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An Autobiography · Chapters

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Chapter companions for An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt.

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  1. Chapter 1

    Frontispiece

    The frontispiece features a portrait of President Theodore Roosevelt, painted by P. Lazlo.

  2. Chapter 2

    An Autobiography

    The opening chapter of Theodore Roosevelt's autobiography, introducing his early life, family heritage, and the formative experiences that shaped his character and public service career.

  3. Chapter 3

    Boyhood and Youth

    Theodore Roosevelt recounts his early childhood, family life, and the formative influences of his parents, particularly his father's discipline and moral guidance. He describes his love for natural history, reading adventures by Mayne Reid and others, and the joyful traditions of Christmas and Thanksgiving. The chapter also touches on his mother's Southern heritage, the Civil War's impact on his family, and his early education through stories and lessons.

  4. Chapter 4

    II: The Vigor of Life

    Roosevelt distinguishes between two types of success: the extraordinary, innate ability of a rare few, and the more common success achieved through hard work, perseverance, and self-discipline. He describes his own struggles to overcome physical weakness and fear through relentless training, sharing anecdotes of boxing, riding, hunting, and walking. The chapter emphasizes the importance of physical vigor and the cultivation of courage, culminating in his efforts as President to improve the physical fitness of army officers.

  5. Chapter 5

    Practical Politics

    Roosevelt reflects on his early political career in the New York Legislature, emphasizing the need to combine decency with efficiency, the importance of personal character and initiative, and the lessons learned from navigating political factions, corruption, and demagoguery. He recounts humorous anecdotes and serious struggles, underscoring the necessity of clean conduct, practical idealism, and collective action in public service.

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  1. Chapter 6In Cowboy Land
  2. Chapter 7Applied Idealism
  3. Chapter 8VI: The New York Police
  4. Chapter 9VII: The War of America the Unready
  5. Chapter 10Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
  6. Chapter 11Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'
  7. Chapter 12VIII: The New York Governorship
  8. Chapter 13Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
  9. Chapter 14Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'
  10. Chapter 15IX: Outdoors and Indoors
  11. Chapter 16The Presidency; Making an Old Party Progressive
  12. Chapter 17The Natural Resources of the Nation
  13. Chapter 18The Big Stick and the Square Deal
  14. Chapter 19Social and Industrial Justice
  15. Chapter 20Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
  16. Chapter 21The Monroe Doctrine and the Panama Canal
  17. Chapter 22Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
  18. Chapter 23The Peace of Righteousness
  19. Chapter 24Appendix A: The Trusts, the People, and the Square Deal
  20. Chapter 25Appendix B: The Control of Corporations and 'The New Freedom'
  21. Chapter 26Appendix C: The Blaine Campaign
  22. Chapter 27Endnotes
  23. Chapter 28List of Illustrations