This book talks about an American president who carefully crafted his public image, who believed in white supremacy, and who make cocky and illegal diplomatic deals with Asian countries. This is a readable account of America's empire-building years. The author describes the lens of racial thinking that American politicians saw the world through and how it justified imperialistic aims. We get a history of the American take-over of the Philippines andAmerica's secret deals with Japan during the Russo-Japanese War. This book definitely took a lot of the shine off of Teddy Roosevelt, and that came mainly from quotes of Teddy's. Recommended for those interested in history from the imperial era.

I’m really torn on this one. I appreciated the eye-opening facts about Theodore Roosevelt and the lead up to WWII, but the premise (the cruise) is misleading.
Also, the author certainly had a bone to pick, and though he may be justified in his views, he very much cherry-picked his historical facts to feed his narrative. It was a little like watching Fox News in book form.

The author really, really doesn't like Teddy Roosevelt, and after reading this well-researched and -cited book I can see why.

Should not have wasted the time or money on this one.

Anyone who thought Teddy Roosevelt was an enlightened man should read this book.

Disturbing book about our country's mistreatment of Hawaii, China, the Philipines and Japan under Theodore Roosevelt. I've read some critiques of the book in reviews, specifically about its accuracy. It seems credible, though I concede I am not a historian. Our country's terrible actions in the Philipines are well known -- including the fact we waterboarded Filipinos -- as is the way we simply stole Hawaii from the natives. As for China, I recommend the book Driven Out by Jean Pfaelzer for a good understanding of the prejudice Chinese immigrants faced. There is reason to believe Bradley got it right in The Imperial Cruise. What I learned is disturbing and disappointing. Roosevelt was not the hero we make him out to be. We could have been -- and could be -- so much better.

Informative and depressing at the same time. Unfortunately we taught the world some of the bad behavior we're currently seeing.

It is very rare for me to not stick it out for at least 50 pages of a book, but I gave up on this one after less than 40. It only took that long to find out that Bradley was for some reason out to bash Teddy Roosevelt, and for that matter white people in general. Too bad, because I thoroughly enjoyed his first two books, but for whatever reason he really has it out for TR. You'd think that Teddy killed James' dog an stole his inheritance the way he goes after him. Again, too bad because Brady is capable of so much better.