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The Passage of Power
- The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Book 4
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 32 hrs and 45 mins
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The Passage of Power
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Summary
National Book Critics Circle Award, Biography, 2013
The Passage of Power follows Lyndon Johnson through both the most frustrating and the most triumphant periods of his career - 1958 to 1964. It is a time that would see him trade the extraordinary power he had created for himself as Senate Majority Leader for what became the wretched powerlessness of a Vice President in an administration that disdained and distrusted him. Yet it was, as well, the time in which the presidency, the goal he had always pursued, would be thrust upon him in the moment it took an assassin’s bullet to reach its mark.
For the first time, we see the Kennedy assassination through Lyndon Johnson’s eyes. We watch Johnson step into the presidency, inheriting a staff fiercely loyal to his slain predecessor; a Congress determined to retain its power over the executive branch; and a nation in shock and mourning. We see how within weeks - grasping the reins of the presidency with supreme mastery - he propels through Congress essential legislation that at the time of Kennedy’s death seemed hopelessly logjammed and seizes on a dormant Kennedy program to create the revolutionary War on Poverty.
Caro makes clear how the political genius with which Johnson had ruled the Senate now enabled him to make the presidency wholly his own. This was without doubt Johnson’s finest hour, before his aspirations and accomplishments were overshadowed and eroded by the trap of Vietnam.
It is an epic story told with a depth of detail possible only through the peerless research that forms the foundation of Robert Caro’s work, confirming Nicholas von Hoffman’s verdict that “Caro has changed the art of political biography.”
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What listeners say about The Passage of Power
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 07-09-22
Can't wait for book 5
One of the most detailed (series of) biographies/studies of power in politics I have ever read.
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- Manuel Monteiro Grillo
- 17-09-21
Robert Caro and generosity
The greatest writer, you see with Caro, is a generous one. His generosity is what enables him to depict a complex man like LBJ. He understands him better than LBJ ever understood himself, for better and worse.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kirstine
- 01-03-14
Fascinating insight into a pivotal decade
This is third part of a monumental series charting the life of Lyndon Johnson. LBJ's early impoverished life, that coloured his political beliefs, is briefly alluded to and his time as Senate leader, but the vast majority of the book describes his political life from 1960 to 64 in immense detail. This was a pivotal decade for USA and the World with such events as the Bay of Pigs debacle, the Cuban Missile crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy. The corrosive mutual hatred between LBJ and Robert Kennedy pervades this masterly biography. I'm old enough to remember these events but had forgotten how well LBJ was regarded at the beginning of his presidency as his reputation was later tarnished by the horrors of Vietnam.
Though a very long listen I was gripped throughout by this pacy account of events and players in this pivotal decade in world history.
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Richard Boyle
- 21-12-21
Book 4 Passage of Power
Outstanding history, provocative clinical and yet full of humanity. Caro's words are brought to life as are Johnsons in this excellent work
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- KCCaerdydd
- 27-11-23
Fascinating account of the evolution of politics in mid-century America.
I learned a lot from this account of American politics through the lens of the career of Lyndon B Johnson. For those who have read the other volumes, there are many repetitions. However, this is acceptable, and makes the volume accessible to those who just want to dip into this episode of Johnson’s career.
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- michael Billington
- 29-05-16
The fall and rise of LBJ
Would you listen to The Passage of Power again? Why?
Yes, this is a wonderful book and I have found more in it with repeated listening.
What did you like best about this story?
You see how Lyndon Johnson endured the worst period of his career and as a result of an assassination obtained the prize he had always wanted. You also see and learn how he rose to the challenges he faced.
Have you listened to any of Grover Gardner’s other performances? How does this one compare?
Yes and he was excellent as always in his narration of this series of books
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I found myself laughing when u hear some of the words and stories LBJ used to get other politicians to work with him.
Any additional comments?
This is the 4th volume of the years of lyndon Johnson. These are to my mind the greatest political biographies of any politician. Essential for understanding the use and abuse of power in mid 20th century America.
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2 people found this helpful
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- D
- 27-04-21
another superb edition
yet another installment of the life of LBJ. And we haven't even got to 1964 election!!
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- Richard Lyus
- 24-05-23
As good as everyone says
Brilliantly written. Full of vivid images and perfectly clear descriptions of complicated governmental and legislative chicanery. Doesn’t engage much with the ever-growing evidence against the conventional story of the JFK assassination but there are other books for that. And although I have little knowledge with which I could challenge Caro’s account it seems to me fair. The psychological fascination is that Johnson’s virtues and vices are presented so that they seem universal while having unique dimensions for people in positions of exceptional power.
Brilliantly read. Engaging but never melodramatic.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- John
- 07-04-13
Stunning
An incredible piece of historical writing, based clearly in the evidence and views of individuals who were part of those events. It is all the more evocative for that solid grounding. Caro's work is about the years of LBJ, and how power functions in America. To say that it is an important book is an almost comical understatement, it will be read and used and referenced for years to come.
The audiobook, with a very well chosen narrator, allows you to immerse yourself in this stunning book. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
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4 people found this helpful
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- E P
- 20-05-19
Thinking about going into politics? Read these books first
Anyone who has ever thought of standing for public office should read this series of books. This gives a vivid feel as to what it feels to be a politician: the good, the bad and the ugly side of the ignoble art.
The three set pieces: the Democratic Convention, Kennedy’s Assassination and LBJ’s masterful transition grip like a drama.
LBJ personality is full of contradictions. Caro exposes them with an unblinking eye. The final devastating assessment makes the desire for him to publish his final book tantalising.
I recommend these books without reservation
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1 person found this helpful