Vol. IV - The Passage of Power - The Years of Lyndon Johnson

Mr Caro does an excellent job of weaving together a comprehensible and revealing picture of the great and no so great aspects of the persons who came to together at this time in history. He looks at all of them in such a variety of ways. I lived during this time. As a young boy I experienced it, but did not really understand or appreciate it. This book has been a great help to me in gaining greater understanding and appreciation of these events and times. Thank you.

Terrifically interesting view of the Kennedy administration seen through Johnson's eyes, and a thorough examination of the tremendous effort required to put together an administration after JFK was killed. Caro is a master at conveying the weight and meaning of world events.

Robert Caro's Lyndon Johnson series is one of the great achievements in American Arts and Letters. This volume captures the transition of power after the Kennedy assassination. The years leading up to the tragic events of November 1963 are covered in the first half of the book. They set the backdrop for the second half of the volume and the masterful strokes Johnson excuted in those critical weeks following the murder of JFK. Mr. Caro gives life and blood to the LBJ/ RFK fued. It takes on an almost Shakespearian quality. I give this volume 4 stars because I did not find it to be as compelling a read as I found the earlier volumes. But the series is a MUST READ for any student of American history.

I cannot say enough about Caro's voluminous biolgraphy of LBJ and the latest volume lives up to the others.It is easy to understand now how someone as politically astute at LBJ allowed himself to get suck into the muck of Vietnam.

I have read every word he has published, many two or three times. He is not the only one to write about Lyndon Johnson and there are other good books out there, but his meticulous research and language skills bring the subject to life.

Wonderfully written story of a difficult and progressive time in our country's history. The follow through of Kennedy's legacy by the Johnson administration and the skill employed to navigate the complexities of our representatives was insightful to many of the challenges we face today. The check and balance of our divergent views is proven to be historical and not unique to today.

Having read the first three books in this series, I was expecting quality work, and this volume did not let me down. Caro is a meticulous researcher, often including the most minute details, which make history come to life. He does have a tendency to paraphrase particular subjects into a froth, but that's his style and I've learned to read through it. One thing I found very helpful when reading this volume was to download some of the speeches and phone conversations that Caro specifically mentions in the book, namely Johnson's first address to a joint session of Congress on 11/27/1963. They can all be accessed on the website of the University of Virginia's Miller Center [...] speech right after reading the section about everything that went into preparing for it, and everything else Johnson had to do behind the scenes over the preceding 5 days, gave me a deeper appreciation for what Johnson was capable of at his finest.

He was a complex man - not all good, not all bad. This book covers the period of his presidency when he was at his very, very best. Anyone who thinks he was just playing along on the civil rights issue, at least at this point in his career, because it was the most expedient thing to do for his own career, will learn a different version of the story in this volume. Johnson cared deeply for oppressed people, and he matched that caring with his absolute genius for maneuvering through the master chess game that is the US Senate, resulting in the most sweeping civil rights legislation anyone could have hoped for at that time. His legacy is marred by Vietnam, but passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were nothing short of miraculous. This volume explains in vivid detail how he pulled it off, and why no other person on earth could have done it at that time except for LBJ.

A fascinating study of Lyndon Johnson, his rise to Senate Majority leader, his reluctant decision to accept the nomination for Vice President, the transition to his Presidency and his successful manuevering to enact major social legislation. The detail provided by the author, the integration of knowledge by those directly influenced by the transition, and the troubled hate relationship between him and Robert Kennedy make this a must read for those of us baby boomers who were there when it happened. There was so much about the passage I did not know until I read this book. Thank you

This volume takes the reader to the transfer of power from JKF ( deceased) to LBJ in Dallas.
The axiom that you should never kick a man when he is down is well brought home in the life of LBJ. As Vice President, Caro explains how LBJ was mal treated by staff of JFK and how the attitude had to change when LBJ was sworn in.
A great insight into the transfer of power in the USA political scene. Caro then documents the "Great Days" of LBJ and then leads the reader into what will be the "winter of LBJ's discontent- Vietnam" the final volume.
We as readers get a great insight into the ability of LBJ to use the prevailing sentiment following the death of JFK and LBJ's negotiating skills to push through great civil reforms in the USA.
Caro again stands above other modern historians.

As much about the the evolution of Robert Kennedy as well as Lyndon Johnson. The description of how Johnson was able to guide the transition from John Kennedy was a tribute to his power and knowledge of how Congress can work.

I usually read fast-moving fiction, but I had heard how well done this biography is. Well, it's long and weighs a ton, but is absolutely great. I switched to "reading" it on my Audible, which I'm doing more and more of.

The greatness of this book and this series, is that you feel both admiration for and revulsion of Johnson. No man has changed our world more, yet his tactic were despicable. The scene in the limo before JFK is assassinated is worth the price of this book.

The greatness of this book and this series, is that you feel both admiration for and revulsion of Johnson. No man has changed our world more, yet his tactic were despicable. The scene in the limo before JFK is assassinated is worth the price of this book.

Caro manages to combine use of other persons' language with his own organization and factual detail. The result is a highly factual, insightful narrative that reads as if related at the time the events occurred.

I've read the previous three volumes of this compelling series, enjoyed the fourth one (subject of this review), and can't wait for the fifth (and final, let's hope) volume yet to come. However, I must say that I am really tired of Robert Caro's style by now - this man desperately needs an editor, he repeats himself so much! But Johnson's story is so fascinating that I will nevertheless wait for Volume 5 to appear.

Fabulous read, so well written and detailed, evoking images of that period in my mind's eye, images with which I was familiar but never old enough at the time to truly understand. A biography setting a standard to which all other attempts will be held.

The author has written a brilliant analysis and survey of a critical time in the history of the nation. As an active Texas Republican during that time I was suspicious of LBJ but could, from afar, recognize his capacity for leadership. Caro's narrative brings the events of the time back to memory and realization in a clear and and eventful manner.

Robert Caro continues his incredible study of LBJ by describing, in fascinating detail, the crooked side that fixed his elections and the driving, skillful President and legislator who passed the Civil Rights Act through a Congress controlled by segregationists. And more besides: the sad VP with an inferiority complex and the strong and stable President who assumed power after one of our greatest national tragedies. I marvel at how Mr. Caro takes his vast research and turns it into one of the fascinating stories of our time in an entertaining way.

Tom Hayden critiqued this book for not exposing LBJ's Viet Nam tragedy more than he did, but this volume is not about Viet Nam, it is more about an incredible transition into the presidency. It is about incredible motivation and skill of one of the major figures of American political history in pushing through civil rights' protections and the War On Poverty. This same figure is riddled with contradictions. He was a bully, he was racist, he cheated on his wife, he paid Mexican thugs to steal an election, he was obsessed with power. The Viet Nam story is another volume yet to be published which will show how obsession with power brought him down and lost him the presidency. Tom Hayden, one of my heroes, did not appreciate Mr. Caro's methods of going back and forth in time. This technique was used to develop the Passage in which LBJ early on won some of the most significant domestic changes in the 20th Century that are still with us. The final tragedy of LBJ is next and will be thoroughly dealt with.

So appreciated learning all the machinations that he went through to get things done and all the humiliation he had to suffer as a vice president who wasn't even welcome in a white house full of Boston Brahmans!

Loved it, learned many things about how congress and our government works. Although I have read two other books on LBJ and the Kennedy's, "The Passage of Power" gave me a very clear picture of LBJ's and Robert Kennedy's hate of each other and the reasons for their hate and gave me an understanding of the power that LBJ had while he was in congress and when he became president.

The insight into the characters of all of the people involved in those years is great. At certain places the book can become laborious with somewhat irrelevant details, but overall it's a very good read.

Caro’s extensive biography (this is the fourth volume) covers Johnson’s rise to the vice presidency, his relationship with Kennedy, and his ascent to the presidency. Though detailed, the story reads like a novel rather unlike so many “bogged down” in detail biographies. We learn of Johnson’s ambition and the lessons from the past which prevent him from a successful bid of his own; we learn of his tawdry treatment by the Kennedy faction whose backgrounds are so very different from his own; finally, we learn of his rather surprising ability to rise to the occasion when it is needed. An excellent read for political junkies.

Another superb biography from Caro. This, and his earlier volumes on Johnson should be required reading in University Departments of Political Science and/or Public Administration, and for all who aspire to participate in American Politics. A delight to read; a great way to learn. Elias S. Cohen

Robert Caro if a amazing writer. He has stayed with this work on Lyndon Johnson for years and years. His has been extremely thorough and detailed. He writes beautifully. It's almost as if you were there. If you are someone like me who was in his forties and fifties when Johnson was acting out his great tragedy of the Veit Nam War in the White House this will really wring the bell for you. Recommend highly!

Bringing me into the "back rooms of power" and inside LBJ and his dreams, demeanor and devils - this is a must read. Caro's words brings me into the very rooms where they were spoken. His narrative flows with clarity and power. Highly recommended!

There are two kinds of Americans: those who have read the Caro biographies of Johnson and those who have not. Join the club. It is a strange, intimate, harrowing, exciting and illuminating journey of genius, torment and tribulation. And it explains where we are today.
Once one has gotten through the Caro volumes, go to Power Broker by Caro. The explanation of the New York conundrum.

An incredibly moving account of important historical events. The book reads like an exciting mystery novel, but amazingly the facts are true! Robert Caro has outdone himself. This is the best book I have ever read.

This 4th vol. details the insider political machinations LBJ had to grapple with to secure the vice presidency and to serve In an office that reigned in his compulsions of power and control. The Kennedy machine was not welcoming nor kind to him after he served his purpose of getting JFK into the White House. To them he was a power monger that had to be contained. The assassination of JFK fulfilled his life's goal but presented him with challenges he had to overcome in order to successfully lead a nation during very complicated times. Caro brilliantly describes the personalities and the events of this era. Volume 5 is awaited for the completion of LBJ,s biograph, one of this countries most consummate politicians.

Many, including me, have no affection for Lyndon Johnson's conduct with respect to Vietnam. Don't let that deter you from the important book.

The story of how Lyndon Johnson lost the 1960 democratic nomination for president to John Kennedy is as fascinating as the story Jane Goodwin tells in "Team of Rivals" as to how Abraham Lincoln won his nomination.

Then, to paint the context of how Lyndon Johnson was dismissed and shoved aside as vice president only to suddenly become president; and, have to lead under the most difficult of circumstances, is compelling.

For history, this book is a page turner.

that this hugely long series about Lyndon Johnson could continue to be so fascinating. Robert Caro has pulled off a major coup by delving so deeply into Johnson's life and how he has affected the American political landscape.

Have read the previous volumes. This is spectacular. Particularly Chapter 15 "The Drums". The South of the USA seemed to have lost the Civil War, or so we were told. Robert Caro has a very different story about the first and only "southern president"!. Have recommended (/imposed ) it to/on many of my friends! An eye opener for every studen tof US politics!
Tom Devitt

Would give it five stars, except that the meticulous detail can be a little tedious. But as an important historical document, a morality tale, and a great read, it's hard to beat Robert Caro's monumental 'Lyndon Johnson' series.

In this, the fourth book of the series, Lyndon Johnson exchanges his powerful position of "Master of the Senate" for the powerless position of vice president. Robert Kennedy becomes his arch enemy, and together the Kennedy brothers effectively close him out of any meaningful role in the government. However after the surprising assassination, Johnson takes the reins of the presidency in his hands, and using all of his carefully honed political skills, rests power away from Congress and Robert Kennedy and controls the presidency, surprisingly turning towards civil rights. I can hardly wait for the next book.

The unvarnished, definitive history of LBJ. Love him or not, you need to read the whole series. It puts even today's headlines in a context that everyone, most especially but not exclusively, any decision maker or shaper in DC must read and understand. Caro's books, read like political thrillers (real page turners!) but on their own are also a definitive honors class in Political Science....Thanks!

Robert Caro is one of the finest non-fiction writers on the planet! I have every one of his books. I wait anxiously for each and every release, even though it may take nearly a decade. Well worth the wait!

After reading the passage of power, I was left puzzled at the man. He did some good things for his country, however, he was also petty and vindictive. I can't imagine having to work with such a man.

It is well written, provides a lot of insight for that period in the american history. How he was shun as a vice president, and how different he became as a president. If you like history, this is a very good book.

Johnson, as vice president, is shown at his worst, characterless and
filled with rage and jealousy. Amazingly, those attributes are all but missing from
him as president, and he remains one of our great presidents of social causes
and among the worst in understanding foreign policy. Not worse than our very
worst, however. With all his misadventures, Johnson doesn't come close to
George W. Bush and his fraternity-cowboy presidency.

Caro makes Johnson his life's work by including endless detail and minutiae. He can go on for 150 pages -this is an exaggeration, but not much- about one meeting at Johnson's ranch. I lived through the period covered by this book, in my 30's and very interested in the goings-on in Washington and Caro seems to have it right.

Caro is an excellent writer, bringing the reader into the conversations and thought processes of this amazingly complex yet simple man who was the most accomplished domestic affairs president in the latter half of the twentieth century (still can't compare to FDR, of course!) Before the election of JFK, LBJ was acknowledged as the most powerful Democrat in the country, playing the Senate like a violin virtuoso, but when he accepted the Vice-Presidency he was plunged into a meaningless position without any power. Only JFK's death in office (for which Lyndon had calculated the odds before accepting the VP position) brought him again to power, and he wielded it as well as anyone ever holding the presidency. A great read for political nerds like me!

This series of biographies of Lyndon Johnson are some of the best history reading I've ever found. Caro has researched very deeply, then is able to tell the story in simple, gripping prose. I'll be sorry when the story is finished.

Typical Caro in its attention to detail and obvious research. But, also seemed wordy and repetitive to me in many places. He needs a better editor. I have read his previous LBJ books and this one is as interesting but not as well written.

No one compares to Caro. No other author combines the ability to describe historical figures in all of their specificity and complexity with the flair of drama. I thought Master of the Senate was the best non-fiction work that I had ever read -- until now! The opening chapter, for example, notes all of the massive challenges that were put to President Johnson in a momentary flash, and all of President Johnson's capacity and desire to deal with those challenges, is as exciting as it is daunting. Moreover, while Mr. Caro has obvious respect for President Johnson, he does not offer an uncritical portrait of this complicated man. He spends equal time describing both President Johnson's positive attributes (i.e., his ability to use his experience to not only take command but to manipulate the Congressional process that could have stalled his (and President Kennedy'sP legislative agenda) and his negative qualities (i.e., his consuming lust for power, penchant to humiliate subordinates and inability to control his hatred for Robert Kennedy). Thank you Robert Caro for this superb work of history.

All the books in this series are excellent. I recommend them highly to anyone interested in history or politics. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the final volume in the series, covering his years as President.