Some men throughout history set the standards for the meaning of “being a man”. Churchill, Roosevelt, Hemingway and Kennedy (to name a few) have become synonymous names with the likeness and image of the modern man, but if you ever felt inclined to broaden your knowledge on any of these men, then here are the books you need to read to do so.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Seven men in one–naturalist, writer, lover, hunter, cowboy, soldier, and politician, Theodore Roosevelt, by the turn of the century, built himself up from a frail, asthmatic boy to become the youngest and most charismatic president in our history to that time. Edmund Morris has written an extremely readable, highly entertaining, and factually sound biography. In “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,” he completely captures the essence of this towering early twentieth century figure, making him totally relevant to today’s readers. “The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt” is a biography that’s indeed very well worth reading. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Churchill Style
One of the most iconic and endlessly fascinating figures of the 20th century, Winston Churchill has been the subject of any number of books, but none of them have analyzed his lifestyle as a way to really understand the man. This book features a vivid and entertaining timeline of his public history, but also focuses on the more personal, nonwork aspects of his day-to-day life, covering topics such as autos, books, cigars, dining, fashion, home, libations, and pastimes. Churchill lived an extravagant life, but in reality did not have much money. His ability to live well beyond his means is a lesson that will intrigue many. Churchill Style
Jack Kennedy
Chris Matthews conversational approach to telling the widely known story of JFK is the reason it keeps its luster throughout the book. He eloquently transforms the sick boy who never wanted to be alone into a war hero, politician and ultimately the President. The difference between this read and other biographies on Jack, is the weakness JFK had to endure throughout a large portion of his life. In most other books his sickness is trumped by the charisma and mask of JFK we all have stamped in our heads. Jack Kennedy
Hemingway’s Boat
Focusing on the years 1934 to 1961—from Hemingway’s pinnacle as the reigning monarch of American letters until his suicide—Paul Hendrickson traces the writer’s exultations and despair around the one constant in his life during this time: his beloved boat, Pilar.
We follow him from Key West to Paris, to New York, Africa, Cuba, and finally Idaho, as he wrestles with his best angels and worst demons. Whenever he could, he returned to his beloved fishing cruiser, to exult in the sea, to fight the biggest fish he could find, to drink, to entertain celebrities and friends and seduce women, to be with his children. But as he began to succumb to the diseases of fame, we see that Pilar was also where he cursed his critics, saw marriages and friendships dissolve, and tried, in vain, to escape his increasingly diminished capacities. Hemingway’s Boat
Churchill By Himself
A collection of sayings from the outspoken English legend. Winston Churchill was one of the most inspiring leaders of the twentieth century, and one of its greatest wits. War reporter, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Prime Minister, Nobel Laureate, wordplay enthusiast, he was a powerful man of many words. Throughout his life, he moved, entertained, and sometimes enraged people with his notorious wit and razor-sharp tongue. Consequently, he is one of the most oft-quoted and misquoted leaders in recent history. Now in paperback, Churchill by Himself is the first fully annotated and attributed collection of Churchill sayings. Churchill
Honorable Mention:
Screw It Lets Do It
A first person account of the times and success of the Virgin mogul. “Throughout my life I have achieved many remarkable things. In Screw It, Let’s Do It, I will share with you my ideas and the secrets of my success, but not simply because I hope they’ll help you achieve your individual goals. Today we are increasingly aware of the effects of our actions on the environment, and I strongly believe that we each have a responsibility, as individuals and organisations, to do no harm.” -Sir Dick Branson Screw It Lets Do It
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