The Passage of Power

Name: The Passage of Power
Brand: Vintage Publishing
SKU: 9781847922953
Price: 80.0 NZD
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The Years of Lyndon Johnson (Volume 4)

By Robert A Caro

4.38

( 18,575 ratings, 1,380 reviews)

Summary

In The Passage of Power by Robert A Caro, the author chronicles the turbulent political journey of Lyndon B. Johnson during the pivotal years of 1958 to 1964. It explores Johnson's vice presidency, his struggle to retain influence, and his remarkable transition to power following John F. Kennedy's assassination.
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Format: Paperback / softback

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by political history and power dynamics, as it delves deeply into Lyndon B. Johnson's rise to the presidency. The detailed exploration of his strategies and the transformation during his career offers a compelling narrative for history buffs and those interested in the intricacies of leadership.

The Passage of Power

Provides a perspective on Kennedy's assassination from Johnson's viewpoint, and penetrates deep into what it was like for him to assume a position of such power at a time of national crisis.

The fourth instalment in Robert Caro's multi-award-winning and bestselling biography of Lyndon Johnson, spanning a pivotal era in American history.

Description

The Passage of Power, the fourth instalment in Robert A. Caro's critically acclaimed and bestselling biography series on Lyndon B. Johnson, covers the transformative period between 1958 and 1964. This volume delves into one of the most turbulent and pivotal eras in American political history, shedding light on the triumphs and tribulations that defined Johnson's career and reshaped the nation.

During these years, Lyndon Johnson experienced profound shifts in his political journey. Starting with his fiercely contested battle against the formidable Kennedy brothers for the 1960 Democratic nomination, the book takes readers through Johnson's frustrating vice-presidency, where he was often sidelined and humiliated. However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Thrust into the highest office, Johnson demonstrates an unparalleled political acumen, skillfully navigating a nation in crisis and assuming the presidency with a bold and assertive hand.

Caro's meticulous research and compelling prose offer a fresh perspective on the events surrounding Kennedy's assassination, particularly through Johnson's eyes. The book captures the tension, uncertainty, and eventual resolve that marked Johnson’s initial days as president. Through vivid storytelling, readers gain insight into Johnson's strategic manoeuvres to push forward previously stalled initiatives on the budget and civil rights, all while dealing with an often resistant Congress.

What sets The Passage of Power apart is its deep dive into the personal and political complexities of Johnson's life. Caro captures the essence of Johnson's character—a man of immense ambition and political genius—while exploring his vulnerabilities and the weight of the responsibilities he shouldered. The narrative balances the personal and the political, providing a nuanced and humanising portrait of a leader at a critical juncture in American history.

In The Years of Lyndon Johnson series, Caro masterfully combines delicate storytelling with profound historical analysis, creating a comprehensive and moving chronicle of America in the mid-twentieth century. The series, widely regarded as 'the greatest biography of our era' by The Times, and described by the Economist as 'the series' crowning volume,' stands as a monumental achievement in literary and historical scholarship.

Collectively, Caro's work offers not only a detailed biography of an influential political figure but also a sweeping history of the United States during some of its most critical years. The Passage of Power continues this legacy, providing readers with an enthralling and insightful look into the life and times of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Passage of Power by Robert A. Caro is widely praised for its monumental and masterful portrayal of Lyndon B. Johnson. Critics highlight the book's tense narrative, insightful psychological analysis, and detailed historical context, describing it as riveting and essential reading. The biography captures Johnson's complex personality and dramatic political career, making it a compelling and significant work in modern political literature.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781847922953

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 January 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Bodley Head Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 767g

Pages: 736

Collections

American & Canadian History Biography & Memoir Education & Reference History & Military Non-Fiction Political Biographies Politics & Current Affairs Robert A Caro Tim's Books

About the Author

Robert A. Caro has been described as 'the greatest political biographer of our times' (Sunday Times) and 'the most revered historian of his generation' (New York Times). His first book, The Power Broker, published in 1974, was described in 2015 as 'one of the greatest non-fiction works ever written' (Sunday Times) and his ongoing multi-volume work The Years of Lyndon Johnson has been described as 'the greatest biography of our era' (The Times). With these books he has twice won the Pulitzer Prize, twice won the National Book Award and three times won the National Book Critics Circle Award. He has also been awarded virtually every other major literary honour, including the National Humanities Medal, awarded by President Barack Obama, the highest award in the humanities given in the United States. Born in 1935, he graduated from Princeton University, later became a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, and was an investigative reporter for Newsday for six years. He lives with his wife, the writer Ina Caro, in New York City, where he is at work on the fifth and final volume of The Years of Lyndon Johnson.