![Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency | [Mark Updegrove]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QKjVTpEVL._SL175_.jpg "Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency | [Mark Updegrove]")
Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency
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- Regular Price :$31.50Special Offer: Learn how to get this for $7.49 !
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Average Customer Rating
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LENGTH13 hrs and 42 mins
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RELEASE DATE03-13-12
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AUDIO FORMATS
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Program TypeAudiobook
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PUBLISHER
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Publisher's Summary
Nearly 50 years after being sworn in as president of the United States in the wake of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Lyndon Baines Johnson remains a largely misunderstood figure. His force of personality, mastery of power and the political process, and boundless appetite for social reform made him one of the towering figures of his time. But he was one of the most protean and paradoxical of presidents as well. Because of his flawed nature and inherent contradictions, some claimed there were as many LBJs as there were people who knew him.
Intent on fulfilling the promise of America, Johnson launched a revolution in civil rights, federal aid to education, and health care for the elderly and indigent, and expanded immigration and environmental protection. A flurry of landmark laws—he would sign an unparalleled 207 during his five years in office, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Head Start, and Medicare—are testaments to the strength of his will. His War on Poverty alone brought the US poverty rate down from 20 percent to 12 percent, the biggest one-time drop in American history. As president, he was known for getting things done.
At the same time, Johnson’s presidency—and the fulfillment of its own promise—was blighted by his escalation of an ill-fated war in Vietnam that tore at the fabric of America and saw the loss of 36,000 US troops by the end of his term.
Presidential historian Mark K. Updegrove offers an intimate portrait of the endlessly fascinating LBJ, his extraordinarily eventful presidency, and the turbulent times in which he served.
©2012 Mark Updegrove (P)2012 Random House
What the Critics Say
“A readable, endlessly interesting look at the LBJ years.” (Kirkus)
“Updegrove’s valiant and interesting effort to reappraise the man and his presidency is both valuable and necessary.” (Booklist)
“This book throbs with voices from an era that proved to be a hinge of American history. Their recollections become a chorus of insight into Lyndon B. Johnson, the colossus of his time, whose personality, politics, and policies are getting a much deserved second look. No one should be more eager to hear these voices than Barack Obama, whose path to the White House was cleared by LBJ’s indomitable will.” (Bill Moyers)
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What Members Say
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"Exceptional Book - I learned so much"
I always blamed LBJ for Viet Nam. I still see that he made a lot of mistakes, but I now better understand the times.
The work he did for human and civil rights is like no other person. But he was such an odd fellow, it is hard to make sense of it all.
Very well done!1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
Sharon The Woodlands, TX, United States 11-05-12 Member Since 2011
My reading and listening tastes are eclectic.
- HELPFUL VOTES
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- REVIEWS
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"Completely Redefines the LBJ Presidency"
I was a child when LBJ was president, and I didn't know the historic period in which I was living would be a strong influence on the politics of today. After listening to this book, I found that I had a greater understanding of the The Great Society, the social turmoil at the time of the Johnson presidency, the consequences of the romanticizing of Camelot with Kennedy, and gained a greater perspective of what Johnson's legacy is to my own and other following generations. I learned a lot, and I think before anyone starts talking abut current social programs and their impact on the federal budget and the growth of government, they should read or listen to this book. It is extremely informative and I am thrilled to have listened to it.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"not what I expected"
What disappointed you about Indomitable Will?I had hoped for a deeper insight into LBJ. What I recieved was a biography of quotes from people around the man. In my opinion , the author missed a chance to peel the onion thet is LBJ, and reveal where the Congressional powerhouse for so many years , met his final undoing.
How could the performance have been better?I dont know, given the format
You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?Not really.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"A Struggle!"
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?Yes- the story is fine and worthy of a read, but as explianed below, the sound volume on my Kindle is not sufficient.
How could the performance have been better?The volume on my (new!) Kindle does not make the listening easy- primarily when there is any peripheral noise. I tried the audio out in the quite and solitude of my home where there is relatively no noise, and it was fine. But, outside- where there was traffic, or in the car on a trip while I was the passenger, there was no way I could follow the story. Amazon recommended external speakers, which were awkward and cumbersome- and not easy to find, without trying several different types. I hope they will be addressing this issue with an appropriate after market sound amplifier or improvement with the Kindle sound. I might mention that there is nothing wrong with my hearing!
Was Indomitable Will worth the listening time?Yes- with the appropriate accomdations
0 of 1 people found this review helpful