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Woodrow Wilson  By  cover art

Woodrow Wilson

By: H. W. Brands
Narrated by: Richard Rohan
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Publisher's summary

On the eve of his inauguration as President, Woodrow Wilson commented, "It would be the irony of fate if my administration had to deal chiefly with foreign affairs." As America was drawn into the Great War in Europe, Wilson used his scholarship, his principles, and the political savvy of his advisers to overcome his ignorance of world affairs and lead the country out of isolationism. The product of his efforts — his vision of the United States as a nation uniquely suited for moral leadership by virtue of its democratic tradition — is a view of foreign policy that is still in place today.

Acclaimed historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H. W. Brands offers a clear, well-informed, and timely account of Wilson's unusual route to the White House, his campaign against corporate interests, his struggles with rivals at home and allies abroad, and his decline in popularity and health following the rejection by Congress of his League of Nations. Wilson emerges as a fascinating man of great oratorical power, depth of thought, and purity of intention.

©2003 H. W. Brands (P)2003 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

"A worthy overview." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Brands ably underscores Wilson's ultimate success through his eloquence and his ideas in steering thought about foreign affairs toward a liberal alternative to real politick." (Booklist)

What listeners say about Woodrow Wilson

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Does the Trick

This biography of Woodrow WIlson is not the most stunning thing you'll ever listen to, but it has the benefit of being an excellent, concise overview of the topic. Every American should know the story of Wilson, who intended to stay out of World War I, but got drawn into it, and who hoped that at the end of the war he could use his intellect and popularity to create a world of peace going forward. Unfortunately, illness and realpoliltik intruded, and the Treaty of Versailles only served to keep the losers of WW I (notably, Germany) under unpayable financial obligations to the victors, which was one of the causes of WW II. Not the best audio you'll hear, this is a serviceable recording of some important content, which makes it nearly essential listening.

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12 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Didn't realize this was NOT for adults

A pretty sophomoric white wash, glossing over negatives in Wilson's career. Probably great for high school level.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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As much about about Wilson as you'd like to know

it was well done for a scholastic production and four hours about Wilson is enough for a good overview of his life and presidency.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Pretty general overview

This was a very general overview of his life focusing most on League of Nations. Barely touched on race riots.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Wilson’s views on African Americans.

Wilson’s racism is barely mentioned at the end of the book. Less than 2 minutes were dedicated to it and no analysis of the consequences of his racist views and policies was provided. Shame on the author.

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