Some of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Mark Lee Gardner, author of To Hell on a Fast Horse, Shot All to Hell, and Rough Riders, at this year's PLA in Denver. Mark is one of the world's leading experts on all things Teddy Roosevelt, and his latest, Rough Riders, is the definitive account of the legendary fighting force led by Teddy during the Spanish-American War. Sparkling reviews are pouring in, so check out the love and pick up a copy here.
“Gardner’s work benefits from his careful examination of private diaries, newspaper reports, and other records of the volunteer force. Those stories, many overlooked until now, provide rich detail and let common soldiers share the historical spotlight with Roosevelt. Rough Riders is a must-read for Roosevelt aficionados and those who appreciate compelling stories of military history.” — USA Today (3 1/2 out of four stars)
"One of the 'iconic moments in American history' is scrutinized in heroic detail. Numerous quotes from letters, journals, and memoirs bring this adventurous story to life. Gardner's short-paragraphed, fast-paced, and thoroughly researched addition will appeal to teens as well. A rousing and robust story about the immortal charge and the significant role played in the war by Theodore Roosevelt, the only American president to be awarded the Medal of Honor." — Kirkus Reviews
"Gardner delivers rousing blow-by-blow accounts of the various battles and showcases Roosevelt’s hypermasculine panache, along with his scrappy troopers’ eagerness for a “bully fight” in what Roosevelt’s friend John Hay called a 'splendid little war.'" — Library Journal
“Rough Riders is a finely-honed and fresh look at this country’s only ‘cowboy’ regiment to ever see combat.” — John Milius, co-screenwriter of Apocalypse Now and director of The Wind and the Lion and Rough Riders (1997 TV film), both about Roosevelt
“Rough Riders is excellent! It is first-rate history and a ripping yarn that shines new light on Theodore Roosevelt’s extraordinary life.” — Ron Hansen, author of The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
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