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Modern First Ladies
Ellen and Edith: Woodrow Wilson's First Ladies
The wives of Woodrow Wilson were strikingly different from each other. Ellen Axson Wilson, quiet and intellectual, died after just a year and a half in the White House and is thought to have had little impact on history. Edith Bolling Wilson was flamboyant and confident but left a legacy of controversy. Yet, as Kristie Miller shows, each played a significant role in the White House.
Miller presents a rich and complex portrait of Wilson's wives, one that compels us to reconsider our understanding of both women. Ellen comes into clear focus as an artist and intellectual who dedicated her talents to an ambitious man whose success enabled her to have a significant influence on the institution of the first lady. Miller's assessment of Edith Wilson goes beyond previous flattering accounts and critical assessments. She examines a woman who overstepped her role by hiding her husband's serious illness to allow him to remain in office. But, Miller concludes, Edith was acting as she knew her husband would have wished.
Miller explains clearly how these women influenced Woodrow Wilson's life and career. But she keeps her focus on the women themselves, placing their concerns and emotions in the foreground. She presents a balanced appraisal of each woman's strengths and weaknesses. She argues for Ellen's influence not only on her husband but on subsequent first ladies. She strives for an understanding of the controversial Edith, who saw herself as Wilson's principal advisor and, some would argue, acted as shadow president after his stroke. Miller also helps us better appreciate the role of Mary Allen Hulbert Peck, whose role as Wilson's playmate complemented that of Ellen--but was intolerable to Edith.
Especially because Woodrow Wilson continues to be one of the most-studied American presidents, the task of recognizing and understanding the influence of his wives is an important one. Drawing extensively on the Woodrow Wilson papers and newly available material, Miller's book answers that call with a sensitive and compelling narrative of how private and public emotions interacted at a pivotal moment in the history of first ladies.
Miller presents a rich and complex portrait of Wilson's wives, one that compels us to reconsider our understanding of both women. Ellen comes into clear focus as an artist and intellectual who dedicated her talents to an ambitious man whose success enabled her to have a significant influence on the institution of the first lady. Miller's assessment of Edith Wilson goes beyond previous flattering accounts and critical assessments. She examines a woman who overstepped her role by hiding her husband's serious illness to allow him to remain in office. But, Miller concludes, Edith was acting as she knew her husband would have wished.
Miller explains clearly how these women influenced Woodrow Wilson's life and career. But she keeps her focus on the women themselves, placing their concerns and emotions in the foreground. She presents a balanced appraisal of each woman's strengths and weaknesses. She argues for Ellen's influence not only on her husband but on subsequent first ladies. She strives for an understanding of the controversial Edith, who saw herself as Wilson's principal advisor and, some would argue, acted as shadow president after his stroke. Miller also helps us better appreciate the role of Mary Allen Hulbert Peck, whose role as Wilson's playmate complemented that of Ellen--but was intolerable to Edith.
Especially because Woodrow Wilson continues to be one of the most-studied American presidents, the task of recognizing and understanding the influence of his wives is an important one. Drawing extensively on the Woodrow Wilson papers and newly available material, Miller's book answers that call with a sensitive and compelling narrative of how private and public emotions interacted at a pivotal moment in the history of first ladies.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2010
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March 22, 2025Interesting deep dive into the two wives of Woodrow Wilson. Lets Ellen shine since Edith traditionally gets most of the historical attention.
July 20, 2012
Overall I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The first part which covered the meeting, courting and married life of Ellen and Woodrow was hard for me to put down. Once Ellen dies and part 2 begins the book starts to slow down and my interest waned and to be honest, after Woodrow's marriage to his second wife Edith, I had to force myself to finish. From chapt 4 to chapt 7 could have been a biography about the president and that is not what ^ wanted to read about. However I have to be fair to the author and consider the fact that Edith and Woodrow had no children and their marriage did take place smack dab in the middle of his presidency, so there was little else for Edith to do but be a first lady. The author did a wonderful job when she wrote about these two women and I enjoyed learning about them, but had I known that much of the book really is about Woodrow's presidency and how supportive Edith was I probably wouldnt have chose another book about these first ladies.
August 13, 2023
Woodrow Wilson was the second president to become widowed while in office and remarried before leaving office (John Tyler was the first). Woodrow’s first wife, Ellen, died after 17 months as first lady. After a year-long mourning period, prescribed by the times, Woodrow married Edith Bolling Galt. Both women played significant roles in the White House, influencing future first ladies. The book is well-researched and the author presents a rich portrait of these complex women. The book’s focus remains on Ellen and Edith and their roles as wives and first ladies. Politics are used as a background for their stories, rather than the story.
Ellen Axson Wilson is described as quiet, an intelligent and well-read woman who could supply quotations extemporaneously. She assisted Woodrow from the beginning of his career by preparing digests of his readings, translating items from German and critiquing his work. Ellen and Woodrow shared the higher goal of service to others. Despite claiming “I am naturally the most unambitious of women and life in the White House has no attractions for me,” Ellen remodeled the White House living quarters and designed the plans for the rose garden. While she had interests in quite a few projects, her most valued was the demolishing of Washington DC’s alleyway slums. A bill was passed in Congress on the day Ellen died. There is no doubt that Woodrow and Ellen loved each other deeply. At the same time, Woodrow carried on a long-term friendship with Mary Allen Hulbert Peck. Woodrow and Mary met in Bermuda and maintained a relationship, primarily through correspondence, at the expense of Ellen’s pain. While Woodrow claimed it was a platonic relationship, he wouldn’t, or couldn’t, let go of Mary.
With distance keeping Woodrow and Mary apart, Edith Bolling Galt arrives on scene. The widowed Edith is flamboyant, fashionable and confident. Woodrow is smitten with Edith, and she becomes his advisor, receiving confidential and secret communiques even before their engagement or marriage. When Mary hears of their engagement, she threatens Woodrow with taking his letters public. Woodrow decides to come clean and tells Edith about this relationship, again insisting it is platonic. It doesn’t appear she really believes him but gives him the benefit of the doubt, and their marriage proceeds. Over the years, Woodrow’s relationship with Mary did cool, but never quite ended, with Mary even visiting the Wilsons at the White House.
Now the most interesting part of the story, where Edith seizes power after Wilson’s stroke. According to Edith, it was doctor’s orders that she become the go-between for Woodrow as he needed to work to recover, but at the same time he needed rest and no stress. Edith isolated Woodrow from others, and insisted he was the one asking questions, dictating notes and giving orders. But with Woodrow diminished to the point that staff were embarrassed to look at him “as helpless as one could possibly be and live,” who was really running the White House? Thomas Marshall, vice president, learned about the stroke from the press, and was blocked by Edith from seeing Woodrow. A month later, Woodrow was still unable to sit in a wheelchair, claiming his doctor and wife kept him “in the dark.” Another month passed and a senatorial delegation was sent as a “smelling committee.” They found Woodrow’s bed in the shadows, where he was lying with his shoulders slightly elevated, covered to his neck with a blanket and only his right arm sticking out (Woodrow was paralyzed and blind on his left side). The meeting was brief and Woodrow shook hands with his right arm and answered questions. While the delegation gave reporters a favorable account of Woodrow’s condition, the secretary of state still questioned Woodrow’s ability to reason and think clearly. It took eight months before Woodrow saw his cabinet, and Edith took meetings with the French ambassador to discuss treaties. As she said, “I am not thinking of the country now, I am thinking of my husband.”
The 25th Amendment was enacted to provide answers to the issues that surround disability, death, removal or resignation of the president. We’ll never know for sure who was running the country, or what would have happened if Thomas Marshall had become president.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
Ellen Axson Wilson is described as quiet, an intelligent and well-read woman who could supply quotations extemporaneously. She assisted Woodrow from the beginning of his career by preparing digests of his readings, translating items from German and critiquing his work. Ellen and Woodrow shared the higher goal of service to others. Despite claiming “I am naturally the most unambitious of women and life in the White House has no attractions for me,” Ellen remodeled the White House living quarters and designed the plans for the rose garden. While she had interests in quite a few projects, her most valued was the demolishing of Washington DC’s alleyway slums. A bill was passed in Congress on the day Ellen died. There is no doubt that Woodrow and Ellen loved each other deeply. At the same time, Woodrow carried on a long-term friendship with Mary Allen Hulbert Peck. Woodrow and Mary met in Bermuda and maintained a relationship, primarily through correspondence, at the expense of Ellen’s pain. While Woodrow claimed it was a platonic relationship, he wouldn’t, or couldn’t, let go of Mary.
With distance keeping Woodrow and Mary apart, Edith Bolling Galt arrives on scene. The widowed Edith is flamboyant, fashionable and confident. Woodrow is smitten with Edith, and she becomes his advisor, receiving confidential and secret communiques even before their engagement or marriage. When Mary hears of their engagement, she threatens Woodrow with taking his letters public. Woodrow decides to come clean and tells Edith about this relationship, again insisting it is platonic. It doesn’t appear she really believes him but gives him the benefit of the doubt, and their marriage proceeds. Over the years, Woodrow’s relationship with Mary did cool, but never quite ended, with Mary even visiting the Wilsons at the White House.
Now the most interesting part of the story, where Edith seizes power after Wilson’s stroke. According to Edith, it was doctor’s orders that she become the go-between for Woodrow as he needed to work to recover, but at the same time he needed rest and no stress. Edith isolated Woodrow from others, and insisted he was the one asking questions, dictating notes and giving orders. But with Woodrow diminished to the point that staff were embarrassed to look at him “as helpless as one could possibly be and live,” who was really running the White House? Thomas Marshall, vice president, learned about the stroke from the press, and was blocked by Edith from seeing Woodrow. A month later, Woodrow was still unable to sit in a wheelchair, claiming his doctor and wife kept him “in the dark.” Another month passed and a senatorial delegation was sent as a “smelling committee.” They found Woodrow’s bed in the shadows, where he was lying with his shoulders slightly elevated, covered to his neck with a blanket and only his right arm sticking out (Woodrow was paralyzed and blind on his left side). The meeting was brief and Woodrow shook hands with his right arm and answered questions. While the delegation gave reporters a favorable account of Woodrow’s condition, the secretary of state still questioned Woodrow’s ability to reason and think clearly. It took eight months before Woodrow saw his cabinet, and Edith took meetings with the French ambassador to discuss treaties. As she said, “I am not thinking of the country now, I am thinking of my husband.”
The 25th Amendment was enacted to provide answers to the issues that surround disability, death, removal or resignation of the president. We’ll never know for sure who was running the country, or what would have happened if Thomas Marshall had become president.
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
June 11, 2023
Behind every successful man there is a strong woman, and in this case there were two women who contributed to the success of Woodrow Wilson. Wilson is the only president to have had two different First Ladies, his first wife, Ellen, committed to helping him succeed having died while he was in office. Ellen, a very talented artist who could have been more famous than she was based on her own merits, was a very "stand by your man" woman as details of Wilson's other female friendship were revealed. This was the time of course when not ALL the details were revealed but one can only conclude the relationship was more than platonic. In spite of this Ellen was the gracious host to the "other woman" more than once. Ellen was succeeded by Edith, and sometimes is was confusing keeping the two "E" names straight. Edith was as different from Ellen as one could imagine and made a name for herself with Wilson's stroke. How sick was Wilson? Who was actually running the country while he was bedridden? Wilson's stroke was before women could vote yet many thought Edith should run for office. As different as the two women were, they both supported Wilson 100%. In reading about Ellen and Edith one gets a different perspective on WWI and the subsequent peace. One it also introduced to players of the future, including the Rosevelts, Franklin and Eleanor. Women so often are overlooked in history. The author has done a good job bringing life to the women who contributed to Wilson's success.
December 3, 2014
***I loved this book***
Ellens father was a Reverend who dealt with depression all his life, rumor has it he may have ended his life, almost causing Ellen to end her engagement with Woodrow. Ellen thought of herself as the "woman who would never love" and was also rumored to be known as "Ellen the man hater." Ellen was a very independent woman on her own right. She attend art school and volunteered at an African American school to teach children how to read and write.
Ellen was a practical, modest woman who understood that it would have been difficult for a Woman to succeed in the world of Art, which probably made it easier for her to fully support Woodrows career, as she did see value and believe in her husband, "I will be a better wife to you than I could ever have been to a smaller man....because no other but you could have inspired me with such passionate longing toward my own ideal of womanhood." Ellen was a huge help to Woodrow by studying history, political encomium and philosophy. Both of them shared the belief that they could unite in one career. However, throughout Ellen life she continued to take art classes and would take time for herself.
There is no doubt that Woodrow loved Ellen however she was not the only woman that shared his affections. Woodrow met Mary Allen Hulbert Peck while visiting Bermuda. Woodrow did not hid Mary from Ellen, in fact he tried to create a rapport between the two women. Ellen claimed that Woodrow had "emotional love" for Mary and was very hurt by this. Ellen and Mary did meet, Ellen hoping that Mary seeing her in the flesh would end the infatuation but in the next few years it only intensified. Ellen decided to pass Mary off as a "family friend." Woodrow however never once said he loved Mary and it is unclear of their relationship ever became physical.
During her time in the White House Edith was well-respected sometimes discussing issues without her husband as Joseph Tumulty said that she "was a better politician than you are". Ellen was the first First Lady to tour with her husband during the primary campaign trail. Ellen was not the most flashy of First Ladies that the White House has seen. A reporter once asked if Mrs. Wilson had prejudice against jewelry, as she did not own any. Ellen has no jewelry because all their money went to books, family vacations, the girls interests and the ever large amount of Family that was always in the Wilson household. Ellen did not take a public stand on the Women's Right to Vote, although the whole county looked at her too. Woodrow was not in favor of Women's right to vote and she would not publicly contradict her husband.
Ellen was portrayed as the Ideal Woman of the day during her time in the White House, a woman who had her own interests but put her family first. Ellen also made history of being the first First Lady to watch her husband address the legislature. Woodrow's Mary made an appearance during the White House - at Ellen's invitation.
The White House kept her illness out of the press until it couldn't be avoided. Ellen let it be known that she could die more easily if the Alley Bill was passed, it was Tumulty who brought her the news that the Senate and the House passed the bill. Ellen died of "Brights Disease" or various kidney issues. Ellen was a groundbreaking first lady - she continued to develop her skills as an Artist while her Husband was in office, she donated all proceeds from her paintings to help disadvantaged Southern Children. She is one of the very few First Ladies who earned money that is not connected with her being in the White House.
Ellen was known to have said that she hoped Woodrow would re-marry. It was somewhat shocking just how fast Woodrow moved on past her death. **fun fact - both her grandmothers were slave owners and her feelings of Race seems to be quite different depending on whom you speak to.
17 months after Ellen's death Woodrow Wilson married Edith Bolling Galt, an owner of a thriving jewelry store - which was also known as the "Tiffanys of D.C." Woodrow's proposal to Edith came to a shock to her, and when he first asked her she said no. Edith had no interest in politics and turned down a number of times to have seen Woodrow or to even have tea at the White House.
While during the early meeting of Edith and Woodrow, Mary once again made an appearance. It was a no brainer that Woodrow didn't end up with Mary. Ending up with Mary would have caused suspicion that there was an affair between the two of them when Ellen was still alive. Woodrow did come clean to Edith regarding his affections for Mary. Edith and Mary did meet once. Edith dismissed Mary as a "faded sweet looking woman."
America entered into World War I during Woodrows time in office. Edith learned to decipher the telegram messages. However, WWI was not Edith's biggest problem. Once Woodrow suffered a stroke she made choices for him, such as not resigning and to hide his illness from the World. Edith became known as "President in Petticoats." While Woodrow was in the early stages of recovery from his stroke he was known to use a flashlight to look at Ellen's picture and said that he owed everything to her. Ellen was gone, but not forgotten. Edith's decision to keep Woodrow in office was the decision that she believed he would have wanted.
Edith was against Women getting the right to vote, however she was our first First Lady to vote.
Their marriage was a short one. 4 1/2 years later Woodrow died at their home in Washington D.C. Edith would live another 37 years. She devoted those 37 years to Woodrow's memory with books, movies and shrines. She did on December 28th, Woodrow's birthday in the same house, same room where Woodrow himself died. Historians have called Edith the First Woman President, others have said she carried Woodrow's opinions too far. As late Edith has been ranked in the top 10 first ladies.
Ellen and Edith were two different women, comparing them is hard not to because of the man they share in common. Both women were fascinating in their own rights and Woodrow benefitted from both being in his life.
Ellens father was a Reverend who dealt with depression all his life, rumor has it he may have ended his life, almost causing Ellen to end her engagement with Woodrow. Ellen thought of herself as the "woman who would never love" and was also rumored to be known as "Ellen the man hater." Ellen was a very independent woman on her own right. She attend art school and volunteered at an African American school to teach children how to read and write.
Ellen was a practical, modest woman who understood that it would have been difficult for a Woman to succeed in the world of Art, which probably made it easier for her to fully support Woodrows career, as she did see value and believe in her husband, "I will be a better wife to you than I could ever have been to a smaller man....because no other but you could have inspired me with such passionate longing toward my own ideal of womanhood." Ellen was a huge help to Woodrow by studying history, political encomium and philosophy. Both of them shared the belief that they could unite in one career. However, throughout Ellen life she continued to take art classes and would take time for herself.
There is no doubt that Woodrow loved Ellen however she was not the only woman that shared his affections. Woodrow met Mary Allen Hulbert Peck while visiting Bermuda. Woodrow did not hid Mary from Ellen, in fact he tried to create a rapport between the two women. Ellen claimed that Woodrow had "emotional love" for Mary and was very hurt by this. Ellen and Mary did meet, Ellen hoping that Mary seeing her in the flesh would end the infatuation but in the next few years it only intensified. Ellen decided to pass Mary off as a "family friend." Woodrow however never once said he loved Mary and it is unclear of their relationship ever became physical.
During her time in the White House Edith was well-respected sometimes discussing issues without her husband as Joseph Tumulty said that she "was a better politician than you are". Ellen was the first First Lady to tour with her husband during the primary campaign trail. Ellen was not the most flashy of First Ladies that the White House has seen. A reporter once asked if Mrs. Wilson had prejudice against jewelry, as she did not own any. Ellen has no jewelry because all their money went to books, family vacations, the girls interests and the ever large amount of Family that was always in the Wilson household. Ellen did not take a public stand on the Women's Right to Vote, although the whole county looked at her too. Woodrow was not in favor of Women's right to vote and she would not publicly contradict her husband.
Ellen was portrayed as the Ideal Woman of the day during her time in the White House, a woman who had her own interests but put her family first. Ellen also made history of being the first First Lady to watch her husband address the legislature. Woodrow's Mary made an appearance during the White House - at Ellen's invitation.
The White House kept her illness out of the press until it couldn't be avoided. Ellen let it be known that she could die more easily if the Alley Bill was passed, it was Tumulty who brought her the news that the Senate and the House passed the bill. Ellen died of "Brights Disease" or various kidney issues. Ellen was a groundbreaking first lady - she continued to develop her skills as an Artist while her Husband was in office, she donated all proceeds from her paintings to help disadvantaged Southern Children. She is one of the very few First Ladies who earned money that is not connected with her being in the White House.
Ellen was known to have said that she hoped Woodrow would re-marry. It was somewhat shocking just how fast Woodrow moved on past her death. **fun fact - both her grandmothers were slave owners and her feelings of Race seems to be quite different depending on whom you speak to.
17 months after Ellen's death Woodrow Wilson married Edith Bolling Galt, an owner of a thriving jewelry store - which was also known as the "Tiffanys of D.C." Woodrow's proposal to Edith came to a shock to her, and when he first asked her she said no. Edith had no interest in politics and turned down a number of times to have seen Woodrow or to even have tea at the White House.
While during the early meeting of Edith and Woodrow, Mary once again made an appearance. It was a no brainer that Woodrow didn't end up with Mary. Ending up with Mary would have caused suspicion that there was an affair between the two of them when Ellen was still alive. Woodrow did come clean to Edith regarding his affections for Mary. Edith and Mary did meet once. Edith dismissed Mary as a "faded sweet looking woman."
America entered into World War I during Woodrows time in office. Edith learned to decipher the telegram messages. However, WWI was not Edith's biggest problem. Once Woodrow suffered a stroke she made choices for him, such as not resigning and to hide his illness from the World. Edith became known as "President in Petticoats." While Woodrow was in the early stages of recovery from his stroke he was known to use a flashlight to look at Ellen's picture and said that he owed everything to her. Ellen was gone, but not forgotten. Edith's decision to keep Woodrow in office was the decision that she believed he would have wanted.
Edith was against Women getting the right to vote, however she was our first First Lady to vote.
Their marriage was a short one. 4 1/2 years later Woodrow died at their home in Washington D.C. Edith would live another 37 years. She devoted those 37 years to Woodrow's memory with books, movies and shrines. She did on December 28th, Woodrow's birthday in the same house, same room where Woodrow himself died. Historians have called Edith the First Woman President, others have said she carried Woodrow's opinions too far. As late Edith has been ranked in the top 10 first ladies.
Ellen and Edith were two different women, comparing them is hard not to because of the man they share in common. Both women were fascinating in their own rights and Woodrow benefitted from both being in his life.
April 3, 2023
A discussion on the role of the first lady. It was an interesting look at ww1 through the lens of a non-political new wife of the president. Although I enjoyed the book, it wasn't super engaging. I understand the relationship of the president to his closest advisors and his feelings about the league of nations, but I don't really understand our place in the war or the mood of the country. This was a very narrow lens on the two Wilson first ladies. What I do now understand is Wilson's extreme dependence on positive reinforcement.
October 4, 2018
What a fun book!! Such a good read!! Ellen was the first working First Lady selling her art work. She was an amazing lady. Edith is also a compelling figure but much less likable. Both women loved Woodrow and put their goals and ambitions aside for him and his insatiable needs. Well-written, enjoyable read!!!
September 2, 2022
Very interesting, very readable. I learned a lot about Woodrow Wilson, his wives, family, and presidency. It was particularly helpful to see him, Ellen, and Edith in their place in history ... to learn how the events of their time impacted them, and to see how they impacted history. He and Edith have both been very controversial figures over time, and this book helps explain that.
October 30, 2017
This is a terrific book. There is so much to learn from Ellen and Edith Wilson as First Ladies and how the role of the First Lady was shaped and impacted by them. I throughly enjoyed his book.
May 16, 2018
Great Book! Woodrow Wilson's wives were great at what they did! Reading about Ellen Axson Wilson was from and is buried in my home town! Rome, Georgia
April 16, 2020
An interesting, inspiring look at these two different personalities and how they shaped Woodrow Wilson. Well written and enjoyable.
February 7, 2016
What an illuminating and interesting book! Women's lives have always been complicated but these two women are remarkable in completely opposite ways. Woodrow Wilson was deeply loved but I'm not sure he deserved it. His two wives were polar opposite's and the contrast is intriguing.
History books focus on President Wilson and his actions. What is truly fascinating are the wives and lover who sustained the man who claimed he could not be president without them. What is a applauded in one era is often repulsive in another. It is hard to know whether to admire or be repulsed by the choices Ellen and Edith made. Probably both. Wilson could never have been president in today's world. His character was vitally and very publicly flawed.
If you enjoy true life drama put this book on your to read list.
History books focus on President Wilson and his actions. What is truly fascinating are the wives and lover who sustained the man who claimed he could not be president without them. What is a applauded in one era is often repulsive in another. It is hard to know whether to admire or be repulsed by the choices Ellen and Edith made. Probably both. Wilson could never have been president in today's world. His character was vitally and very publicly flawed.
If you enjoy true life drama put this book on your to read list.
May 26, 2015
Well, that's THAT questioned answered! The first Mrs. Wilson and Woodrow availed themselves of condoms! Never did I think I'd read THAT in a footnote!
I think it is a shame that Woodrow was so duplicitous and disloyal and unfaithful when it was clear that he truly loved Ellen and their girls. We are all flawed, but his sweet love was so tarnished by his foolishness. I also agree with other reviewers that the first wife's part of this book was more about Woodrow and Mary than about Ellen.
On to Edith....
Stalled. This is a biography of Woodrow with mentions of his wives. Kind of boring now.
I think it is a shame that Woodrow was so duplicitous and disloyal and unfaithful when it was clear that he truly loved Ellen and their girls. We are all flawed, but his sweet love was so tarnished by his foolishness. I also agree with other reviewers that the first wife's part of this book was more about Woodrow and Mary than about Ellen.
On to Edith....
Stalled. This is a biography of Woodrow with mentions of his wives. Kind of boring now.
March 4, 2011
After visiting the Woodrow Wilson home in DC a couple of years ago, I became interested in learning more about not only Woodrow Wilson, but his wives, first Ellen and then after Ellen’s passing, Edith.
The book is a bit academic in tone but provides an in-depth look into Wilson’s relationships with these two very influential, interesting, and different women.
The book is a bit academic in tone but provides an in-depth look into Wilson’s relationships with these two very influential, interesting, and different women.
May 24, 2011
I enjoyed this book---who knew Woodrow Wilson was such a passionate fellow.
I reviewed it in the Weekly Standard magazine in May 2011: http://www.weeklystandard.com/article...
I reviewed it in the Weekly Standard magazine in May 2011: http://www.weeklystandard.com/article...
April 19, 2012
Sadly this is still mostly about President Wilson than it is about his two wives, its as if the author keeps forgetting that she's supposed to be writing about them. Still, it is well written and some good information is given about their lives.
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