Theodore Roosevelt's daughter Alice Roosevelt Longworth once remarked that if her Auntie Bye had been a man, she would have been the president.
Anna Roosevelt Cowles was Theodore Roosevelt's older sister by almost four years. She was nicknamed Bamie as a child. Her siblings, nieces, and nephews later called her Auntie Bye because she was always on the go.
After overcoming a childhood disability, Bamie grew into a tower of strength for her immediate family and supported them throughout her life, especially after her father passed away. She also assisted her extended family at every opportunity.
Throughout his life, Bamie was Theodores close confidante and political advisor, as well as a guiding force to other family members and friends. She was the only family member to encourage Theodore to enter politics. She planned her brother's political campaigns with Cabot Lodge and other Washington luminaries.
She used her charm, perceptive judgment, and extensive contacts on both sides of the Atlantic to promote TR and his policies while and after she served as an unofficial ambassador to England.
In Washington, Anna hosted regular luncheons and parties to help Theodore meet people and discuss issues with them. In fact, while he was president, Theodore was so often at his sister's DC home that it was referred to as the other White House. He wrote her weekly letters, explaining he needed her help in clarifying his thoughts.
Anna was a history-maker in her own right, helping to establish the US Army's corps of nurses.
Author Lillian Rixey was the grand-niece of TRs White House physician and a journalist who was given access to unpublished material including a memoir that Bamie wrote for her son.
This sparkling biography overflows with personal writings from the close-knit Roosevelt family and quotes from journalists and significant historical figures.