"But it is by no means easy to combine honesty and efficiency; and yet it is absolutely necessary in order to do any work really worth doing." Known as the first modern president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) never ceased to address his Americanist beliefs. From practical aspects of politics like state legislation to a more philosophical approach, his collection of essays does not only reflect the contemporary state of a nation, but also projects an image of the man behind the politician. First published more than a hundred years ago, his ideals are still mirrored in today's American society and provide insight into a political system that is founded on nationalist and patriotic ideals.