-depth exploration of their dynamic and the power of the press during the early 20th century, it offers a captivating narrative for fans of presidential biographies and political insights.

The Bully Pulpit

Description

The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a compelling exploration of a pivotal era in American history, vividly detailing the entwined narratives of two of its most influential figures, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Set against the backdrop of the Progressive era—a period marked by rapid change and sweeping reform—Goodwin masterfully chronicles the dynamic friendship and subsequent rivalry between Roosevelt and Taft. Their relationship begins as a supportive camaraderie, buoying each other through political challenges, only to become a spectacle of political opposition that rocked the US political landscape and paved the way for Democrat Woodrow Wilson's presidency.

This stirring narrative also sheds light on the role of the muckraking press in shaping public opinion and awakening the nation to the necessity of reform. Goodwin introduces readers to the formidable journalists of McClure’s Magazine, including Ida Tarbell, Ray Stannard Baker, Lincoln Steffens, and William Allen White. Under the eclectic leadership of S.S. McClure, these muckrakers played an instrumental role in influencing Roosevelt's efforts to challenge the status quo. Their groundbreaking investigative work helped to confront the rampant corruption of the time—be it targeting shadowy political figures or the corporate exploitation of natural resources—pushing the government toward greater accountability and transparency.

What sets The Bully Pulpit apart is its foundation on extensive primary sources. Goodwin meticulously sifts through personal correspondence and diaries, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of Roosevelt and Taft. The exchange of over four hundred letters between the two men unveils their personal and political struggles, while the diaries kept by their wives, Edith Roosevelt and Nellie Taft, as well as the letters and journals of renowned muckrakers, enrich the narrative, casting light on various perspectives of this transformative period.

Furthermore, Captain Archie Butt’s letters, written as a personal aide to both Roosevelt and Taft, deliver unique insights into their personalities and leadership styles. These intimate documents reveal a personal side often obscured by public persona, helping readers to better understand the complex dynamics of friendship, ambition, and ideology that defined this era.

With her hallmark blend of scholarly precision, narrative flair, and an eye for human drama, Doris Kearns Goodwin presents a meticulously researched and engaging account that not only traces the roots of American reform but also examines the essence of leadership. The Bully Pulpit stands as a testament to a moment in history when the country's ideals were reshaped, reflecting the enduring legacy of Roosevelt and Taft's unique brand of political activism. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the intricate tapestry of leadership and historical change.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin is praised for its engaging and detailed narrative, effectively bringing the early 20th century to life, particularly the Progressive Era. Critics commend Goodwin's ability to interweave the lives of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft with the influential journalists of the time, resulting in a vivid portrayal of political and social dynamics. Her exploration of the era's crucial role of the press and her storytelling prowess have been highlighted as major strengths, making the book an enjoyable and informative read.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781416547877

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 September 2014

Imprint: Simon & Schuster

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 43.0mm

Width: 155.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 1179g

Pages: 912

Collections

All Books Biography & Memoir Doris Kearns Goodwin Non-Fiction Tim's Books

About the Author

Doris Kearns Goodwin's work for President Johnson inspired her career as a presidential historian. Her first book was Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream. She followed up with the Pulitzer Prize-winning No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Homefront in World War II. She earned the Lincoln Prize for Team of Rivals, in part the basis for Steven Spielberg's film Lincoln, and the Carnegie Medal for The Bully Pulpit, about the friendship between Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Her bestselling Leadership: In Turbulent Times was the inspiration for the History Channel docuseries on Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt, which she executive produced. Her most recent book, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, provides a front-row seat to the pivotal people--JFK, LBJ, RFK, and MLK--and events of this momentous decade.