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The Path to Power

The Years of Lyndon Johnson (Volume 1)
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Path to Power by Robert A Caro is a detailed biography of Lyndon B. Johnson, tracing his rise from rural Texas to his first years in Congress. It explores his early life, political strategies, and the ambition that drove him, painting a vivid picture of his relentless quest for power.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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You might like this book if you enjoy detailed biographies that explore the intricacies of political power and the complex character of influential leaders.

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The Path to Power

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Path to Power by Robert A. Caro is a spellbinding and meticulously detailed biography that vividly chronicles the early years of Lyndon B. Johnson, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the making of a future President and his insatiable thirst for power. This first instalment in Caro's celebrated series sets the stage for Johnson's complex journey, beginning with his humble origins in the Texas Hill Country, where he was born into a world of poverty and hardship.

Caro masterfully brings to life Johnson's formative years, capturing the trials and tribulations of his boyhood, the influence of his ambitious yet beleaguered father, and the tenacity that propelled him through the economically crippling Great Depression. Readers are transported into the heart of Johnson's universe, from the parched landscapes of rural Texas to the bustling corridors of Congress, all while witnessing the development of his political acumen and relentless determination.

The biography delves into Johnson's early forays into politics, including his persistent quest for education, his strategic alliances, and his early Congressional campaigns. Caro details Johnson's first heartbreaking defeat in his Senate run, a significant turning point that only strengthened his resolve. Despite facing setbacks and opposition, Johnson's ascent to power continues unabated, culminating in his unprecedented attainment of national authority by the age of thirty-one.

Described by The Times as 'the greatest biography of our era,' The Path to Power is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand not only Lyndon B. Johnson but also the broader dynamics of power and politics in twentieth-century America. Caro's narrative is both comprehensive and captivating, making the reader privy to the almost superhuman drive and ambition that distinguished Johnson from his peers.

Reissued as a Bodley Head trade paperback, this edition invites new readers and long-time fans alike to explore the intricacies of one of America's most enigmatic leaders. With its rigorous research, compelling prose, and insightful analysis, The Path to Power stands as an enduring testament to Robert A. Caro's talent as a biographer and his dedication to unveiling the truths of power, ambition, and human aspiration.

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 greatest biography of our era, this book is essential reading for those wanting to understand power and politics, praised for its radiant excellence and thorough research. It is described as a monumental political saga and a masterpiece of biography, marking an epic achievement in American historical writing.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781847926159

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 July 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Bodley Head Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 42.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 974g

Pages: 912

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.

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