Overview

Among Theodore Roosevelt’s many initiatives, oneof the most important accomplishments was hiseffort to convince the nation that conserving theenvironment was crucial to its continued existence.For much of his presidency—often withoutcongressional assent—he acted to protect wildlifeand the natural world he so loved. Years of nationaltours, presidential edicts, and policy wranglingculminated in an unprecedented conference ofgovernors at the White House in 1908. LeroyG. Dorsey explores the rhetorical power ofRoosevelt’s address at this historic conservationsummit, specifically examining how the presidentpopularized the notion of conservation in the publicconsciousness. Much has been written on Roosevelt’s conservationpolicy, but surprisingly little attention has beengiven to this pivotal moment in the rhetorical rallyon its behalf. This book fills an important void inthe history of conservation, not only for studentsof political rhetoric but for all who seek a deeperunderstanding of a president so identified as achampion of the environment.

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9781623493998

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Taking the Governor's Conference of 1908 as his 'text, ' Leroy Dorsey demonstrates how Theodore Roosevelt successfully redefined the Frontier Myth from one featuring rugged individualism and moralism to one calling for prudence and wise use of natural resources. Roosevelt changed the terms of the debate, enhanced his own standing with the governors and members of Congress, and caused other stakeholders to take their own responsibilities more seriously. He also set the conservation agenda for decades to come. Scholars interested in the American presidency or early environmental policy will want to read this book. --Martin J. Medhurst, distinguished professor of rhetoric and communication, Baylor University-- (09/07/2015) Dorsey is one of the nation's best scholars on the frontier and it shows; he is the most prominent scholar of TR in the field and that shows too. -- Mary E. Stuckey-- (02/27/2015) Dorsey's book provides an insightful examination of Theodore Roosevelt's more understated use of the bully pulpit where he performed the role of a statesman more than a president carrying 'a big stick.' In the process, Dorsey's analysis demonstrates why Roosevelt's rhetoric on conservation continues to guide us as we grapple with such controversial environmental matters over 100 years later. --Shawn J. Parry-Giles, professor, department of communication, University of Maryland-- (09/07/2015) In this book, the leading interpreter of Theodore Roosevelt's rhetoric examines an under-studied speech, places it in a broader web of rhetorical actions relation to calling and promoting a national conference on conservation, and shows how these moves were pivotal in shifting perceptions of Roosevelt's leadership and American attitudes toward conservation. Unlike some scholars of the 'rhetorical presidency, ' Leroy Dorsey reveals the influence of presidential rhetoric when that term is understood in the broadest sense --David Zarefsky, author ofPresident Johnson's War on Poverty: Rhetoric and History and Lincoln, Douglas, and Slavery: In the Crucible of Public Debate-- (08/26/2015) Dorsey demonstrates that Roosevelt's speech at the 1908 Governors' Conference was a key moment in the development of both the modern rhetorical presidency and efforts to protect the environment. He persuasively argues that Roosevelt's recasting of myths of the nation's founding and the conquest of the frontier played a crucial role in energizing efforts to protect the natural environment. --Robert C. Rowland, author of Reagan at Westminster: Foreshadowing the End of the Cold War -- (07/22/2015)

Dorsey's book provides an insightful examination of Theodore Roosevelt's more understated use of the bully pulpit where he performed the role of a statesman more than a president carrying 'a big stick.' In the process, Dorsey's analysis demonstrates why Roosevelt's rhetoric on conservation continues to guide us as we grapple with such controversial environmental matters over 100 years later. --Shawn J. Parry-Giles, professor, department of communication, University of Maryland

Author Information

Leroy G. Dorsey is professor and chair of thedepartment of communication at the University ofMemphis, USA. He is the author of The Presidency andRhetorical Leadership and “We Are All Americans,Pure and Simple”: Theodore Roosevelt and the Myth ofAmericanism.

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