Book Review: The Wilderness Writings of Theodore Roosevelt, edited by Paul Schullery

The Wilderness Writings of Theodore Roosevelt, edited by Paul Schullery, is a thoughtful and engaging collection that highlights Roosevelt’s deep connection to the natural world. Spanning his travels from Washington, D.C. and Oyster Bay to Montana, Yosemite, and even South America, the book shows just how wide-ranging his love of wilderness truly was.

Divided into “Wilderness Adventures” and “Wilderness Preservation,” the collection balances vivid hunting accounts with reflections on conservation. Roosevelt writes with detail and enthusiasm, whether he’s tracking elk in Yellowstone or observing birds in Rock Creek Park. His constant attention to wildlife—even in everyday settings—shows how deeply ingrained nature was in his life.

Roosevelt’s passion for protecting the land is clear, especially in his criticisms of poachers and calls for responsible, accessible hunting. The book offers a well-rounded view of his environmental thinking and remains relevant and readable today. It’s a strong introduction to one of America’s earliest voices for conservation.

Disclaimer:
The Wilderness Writings of Theodore Roosevelt was edited by Paul Schullery and published by the University of Nebraska Press under its Bison Books imprint. I received access to this title through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and University of Nebraska Press under the Bison Books imprint for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Theodore Roosevelt was a lot of things. President, assistant secretary to the Navy, and Police Commissioner to name a few. He was also a life-long naturalist. He drew crazily accurate depictions of animals and plants, so reading his words about the wilderness was highly anticipated.

The book is divided into two sections: Wilderness Adventures and Wilderness Preservation. I have to be honest and say that I ended up skimming the Adventures section because of all the hunting. I've never understood how someone who loved being out in nature could want to kill so many animals. I'm not a big fan of descriptions of hunting.

However, the writings about Wilderness Preservation were wonderful and when TR's writings really shine. He thoroughly captures his love of protecting the land while insisting that responsible hunting is necessary. When Roosevelt was president, he protected hundreds of thousands of acres of land (the same lands that Felon 47 is allowing people to decimate right now) and created National Parks, Monuments, and bird refuges. This is his lasting legacy.

I love this book! I've read several TR biographies (Douglas Brinkley's being my favorite) often reference TR's words and writings in my personal and professional work. I love that this book consolidates his writings about the wilderness into one handy volume. TR had visionary ideas about the power and importance of wild places, and this book let's them all shine through in a concise volume. I'd recommend this to other TR and outdoor enthusiasts.

Theodore Roosevelt had a big personality and left a historic legacy. His storied life has so many interesting and unexpected moments. He worked a variety of capacities throughout his life: President, assistant secretary to the Navy, police commissioner, rancher, etc. but all along he enjoyed and appreciated his time in the outdoors. He has left future generations with many things, my favorite would be the National Parks System and refuges that have persisted with time.

I have read several biographies of TR, so it was enjoyable to read TR's writings directly from him. He was a prolific writer, passionate naturalist, and all around adventurer. It's inspiring reading, especially in a time when connection to nature is becoming more distant for many.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bison Books for the providing a digital copy. This review is written voluntarily.