Primary sourceLetter1919 (letters written earlier, published posthumously)

Theodore Roosevelt's Letters to His Children

Theodore Roosevelt · 1919 (letters written earlier, published posthumously)

A published collection of Roosevelt's personal, often illustrated letters to his children, showing his private life as a father.

These are Roosevelt's own letters to his children, showing his private, personal side.

Ask Theodore Roosevelt about this source View the original

Dark green cloth book cover with a white library label in the upper left corner reading UC-NRLF and a barcode with the number B 4 098 232. — Theodore Roosevelt, Letters to His Children, ed. Joseph Bucklin Bishop, 1919. Houghton Library, Harvard University (originals).

About this source

What it is

This is a book of letters written by Theodore Roosevelt to his children, edited by Joseph Bucklin Bishop and published in 1919. The original letters are held at Houghton Library, Harvard University.

Why it matters

The letters were written during Roosevelt's presidency and earlier years, including from military camp and the White House. They show a playful, affectionate side of Roosevelt rarely seen in his public speeches, describing animals, travels and family life. They help students see the man behind the politician and the relationship between a busy public figure and his family.

Look closer

What does the tone of these letters tell you about Roosevelt's relationship with his children?
Why might an editor have chosen to publish these private letters after Roosevelt's death?
How does this private writing differ from Roosevelt's public speeches?

This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Theodore Roosevelt on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.