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When the Cheering Stopped: The Last Years of Woodrow Wilson
The poignant true story of an American president struck by tragedy at the height of his glory.
This New York Times bestseller vividly chronicles the stunning decline in Woodrow Wilson’s fortunes after World War I and draws back the curtain on one of the strangest episodes in the history of the American presidency.
Author Gene Smith brilliantly captures the drama and excitement of Wilson’s efforts at the Paris Peace Conference to forge a lasting concord between enemies, and his remarkable coast-to-coast tour to sway national opinion in favor of the League of Nations. During this grueling jaunt across 8,000 miles in less than a month, Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke that left him an invalid and a recluse, shrouding his final years in office in shadow and mystery.
In graceful and dramatic prose, Smith portrays a White House mired in secrets, with a commander in chief kept behind closed doors, unseen by anyone except his doctor and his devoted second wife, Edith Galt Wilson, a woman of strong will with less than an elementary school education who, for all intents and purposes, led the government of the most powerful nation in the world for two years.
When the Cheering Stopped is a gripping true story of duty, courage, and deceit, and an unforgettable portrait of a visionary leader whose valiant struggle and tragic fall changed the course of world history.
This New York Times bestseller vividly chronicles the stunning decline in Woodrow Wilson’s fortunes after World War I and draws back the curtain on one of the strangest episodes in the history of the American presidency.
Author Gene Smith brilliantly captures the drama and excitement of Wilson’s efforts at the Paris Peace Conference to forge a lasting concord between enemies, and his remarkable coast-to-coast tour to sway national opinion in favor of the League of Nations. During this grueling jaunt across 8,000 miles in less than a month, Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke that left him an invalid and a recluse, shrouding his final years in office in shadow and mystery.
In graceful and dramatic prose, Smith portrays a White House mired in secrets, with a commander in chief kept behind closed doors, unseen by anyone except his doctor and his devoted second wife, Edith Galt Wilson, a woman of strong will with less than an elementary school education who, for all intents and purposes, led the government of the most powerful nation in the world for two years.
When the Cheering Stopped is a gripping true story of duty, courage, and deceit, and an unforgettable portrait of a visionary leader whose valiant struggle and tragic fall changed the course of world history.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1964
194 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Gene Smith
38 books10 followersEugene Owen Smith was born in Manhattan on May 9, 1929, to Sara and Julius Smith. His father was a lawyer. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in history, he attended law school (at his father’s insistence) for six months.
After dropping out, he was drafted into the Army and served in Germany in the early 1950s. Returning to New York, Mr. Smith got a job as a clerk at Newsweek and by 1956 was a reporter at The Newark Star-Ledger
.
He joined The New York Post a year later and left in 1960 to write his first book, “The Life and Death of Serge Rubinstein” (1962), about the still-unsolved 1955 murder of an unscrupulous Wall Street millionaire.
Among Mr. Smith’s other books are “When the Cheering Stopped: The Last Years of Woodrow Wilson,” (1964); “High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Impeachment and Trial of Andrew Johnson” (1977); “Lee and Grant: A Dual Biography” (1984); and “Until the Last Trumpet Sounds: The Life of General of the Armies John J. Pershing” (1998), a study of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I.
Shortly before his death, Mr. Smith wrote a brief obituary of himself, in third-person singular. It says, “He used to muse that if there was an afterlife — granted a long shot, he said — he’d love it for the opportunities offered to interview people he studied in life.”
Mr. Smith died from bone cancer; he was eighty-three at the time of his death.
After dropping out, he was drafted into the Army and served in Germany in the early 1950s. Returning to New York, Mr. Smith got a job as a clerk at Newsweek and by 1956 was a reporter at The Newark Star-Ledger
.
He joined The New York Post a year later and left in 1960 to write his first book, “The Life and Death of Serge Rubinstein” (1962), about the still-unsolved 1955 murder of an unscrupulous Wall Street millionaire.
Among Mr. Smith’s other books are “When the Cheering Stopped: The Last Years of Woodrow Wilson,” (1964); “High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Impeachment and Trial of Andrew Johnson” (1977); “Lee and Grant: A Dual Biography” (1984); and “Until the Last Trumpet Sounds: The Life of General of the Armies John J. Pershing” (1998), a study of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I.
Shortly before his death, Mr. Smith wrote a brief obituary of himself, in third-person singular. It says, “He used to muse that if there was an afterlife — granted a long shot, he said — he’d love it for the opportunities offered to interview people he studied in life.”
Mr. Smith died from bone cancer; he was eighty-three at the time of his death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 21, 2015
Gene Smith chose a very apt title for his book, as that is indeed what it is about: when things collapsed, in more than one way, for Woodrow Wilson. The book focuses primarily on the period 1919-1924, the beginning of which we see Wilson making a triumphant entry into Paris. He is wildly cheered there and everywhere he goes throughout Europe. But the lovefest ends quickly as Wilson becomes embroiled in arguments and conflict with the other leaders of the Allies concerning the peace treaty to officially end WWI. Wilson's health begins to falter, and even more importantly, his mental state starts to deteriorate with him becoming paranoid and unyielding.
He returns to the U.S. and almost immediately embarks on a colossal tour of the country in an effort to drum up support for American entry into the ill-fated and impotent League of Nations. A group of Senators, led by the haughty Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts, is bent on killing the treaty. Smith never goes into what the actual reservations were that Lodge offered. Smith apparently assumed that anyone reading this book would know what they are. Wilson is wracked by severe headaches, is forced to cancel the trip before it was complete, and suffers a massive and debilitating stroke only a few days after returning to the White House. Seventeen months remained in his presidency, yet he remained in office. He did so, despite being almost totally incapacitated, by virtue of a cabal between his wife, Edith Bolling, and his physician, Dr. Cary Grayson. Together, they hide the real extent of Wilson's disability from virtually everyone. Meanwhile, the business of government almost grounds to a halt as important matters (Ambassadorial appointments, recognition of Costa Rica, legislation) pile up and go completely unanswered.
Smith is largely sympathetic to Wilson's wife, as well as Grayson. But he focuses much more on Edith. His portrait of her is that of a devoted and selfless wife trying to save her husband's life and keep his fragile health from deteriorating any further. At one juncture, he even states that her and Grayson's operation was a "success." Well, that depends on what you are measuring as success. If he means that she helped to keep Wilson alive, then yes that would certainly qualify as a success. But if he was speaking of the presidential duties being carried out, that could only be classified as a failure.
Smith's point that Edith was not seeking power and truly was just operating with her husband's best interests in mind is valid. I do not think that she was brazenly attempting to run the country or that she made decisions without seriously thinking about what he would have done had he been well. But, this was a charade and it proved costly to the country as the Red Scare by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer swung into high gear, and the Senate debates over U.S. acceptance of the treaty for the League of Nations reached a crescendo. There was nothing but silence from the White House. The people had elected Woodrow Wilson to be President, not anyone else, not even his wife. If Wilson could not effectively carry out the duties and functions of his office - and he was nowhere even close to being able to do that - then he needed to have resigned.
Wilson was a physically broken man - paralyzed on his left side, confined to a wheelchair for several months, and even after that he was only able to walk (more like shuffle) with the help of a cane and someone to hold onto him. He was an invalid. But his mental deterioration was just as alarming: he could no longer focus on issues, or provide anything remotely close to the concentration required by a president. He was irrational, and no longer able to control his emotions. Wilson refused to resign, and even - incredulously - expected to be nominated for a third term in 1920! Something like this would not be able to happen today, and that is a good thing.
The last part of the book concerns Wilson's brief post-presidency years. He lived slightly less than three years after leaving office. His wife and Dr. Grayson doted on him and provided him constant care. Wilson never did recover from his stroke, although a few times he was able to stand on his own. While Smith praises Edith for her selfless devotion to him, it seems to me that she comes across in all other aspects as a rather cruel and unforgiving person - nursing lifelong grudges against people over seemingly trivial matters.
Grade: D+
He returns to the U.S. and almost immediately embarks on a colossal tour of the country in an effort to drum up support for American entry into the ill-fated and impotent League of Nations. A group of Senators, led by the haughty Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts, is bent on killing the treaty. Smith never goes into what the actual reservations were that Lodge offered. Smith apparently assumed that anyone reading this book would know what they are. Wilson is wracked by severe headaches, is forced to cancel the trip before it was complete, and suffers a massive and debilitating stroke only a few days after returning to the White House. Seventeen months remained in his presidency, yet he remained in office. He did so, despite being almost totally incapacitated, by virtue of a cabal between his wife, Edith Bolling, and his physician, Dr. Cary Grayson. Together, they hide the real extent of Wilson's disability from virtually everyone. Meanwhile, the business of government almost grounds to a halt as important matters (Ambassadorial appointments, recognition of Costa Rica, legislation) pile up and go completely unanswered.
Smith is largely sympathetic to Wilson's wife, as well as Grayson. But he focuses much more on Edith. His portrait of her is that of a devoted and selfless wife trying to save her husband's life and keep his fragile health from deteriorating any further. At one juncture, he even states that her and Grayson's operation was a "success." Well, that depends on what you are measuring as success. If he means that she helped to keep Wilson alive, then yes that would certainly qualify as a success. But if he was speaking of the presidential duties being carried out, that could only be classified as a failure.
Smith's point that Edith was not seeking power and truly was just operating with her husband's best interests in mind is valid. I do not think that she was brazenly attempting to run the country or that she made decisions without seriously thinking about what he would have done had he been well. But, this was a charade and it proved costly to the country as the Red Scare by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer swung into high gear, and the Senate debates over U.S. acceptance of the treaty for the League of Nations reached a crescendo. There was nothing but silence from the White House. The people had elected Woodrow Wilson to be President, not anyone else, not even his wife. If Wilson could not effectively carry out the duties and functions of his office - and he was nowhere even close to being able to do that - then he needed to have resigned.
Wilson was a physically broken man - paralyzed on his left side, confined to a wheelchair for several months, and even after that he was only able to walk (more like shuffle) with the help of a cane and someone to hold onto him. He was an invalid. But his mental deterioration was just as alarming: he could no longer focus on issues, or provide anything remotely close to the concentration required by a president. He was irrational, and no longer able to control his emotions. Wilson refused to resign, and even - incredulously - expected to be nominated for a third term in 1920! Something like this would not be able to happen today, and that is a good thing.
The last part of the book concerns Wilson's brief post-presidency years. He lived slightly less than three years after leaving office. His wife and Dr. Grayson doted on him and provided him constant care. Wilson never did recover from his stroke, although a few times he was able to stand on his own. While Smith praises Edith for her selfless devotion to him, it seems to me that she comes across in all other aspects as a rather cruel and unforgiving person - nursing lifelong grudges against people over seemingly trivial matters.
Grade: D+
January 19, 2019
Sometimes you read a biography of someone you like and respect, and by the time you finish your opinion of them has plummeted. Alas, so it was with this well researched, well written biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was so different from the run of the mill politicians, the only president with a PhD, a former president of Princeton University, and a man truly and sincerely dedicated to a just and lasting peace. How could you not respect someone like that?
Well, for one thing there was his virulent racism. The author of this 1964 biography doesn’t spend much time on it, but Wilson’s views on race were ugly and vicious even by the standards of his own day, not to mention ours. He resegregated the federal government, reversing decades of progress that had been made since the Civil War, citing for his reason that he thought most people would feel more “comfortable” with others of their own race. When leaders of black civil rights groups, which had supported him on the basis of his campaign statements, condemned his actions, not only did he not back down, he publicly castigated them for ingratitude.
Then there was the way he bungled the peace talks in Paris in 1919, by taking an inflexible moral high road which left no room to compromise, and thus allowed the final peace terms to be dictated by more practical, cynical men who knew their constituents wanted revenge on Germany, and gave it to them. And thus were planted the seeds of the next World War. Wilson’s behavior was erratic, autocratic, and naive, causing him to quickly lose whatever moral authority he might have been able to exercise.
There was also his intransigence regarding the League of Nations. Had the United States joined, perhaps it could have succeeded in reining in the dogs of war. After the Armistice, the U.S. once again retreated into its historic isolationism, so getting the Senate to ratify the treaty was always going to be a difficult fight. Wilson’s cabinet ministers and advisors thought it was possible nevertheless, but it would require developing rapport with and soothing the egos of powerful Senators; in other words, it would require compromise, and once again Wilson proved himself incapable of ceding an inch of ground. He not only refused to work with them, he denounced them so harshly that he ensured they would be bitter enemies for as long as he was President.
And finally, there was his inexcusable behavior after he suffered his strokes. He was truly incapacitated, unable to carry out his duties, and the government ground to a halt. Key decisions and appointments were not made, policies were not implemented, and federal agencies were left with no direction. Abetted by his wife and doctor, who denied access to him even by his cabinet officers, he refused to subordinate his ego to the good of the country and resign the presidency. In fact, incredibly, even after he had allowed the nation to drift aimlessly for months he was angry that the Democratic convention did not re-nominate him for a third term as President. He had lost his grip on reality and had become genuinely harmful to the nation he was supposed to serve.
So much intelligence, so much potential, such high and honorable ideals, all wasted. In the end, Wilson can only be seen as a failure. It is possible that no one could have prevented World War II, but he was the person the world turned to when the first war ended, and in his arrogance and intransigence he let them down.
Well, for one thing there was his virulent racism. The author of this 1964 biography doesn’t spend much time on it, but Wilson’s views on race were ugly and vicious even by the standards of his own day, not to mention ours. He resegregated the federal government, reversing decades of progress that had been made since the Civil War, citing for his reason that he thought most people would feel more “comfortable” with others of their own race. When leaders of black civil rights groups, which had supported him on the basis of his campaign statements, condemned his actions, not only did he not back down, he publicly castigated them for ingratitude.
Then there was the way he bungled the peace talks in Paris in 1919, by taking an inflexible moral high road which left no room to compromise, and thus allowed the final peace terms to be dictated by more practical, cynical men who knew their constituents wanted revenge on Germany, and gave it to them. And thus were planted the seeds of the next World War. Wilson’s behavior was erratic, autocratic, and naive, causing him to quickly lose whatever moral authority he might have been able to exercise.
There was also his intransigence regarding the League of Nations. Had the United States joined, perhaps it could have succeeded in reining in the dogs of war. After the Armistice, the U.S. once again retreated into its historic isolationism, so getting the Senate to ratify the treaty was always going to be a difficult fight. Wilson’s cabinet ministers and advisors thought it was possible nevertheless, but it would require developing rapport with and soothing the egos of powerful Senators; in other words, it would require compromise, and once again Wilson proved himself incapable of ceding an inch of ground. He not only refused to work with them, he denounced them so harshly that he ensured they would be bitter enemies for as long as he was President.
And finally, there was his inexcusable behavior after he suffered his strokes. He was truly incapacitated, unable to carry out his duties, and the government ground to a halt. Key decisions and appointments were not made, policies were not implemented, and federal agencies were left with no direction. Abetted by his wife and doctor, who denied access to him even by his cabinet officers, he refused to subordinate his ego to the good of the country and resign the presidency. In fact, incredibly, even after he had allowed the nation to drift aimlessly for months he was angry that the Democratic convention did not re-nominate him for a third term as President. He had lost his grip on reality and had become genuinely harmful to the nation he was supposed to serve.
So much intelligence, so much potential, such high and honorable ideals, all wasted. In the end, Wilson can only be seen as a failure. It is possible that no one could have prevented World War II, but he was the person the world turned to when the first war ended, and in his arrogance and intransigence he let them down.
December 9, 2021
It is interesting at some parts, and incredibly dull at others. It is interesting to me how badly Wilson's illness was handled. It seemed so obvious to me that he was completely incapable of fulfilling his duties! Anyway the inside perspectives on his life were interesting, but the author did seem a bit biased in his favor...
July 17, 2017
I picked this up at a library book sale a few years ago and read it now because the author of a new book about Wilson is coming to speak here next week (Power without Victory: Woodrow Wilson and the American Internationalist Experiment).
The entire book is summarized sufficiently in the preface and one would only read the whole thing to find the intricate details of how Wilson courted his second wife, how Wilson's son-in-law got pulled into the Teapot Dome Scandal and who was excluded from his funeral. Also, there are little gems like this:
What the holy hell? I still don't know why this was in the book. Civil Rights and Jim Crow were never mentioned.
This is the story of Wilson's fight for the League of Nations and his mental breakdown and partial paralysis. Apparently, the real story had never been told in such detail before and it was a wild roller coaster ride. No president for months but everyone had to pretend he was fine. The Secretary of State (Lansing) held informal meetings with the other cabinet members during this time to try to get some stuff figured out, but Lansing was forced to resign over it as it was perceived by the recovering president as usurping his power. The president and his wife became extremely insular and collected grudges that forced his most loyal supporters into a state of exile. The book spends more pages on Wilson's funeral than on the details of the League of Nations fight and more pages on the cheering crowds in Europe in 1918 than on the treaty that he wanted the senate to endorse.
The entire book is summarized sufficiently in the preface and one would only read the whole thing to find the intricate details of how Wilson courted his second wife, how Wilson's son-in-law got pulled into the Teapot Dome Scandal and who was excluded from his funeral. Also, there are little gems like this:
The three men and the woman went into the Mayflower's sitting room and ordered cool drinks. Out to serve them came a tiny Negro White House servant, "Little" Jackson (sometimes "Major" Jackson), wearing a gigantic mushroom-shaped chef's hat almost as big as he. It sheltered him like a toadstool, the First Lady thought. They all burst into laughter - which pleased Tumulty, who had gone into some trouble to get the hat made.
What the holy hell? I still don't know why this was in the book. Civil Rights and Jim Crow were never mentioned.
This is the story of Wilson's fight for the League of Nations and his mental breakdown and partial paralysis. Apparently, the real story had never been told in such detail before and it was a wild roller coaster ride. No president for months but everyone had to pretend he was fine. The Secretary of State (Lansing) held informal meetings with the other cabinet members during this time to try to get some stuff figured out, but Lansing was forced to resign over it as it was perceived by the recovering president as usurping his power. The president and his wife became extremely insular and collected grudges that forced his most loyal supporters into a state of exile. The book spends more pages on Wilson's funeral than on the details of the League of Nations fight and more pages on the cheering crowds in Europe in 1918 than on the treaty that he wanted the senate to endorse.
November 12, 2025
Quite an unusual book for me. It looks like history, but can be read like a novel without much action. Maybe it's a long magazine article. Full of detail. You follow the Wilson years between 1919 and his death in 1924 from inside, as if you lived in the White House or, later, S Street. It tends to concentrate more on his fights, personal and political, than on the general events, more on his phobias and philias than on his political stand, although his politics and positions are described. In a way, it's amazing to see how both WWs were won by a blue President who set up multilateral mechanisms which were subsequently disavowed by a new, red incumbent. Eisenhower did it with the International Trade Organization, which was defeated in Parliament. It is also curious how the most important government of the World could work for months without a leader and without important decisions being taken. It all sounds quite far away, like 100 years ago, to be precise. But one wonders whether something similar could happen in modern life.
Apart from this, my feelings about the book are mixed. Not my cup of tea, but a recreational one.
Apart from this, my feelings about the book are mixed. Not my cup of tea, but a recreational one.
June 30, 2020
Ironically, as I was reading this book and thinking what a great man Woodrow Wilson was and how proud Princeton must be of him... his horrible racism emerged during this time of Black Lives Matter protests. Princeton decided to remove his name from all of the buildings on campus...really somewhat tragic. His life seemed tragic at the end, and during this pandemic, it seems Wilson might have had the Spanish flu from the last pandemic. It is a sad tale since Wilson had so many wonderful attributes, but his failings kept him from achieving the lasting greatness that he desired. It also exposed Warren G. Harding for the very weak leader that he was. Historically speaking, it was a very educational read about a very important time in the history of the world.
July 31, 2009
The story of Woodrow Wilson and his presidency - the second term - is among the most dramatic of all stories from the U.S. presidency. Edith Galt Wilson is among the most notable of all First Ladies. Gene Smith's work remains a model for popular historians and biographers. Published in 1964, "When the Cheering Stopped," remains thoroughly engrossing. (Mrs. Wilson actually functioned as President of the United States? Well, yes. In a way. Smith lays out this story better than anyone else ever has done.)
March 15, 2017
What happens when a President becomes disabled and is unable to fulfill the responsibilities of his position? That was the dilemma in 1919 when Pres. Woodrow Wilson suffered a variety of health maladies including strokes and found himself bedridden and unable to perform his job. His wife and his doctor essentially carried out and managed Presidential duties. Ordinarily the Vice President steps in and carries out the presidential duties – – however Wilson's vice president had no interest in being president. A grumbling Congress and Cabinet offered little resistance.
What struck this reader was how implausible this scenario would have been today. Wilson would never have been able to stay in the White House given his health situation. Mrs. Wilson has been credited with actually being the first woman President as she made a number of policy and personnel decisions. And like Nancy Reagan, she strictly managed the President's schedule and travels.
Woodrow Wilson was obsessed with the creation of the League of Nations. Obsessed to the point where he sacrificed his own health and life. He even considered running for a third term despite his failing health. Interesting history – – very well researched.
What struck this reader was how implausible this scenario would have been today. Wilson would never have been able to stay in the White House given his health situation. Mrs. Wilson has been credited with actually being the first woman President as she made a number of policy and personnel decisions. And like Nancy Reagan, she strictly managed the President's schedule and travels.
Woodrow Wilson was obsessed with the creation of the League of Nations. Obsessed to the point where he sacrificed his own health and life. He even considered running for a third term despite his failing health. Interesting history – – very well researched.
June 29, 2020
Having only learned the bare outlines of the story when I studied American history, I was intrigued by the back story of how Woodrow Wilson's wife practically ran the executive branch while he was incapacitated. "When the Cheering Stopped" largely focuses on Wilson's determination to get the U.S. into the League of Nations. However, despite the author's evident adulation for his subject, it would seem to me that, had Wilson not been so obstinate in refusing to allow any compromise on the subject, the world might have been spared much of the tragedy that followed. Therefore the last part of the book, which covers, in minute and reverent detail, Wilson's final illness, death and funeral was a bit overlong and overdone for my taste.
June 17, 2023
This is the captivating account of what transpired when President Woodrow Wilson fell ill at the height of his achievement, leading to the U.S. Senate blocking his intentions for the United States to join the League of Nations. Few Americans were aware of what took place during his final two years in office, but Gene Smith's investigations reveal the truth about what lied beneath the bland statements made by presidential surrogates. The ensuing biography of the Wilson Presidency's final days makes for engaging reading.
It is a skillfully written and thoroughly researched account of a remarkable, horrible, and perplexing period in history that centered on the agonies of Woodrow Wilson's ideal of world peace and the man who devoted his life to pursuing it. Wilson was devastated by the death of his wife Ellen, and he bitterly set about the mission of uniting the world. Wilson traveled to Europe with the conviction that the goal for which he had sent American lads there would inspire Americans to embrace the League of Nations, to which he had already committed this nation. Mrs. Galt was his wife at the time of his rededication. He began his exhausting program of cross-country talks with her at his side to reassure him.
The breakdown manifested as a thrombosis and partial paralysis at the end of the tour. In truth, the United States remained without a president from that point on until Harding's inauguration. His doctor, a political aide, and his fiercely protective wife surrounded Wilson. The author has provided a fairly comprehensive view of the President at this time—physically ravaged, prone to helpless outbursts of emotion but still burning with a fierce sense of mission, a ""eagle chained to a rock""—by drawing on contemporaneous notes and interviews. While not a complete biography this is an essential view of an important episode in American history.
It is a skillfully written and thoroughly researched account of a remarkable, horrible, and perplexing period in history that centered on the agonies of Woodrow Wilson's ideal of world peace and the man who devoted his life to pursuing it. Wilson was devastated by the death of his wife Ellen, and he bitterly set about the mission of uniting the world. Wilson traveled to Europe with the conviction that the goal for which he had sent American lads there would inspire Americans to embrace the League of Nations, to which he had already committed this nation. Mrs. Galt was his wife at the time of his rededication. He began his exhausting program of cross-country talks with her at his side to reassure him.
The breakdown manifested as a thrombosis and partial paralysis at the end of the tour. In truth, the United States remained without a president from that point on until Harding's inauguration. His doctor, a political aide, and his fiercely protective wife surrounded Wilson. The author has provided a fairly comprehensive view of the President at this time—physically ravaged, prone to helpless outbursts of emotion but still burning with a fierce sense of mission, a ""eagle chained to a rock""—by drawing on contemporaneous notes and interviews. While not a complete biography this is an essential view of an important episode in American history.
April 25, 2018
One of the most difficult books I've ever read, with very little payoff. It was like a jigsaw puzzle whose pieces were all the same color. The only points that stood out to any degree were the illegalities of the administration during Wilson's term in office.
His wife was a criminally reprehensible person who probably did as much harm to the country as her husband, yet the writer of the book had little in the way of deliberation on the matter. Wilson's sickness was indeed a bad one and the author did well to paint it as such, but the beginning chapters of the pre-injured Wilson were a bore, with whistle-stop story after another that were extremely dull.
The entire book dragged on with endless detail of unnecessary detail, irrelevant and mundane. I did finish reading, but just out of habit, not out of a desire to know what happened next. The entire World War I and League of Nations detail was replaced with detail of people's impromptu applause for Wilson after he left office. Rather long, small print, with lots of run-on chapters.
His wife was a criminally reprehensible person who probably did as much harm to the country as her husband, yet the writer of the book had little in the way of deliberation on the matter. Wilson's sickness was indeed a bad one and the author did well to paint it as such, but the beginning chapters of the pre-injured Wilson were a bore, with whistle-stop story after another that were extremely dull.
The entire book dragged on with endless detail of unnecessary detail, irrelevant and mundane. I did finish reading, but just out of habit, not out of a desire to know what happened next. The entire World War I and League of Nations detail was replaced with detail of people's impromptu applause for Wilson after he left office. Rather long, small print, with lots of run-on chapters.
March 1, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I knew nothing of Woodrow Wilson. I didn't realize that he was widowed and remarried as he held office. He was grief stricken by the death of his childhood sweetheart. He rebounded and both he and his new wife chose love over anything else. Also, while in office, he suffered from debilitating illness the compromised his ability to lead at times. Despite all of this, he was a good president and a great man. I learned a lot about WWI and the League of Nations. Interestingly enough, Pres. Wilson outlasted Harding who was the next president. Harding died while in office amid a lot of controversy. For those who love history, this is a great story.
April 12, 2017
Ultimately very sad - but within the great love of Edith and Woodrow Wilson. Smith does argue that. Re Wilson was not so much acting as president as ruthlessly protecting her husband from disturbance during his illness. While she did transact some business, Smith notes the mound of business left undone - bills that became law without Wilson's signature. Appointments left I filled, dignitaries not met.
February 6, 2020
Do NOT mess with Edith Bolling Wilson, yo
November 28, 2019
I don't recall reading in the reviews about Wilson's love of America. He was willing to do everything he could to protect this country and the world from another war. He knew what war was and about it's consequences. His loyalty to this country was amazing. The book also points out how some politicians care nothing for this country or it's future. They are more concerned with their own self interests.
I think in order to really learn about Wilson you would need to read more than this book. The book was well written, interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but there was no way it could be totally comprehensive about Woodrow Wilson and his influence on the world.
One reviewer stated the book was sad and I agree. Here is a man that was far more qualified to be President of the US than most of the past presidents and was cut short in doing what he wanted because of his illness and the reaction from so many people. President of the US is probably the most powerful job in the world and should be a person with outstanding intelligence and abilities. I think Wilson had those qualities.
I think in order to really learn about Wilson you would need to read more than this book. The book was well written, interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but there was no way it could be totally comprehensive about Woodrow Wilson and his influence on the world.
One reviewer stated the book was sad and I agree. Here is a man that was far more qualified to be President of the US than most of the past presidents and was cut short in doing what he wanted because of his illness and the reaction from so many people. President of the US is probably the most powerful job in the world and should be a person with outstanding intelligence and abilities. I think Wilson had those qualities.
March 25, 2021
Book focuses in great detail on last 4 years of Wilson's life. As an engrossing history lesson it hits 5 stars for me but it is written in a fashion to glorify Wilson. His commitment to US joining League of Nations was laudatory but so dictatorial that he would suffer no compromise with Senators who were concerned; his unwillingness to relinquish his authority as President after becoming incapacitated; and the stern role his second wife, Edith, played in his decision making or lack thereof - all these cast a shadow on the heavy praise with which Gene Smith treats Wilson in the book.
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October 9, 2024Reading this book made me wonder what would have happened if Biden had been significantly disabled (as Wilson was) but had kept it secret and remained in office but wasn't actually running the government - Wilsons wife is sometimes referred to as the first woman president - He was a conflicted character - a strong supporter of women suffrage, the 19th amendment and the League of Nations among other good causes - but he was also a hard core racist - a subject the book never discusses
October 6, 2019
Very interesting bio of President Wilson from the time he spent in Paris until the time of death. The author feels that his stress level in Paris helped cause the health issues that led to a stroke. The president was kept in the bedroom and his wife did not let the news out that he was unable to do his job. A very interesting chapter in the presidency.
December 3, 2019
Fascinating look at the last months in the life of Woodrow Wilson. Since I knew virtually nothing about him, it was all an education. A take-home idea from this book: a hundred years ago the political wranglings in our country were very present. Some politicians were rude and stubborn, uncouth and selfish, and just like today.
December 18, 2019
Very informative
This biography is warm informative. It gives the reader the factual information as well as the determination of Pres. Wilson to live his Christian principles to the end of his life and to believe in the goodness of people all over the world. The book is well written and I recommend it to all lovers of this jondre.
This biography is warm informative. It gives the reader the factual information as well as the determination of Pres. Wilson to live his Christian principles to the end of his life and to believe in the goodness of people all over the world. The book is well written and I recommend it to all lovers of this jondre.
September 20, 2018
I enjoyed this book so much. The history is presented in a manner the reader will not soon forget. The depth of the disappointment and suffering of the president and the strength of his wife was very well done.
May 2, 2020
Most telling in this book was the adoration and aura of this man, coming to a crescendo with the vigil during his final days and the outpouring of emotion on his passing. The final chapters are the most riveting.
June 20, 2020
An outstanding rendition of Woodrow Wilson’s last years ( approx 1916 - 1924 ). Relentless work supporting the League of Nations, and graceful realization, although defeated by the US Senate on treaty ratification, that America will eventually support the cause. The author wrote brilliantly.
June 6, 2024
As the title states "When the cheering stopped: The last years of Woodrow Thomas Wilson" is just that. In third person, the book is about the President's life while in office right up to his death on February 3, 1924. Personally, to me the book appears to have gaps.
November 28, 2019
Excellent book
I love history and especially biographies of historical figures. This book gives great insight into Woodrow Wilson and what he did. Wonderful read.
Book givws
I love history and especially biographies of historical figures. This book gives great insight into Woodrow Wilson and what he did. Wonderful read.
Book givws
December 6, 2019
Surprising story of the president's last years, and how he and his wife and his doctor managed to keep his actual condition from the country. Worth the read.
December 29, 2019
I now feel like I know President Woodrow Wilson. I would say that is the greatest compliment you can give a biographer.
February 8, 2021
3.5 stars
March 11, 2017
Biography of Woodrow Wilson. Interesting insight into the politics of the day. A bit heavy on the political maneuvering details, but it did provide a view of the inner workings of the White House at the time. The workings of government basically came to a halt during his illness, which would never be possible in today's times.
August 30, 2012
Gene Smith’s minutely detailed biographic account of Woodrow Wilson’s last years is far more than just a portrayal of the machinations of Washington politics. It highlights Wilson’s relentless determination to meet his presidential commitment to include America as a member of the League of Nations following “The Great War” and takes on elements of Greek tragedy as he puts his health, his political legacy and ultimately his life at stake. His strong and ethical dedication and what he considered his moral obligation to the future of “world peace” is inspirational in this age of political cynicism but it’s also revelatory in outcome due to both his and his political opponent’s utter refusal to compromise. The conflict between Wilson and his hated foe John Cabot Lodge became more than political partisanship, it became a relentless personal rivalry. After Wilson suffered a debilitating stroke and the post Wilson presidential era became dominated by Republican power politics, he not only lost as an advocate for the League of Nations but was humiliated by his rival. The out come of this partisan political hostility continues to this day and this well researched book helps give us a fresh perspective.
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