Ranch Life and the Hunting-Trail

What it is

This book, written by Theodore Roosevelt and published in 1888 by The Century Co., describes his experiences of ranch life and hunting in the American West, particularly North Dakota. It was illustrated by the artist Frederic Remington.

Why it matters

The book shows Roosevelt's time as a rancher and cowboy before his political career, and his deep connection to the western frontier. Remington's illustrations, paired with Roosevelt's text, helped shape popular images of cowboys and ranch life in America at the time.

Look closer

• Why might Roosevelt have chosen Frederic Remington specifically to illustrate this book?
• What does the book's focus on cowboys and ranching tell you about Roosevelt's identity before he became president?
• How might the illustrations shape a reader's idea of the