geeky
On September 14, 1919, while in Pueblo, Colorado, on a speaking tour promoting US membership in the League of Nations, President Woodrow Wilson complained of excruciating headaches that forced him to cancel the rest of his scheduled appearances. He returned to Washington by train, and his health appeared to be improving. But on October 2nd, the President was found unconscious on the floor of his White House bedroom. He had suffered a severe stroke that paralyzed his left side and rendered him barely able to speak. For the remainder of his second term in office, which would end on March 4, 1921, Wilson remained in his bed, unable to walk for most of that time, severely debilitated physically and declining mentally. Rather than cede power, a conspiracy followed to hide Wilson's condition from the outside world. Misleading or outright false reports of Wilson's condition were released by Wilson's physician Dr. Cary Grayson, and with the aid of Wilson's private secretary Joseph Tumulty, first lady Edith Wilson became both the gatekeeper for what information the president received, and the "decider" on matters that she considered that Wilson should not be bothered with.
As Hazelgrove shows, from a thorough research of Wilson's papers, from Mrs. Wilson's memoirs, and from other contemporary sources, the decisions that Edith Wilson made were not restricted to mundane or non-controversial matters. It was pivotal time in American history. The first world war had ended, but the Treaty of Versailles had not been ratified, as the Senate was divided over whether or not the United States should join the League of Nations and be subject to its constraints. Suffragettes picketed the White House. There were cabinet members, ambassadors and other high ranking government officials to be appointed or replaced, as well as a looming national railway strike and a perceived "red menace". Hazelgrove cites many instances of how many matters of national importance and even urgency were responded to with delay, neglect and inattention. He also makes the case that Wilson's incapacity prevented a compromise being reached on the League of Nations and how the first lady was in over her head about this important issue.
The books jumps back and forth in time to provide background to Wilson's presidency. At times this is an effective literary device; at other times it is an annoyance, as it is difficult to recall what happens when on the Wilson presidency time continuum. This distraction aside, the author hits all of the highlights of the Wilson administration, especially those for which the second Mrs. Wilson was involved in. He concludes with an interesting account of the lives of both Wilsons following the end of his presidency, before making the case for his claim that Edith Wilson was actually the first female president and performed the duties that the president is constitutionally bound to perform.
Hazelgrove has written mostly works of fiction in the past, and he uses this talent to make this book better by use of his considerable story-telling ability. Despite a very brief acknowledgements section at the end of the book, it appears clear that he has put considerable research into this book, adding specifics and substance to the generally accepted historical claim that Edith Wilson was "acting president" following her husband's stroke. He does so efficiently and in a manner that makes this book an enjoyable experience for the reader.