Woodrow Wilson

By: Louis Auchincloss

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Woodrow Wilson sheds new light on Wilson’s upbringing and career and shows the grim determination that carried him to the presidency just before World War I. From the dynamic figure whose ringing speeches hypnotized vast crowds, to the gentle voice reading poetry to his children, to the rising academic and president of Princeton who made the giant leap into politics, here are all the triumphs and the final tragic irony of this flawed apostle of world peace. 

In this portrait of Woodrow Wilson, Auchincloss examines a president who is perhaps better remembered for the force of his personality than for his accomplishments. He leaves us to ponder the extent to which Wilson’s character shaped subsequent history.

Compelling listen!

Wonderful brief bio of Wilson that does a great job of helping you SEE the man and the President. Auchincloss also does a great job framing the bitter struggle between WW and Henry Cabot Lodge over the League of Nations.

Wilson Idolatry! Attempted White wash of any vice.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Fiction readers!

Has Woodrow Wilson turned you off from other books in this genre?

The writer repeatedly justifies away shortcomings of a President that he obviously idolizes, its a little sickening and sometimes uncomfortable to hear.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Paul Boehmer?

Someone with a less breathy voice.

What character would you cut from Woodrow Wilson?

Lodge

Any additional comments?

I just got done listening to McCullough history, there is a difference between interest in the real people of history and total worship/idolatry of a historical figure. Wilson is portrayed as someone barely short of Messiah.