The Passage of Power

The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Vol. IV

Robert Caro

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"The Passage of Power" by Robert Caro is a meticulously-researched and engaging historical masterpiece that captures the pivotal years of Lyndon B. Johnson's presidential journey.

In this fourth volume of his acclaimed series, Caro eloquently explores the turbulent period from 1958 to 1964—delving deep into the intricacies of Johnson's political career and the colossal challenges he faced upon assuming the presidency after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Caro paints a vivid portrait of Johnson's transformation from an influential Senate majority leader into the leader of a grieving nation, burdened with the weight of continuing Kennedy's unfinished legacy. With precise attention to detail, Caro exposes the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles that characterized this period of American history.

Elevating the narrative with his clear prose and rich storytelling, Caro skillfully presents the backroom dealings and political maneuvering that allowed Johnson to pass landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He delves into Johnson's skilled manipulation of power, as he deftly navigates through opposition and finds unprecedented ways to advance his policy agenda.

Caro does not shy away from examining Johnson's flaws and the toll that wielding power takes on both him and those around him. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Caro dismantles popular myths while providing a gripping account of Johnson's rise to power and the transformative years that followed.

"The Passage of Power" is a brilliant and illuminating examination of a crucial period in American history, bringing to life the complex political landscape and the enigmatic personality of Lyndon B. Johnson. Caro's authoritative writing makes this book an essential addition to the libraries of history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deep understanding of power dynamics and the complexities of leadership.

Explore More Books

See All
The Trap
The Amber Spyglass
The Columbian Exchange
Mindfulness
With All Due Respect
Information
Ford vs. Ferrari
San Fransicko
Influence
The Transit of Venus
Physics of the Impossible
Other People's Money
The Art Of Doing Science And Engineering
Game of Thorns
Facing Codependence
Freakonomics
Bitcoin
Son of the Morning Star
Heaven on Earth
Lenin
The Gray Lady Winked
Self Belief
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin
Seeker
One of a Kind
Stuff and Nonsense
The Golden Trade of the Moors
Farsighted
The German Generals Talk
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind
The World That Wasn't
Search Inside Yourself
Blink
Chapterhouse: Dune
The Upside of Inequality
Be Here Now
The Great Gatsby
Nonviolent Communication
United States of Socialism
First Friends
Lean In
The Writing Life
How To Live
Putin's Kleptocracy
Job Stacking
Life in the English Country House
Private Truths, Public Lies
Save The Cat!
Adultery
If The Universe Is Teeming With Aliens...Where Is Everybody?
Rock On
We Are The Nerds
Marc's Mission
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Reason Begins
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Sex, Ecology, Spirituality
The Book of Nothing
The Last Lecture
Ice Age
Home Economics
Opportunity Knocks
History of the World
Value Investing
Not Fade Away
Nixonland
Ponzi's Scheme
Necessary Dreams
Fleishman Is In Trouble
The Spy and The Traitor
Hoover Dam
One Monster After Another
Count Down
Of Wolves and Men
The Cost Of Hope
The Things They Carried
Alchemy
Execution
The Bottomless Well
Blitzscaling
Thinking with Type
The Book of Life
Certain To Win
Just Mercy
V for Vendetta
The River of Doubt
The Paris Architect
The Heart
The Madness of Crowds
Living With A SEAL
Four Quartets
Gay Like Me
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
Diocletian and the Roman Recovery
COAN
Ready Player One
Look to Windward
Hamlet
The Storm of Steel
Whiplash
The Sovereign Individual