Woodrow Wilson as I Know Him

by Joseph Patrick Tumulty

This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Genres: History, Politics, Biography, Presidents

610 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1921

About the author

Joseph Tumulty was an attorney and politician from New Jersey. He is best known for his service, from 1911 until 1921, as the private secretary of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Reviews

[Terry Shoptaugh]

Woodrow Wilson was brilliant, arrogant, committed to reform in government, and a dedicated hater of those who disagreed with him. This insider's look by his presidential advisor and secretary is a detailed look at what made Wilson a great president -- and a flawed man who achieved less than he might have by refusing to cooperate or compromise with others. If you read and enjoy the book, look at Henry Cabot Lodge's book on Wilson. Their hatred of one another provides real insight in how egotism and rivalry affect politics and government. And how both men altered America's role in world affairs 100 years ago. Those arguments back then still influence what the U.S. does around the globe in 2021.

[Gene McAvoy]

The author - Tumulty, had been Wilson's personal secretary since he was Governor of New Jersey. He was the epitome of a sychophant and clearly worshipped the ground that Wilson tread upon. Although the book was very well written, it was also very one-sided and pro-Wilson. It did not present any view other than Tumulty's blind devotion to his Chieftan - Thomas Woodrow Wilson. Interesting, informative, but all together too Wilsonian to be of much historical significance.

[Skip Unger]

This was a memoir by President Woodrow Wilson's secretary, Joseph Tumulty, written soon after Wilson left office in 1921. By today's standards it is a bit dry and does contain a wealth of insider information and insights into the rise, election and administration of one of America's greatest, if flawed, presidents. Tumulty writes in an almost adoring style so this is not an unbiased account of Wilson. However, the wealth of information it provides, including copious copies of telegrams and notes exchanged between the two men, make it insightful. A great deal of attention is given to Wilson's struggle to establish the League of Nations after the end of World War I and his unsuccessful attempt to gain U.S. Congressional approval. While Tumulty does seem self serving at times with his inclusion of what appears to be every note he wrote and centers Wilson's decisions around himself, it is still a worthwhile read for those who want to get a feel for Wilson's administration. Interestingly, President Wilson abhorred anyone writing about him and leveraging gain from public service, so it is said that he never spoke to Tumulty again after this book was published.

[P.J. Sullivan]

Joseph Tumulty was secretary to President Wilson. This book was published in 1921, while Wilson was out of office but still living. Biased in favor of Wilson.