What do You think about The Years Of Lyndon Johnson Vol. 4, . The Passage Of Power (2012)?
Yet another perfect book in the ongoing Caro series on LBJ. This isn't as good as Master of the Senate, but it's still entirely awesome. Caro's coverage of LBJ's vice presidency, his almost certain downfall from corruption if not for the assassination of JFK, the JFK assassination, LBJ's transition to power, and his early months on the job are all superb. LBJ is the Dallas Cowboys of presidents: he is either love or hated. Actually, though, one can rightfully love AND hate him. He was thoroughly corrupt (like lots of politicians of his day), and he was an abusive boss, husband, and colleague. When he wanted something, he would rarely stop at any reasonable level until he acquired it. BUT... when he wanted something that was morally right and for the good of lots of people, he was a powerful force for greatness. There is no doubt that the march to serious civil rights legislation was due to the efforts of lots of black folk who put their lives on the line to make it happen. It was those regular people who made the most important strides. And then there were the direct leaders of those regular folks who took the next steps. But when real legislation made it to the floor of Congress, those in favor of civil rights (really human rights) could not have had a better friend in Congress and the White House than they had in LBJ (who was often an earlier foe to civil rights). Caro does a superb job of discussing all of this. He also teases us with the sad future that lies ahead, particularly with the Vietnam War. I sure hope Caro makes it to finish that last book: he is old and meticulous.
—macp92
Yet another perfect book in the ongoing Caro series on LBJ. This isn't as good as Master of the Senate, but it's still entirely awesome. Caro's coverage of LBJ's vice presidency, his almost certain downfall from corruption if not for the assassination of JFK, the JFK assassination, LBJ's transition to power, and his early months on the job are all superb. LBJ is the Dallas Cowboys of presidents: he is either love or hated. Actually, though, one can rightfully love AND hate him. He was thoroughly corrupt (like lots of politicians of his day), and he was an abusive boss, husband, and colleague. When he wanted something, he would rarely stop at any reasonable level until he acquired it. BUT... when he wanted something that was morally right and for the good of lots of people, he was a powerful force for greatness. There is no doubt that the march to serious civil rights legislation was due to the efforts of lots of black folk who put their lives on the line to make it happen. It was those regular people who made the most important strides. And then there were the direct leaders of those regular folks who took the next steps. But when real legislation made it to the floor of Congress, those in favor of civil rights (really human rights) could not have had a better friend in Congress and the White House than they had in LBJ (who was often an earlier foe to civil rights). Caro does a superb job of discussing all of this. He also teases us with the sad future that lies ahead, particularly with the Vietnam War. I sure hope Caro makes it to finish that last book: he is old and meticulous.
—bane
Not quite as epic as Master of the Senate. But still one of the best nonfictions I've ever read.
—taylahtaylahh
Very good, well researched and a must for anyone that enjoys American Presidential history.
—jaydiepoops
Review to follow...
—jacyterrell
