The Passage of Power

The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Book 4

By: Robert A. Caro

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 32 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's 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.”

©2012 Robert A. Caro (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Riveting!

This gave me a chance to revisit and understand an era which I experienced as a child. It helped me understand the workings (and nonworkings) of our current political climate. No one but Johnson could have twisted enough arms to push through Kennedy's stalled legislation and dreams, and he is truly masterful in his transition to power and his first weeks.
Gardners crisp narration is wonderful and makes me want to read more. Caro has given this shining moment its due...probably the height of Johnson's effectiveness as a president.

Thorough and narrative

Captures the personalities and history in a weave that makes for an excellent read. I fully recommend it.

Looking forward to number 5

Really great. It's difficult to understand how different politics was at this time. Caro does a pretty comprehensive job outlining the players and plays that surrounded this incredible turning point in history. You get the sense that the south really could have held on forever. If only Nixon could have gone to China, only Johnson could have tricked the south.

Captivating and Informative

Would you listen to The Passage of Power again? Why?

The more things change, the more they stay the same. It is a lesson in why Clinton would have been a better option than Obama and why JFK was probably all style and little substance.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Passage of Power?

How clever Johnson was in passing the the civil rights act of 1964

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The assassination of JFK and how even then people knew that something was wrong with the lone gunman theory.

History... Behind the Scene

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it's a fascinating read. I was reading it for a bookclub & really didn't think I was going to be that interested in it. But, it's really made history come alive... and a reminder of how very human politicians are.... and what happens when personalities become more important than principles.

Reading my history

If you could sum up The Passage of Power in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, revealing and politics as usual

What other book might you compare The Passage of Power to and why?

I’m venturing in the history of my youth so it is hard to write of a comparison today. Maybe in the future. It is definitely a great read a story of my youth as I remember so much of what I read. I remember the speeches, the talks, the history. Make the time and listen to this book

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

Johnson was a powerful character and listening to him was so revealing and honest. Hard to believe we use those words when we speak about a politician.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

We all know about the assination of President Kennedy, but do you know the real story of President Johnson.

A great standalone book!

Since I had not read the first three volumes, my biggest concern before getting this book was would the story make sense. Turns out, I didn't feel missing out on anything. The biographical sketch of LBJ in this book was just right. What a flawed individual! But he also delivered where others failed, making him a genius in his own right.

Absolutely loved the book, great storytelling. Excellent narration too. I noted, however, there were three instances where the narration jumped from the middle of a sentence to the next. I hope I only lost half a sentence in each case.

I can't wait for the final book and hope it comes out soon!!

Astounding!

A miracle of exhaustive research and brilliant writing. Robert Caro has set a new, unreachable standard for political biography.

Complexity, Power, Profanity & Purpose in Politics

LBJ through Caro's masterful 4th volume "Passage of Power" is a working case study in journalism at its apex. Through Caro's detailed journalism and the reader's nuanced reading I was taken back to the tumultuous 60s.
I did not want it to end and I'll walk through a trench of piranha to purchase the final 5th volume - the tragedy of Vietnam and Johnson's final days.

Looking forward to final volume

I've enjoyed Caro's LBJ series. Though lengthy, it's not overly detailed and rarely drags. I'm really looking forward to the final volume of this series.