The Passage of Power

The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Book 4

By: Robert A. Caro

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

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.

Great book. Where is the rest???

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

Yes. Bob Caro is the most thorough biographer I have read. Many mini bios within this extensive volume. I read this after The Power Broker. Cant get enough.

Who was your favorite character and why?

LBJ rocks

Would you listen to another book narrated by Grover Gardner?

Sure. Very clearly read book.

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

assasination.

Any additional comments?

I listened to all 4 parts. The last part did not seem like the end of the book but rather the end to a part. Does anyone else have a thought on this????

Lyndon Johnson at his best

Where does The Passage of Power rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

This is one of the better books about an American president. At times it tends to drag because the author goes into so much detail, but I had trouble putting it down, even though I was not a Johnson fan.

Who was your favorite character and why?

LBJ. Now I appreciate his trials and tribulations.

Which scene was your favorite?

Johnson's actions after the assassination of Kennedy were amazingly crafted.

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

The same as the book title.

The accidental president -

You have to give LBJ credit (and I'm not an American). He could be abrasive but it is obvious that he had the best interest of his country in mind at all times. It is hard to imagine him being graceful but he took on the role at one of the most awkward and divisive times in American History with a grace which is surprising, given his background and history and with as significant dignity (in pubic) that must have made American's proud.

The story was well documented, which is frequently not the case, with biographies.

Great Performance of a Great Life Story

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

I am going to listen to The Passage of Power because the story is so rich with detail it is overwhelming and it takes atleast two session to fully grasp the author's point of veiw.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lyndon B. Johnson because he had a "bigger than life" personality and he had a life that was s real life Greek tragedy.

Which scene was your favorite?

The author's telling the Kennedy assassination from the LBJ perspective.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The Kennedy assassination. All these years late it still evokes strong feelings from me especially because of the details that Mr. Caro incorporates in his telling of the national tragedy. Its was like reliving the national nightmare all over again.

Outstanding historical insights !

Only wish I could be around 50-60 years from now to read what time and distance tell us about .

Grover Gardner as always makes hearing it so valid.

A Tour de Force

An incredible summary and analysis of a few years that were to be a crucial inflection point for LBJ and the country as whole. The dramatic nature of that transition and its lasting consequences are brilliantly researched and presented by Caro. I am, along with millions of others I’m sure, eagerly awaiting the next iteration in this series.

Great Book, Superb Performance

Can't wait for the fifth and final volume. History at its best. Enjoyable and informative.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the best audio book experience I've had in a long time! The stories, the history, the performance - it was all fabulous! I hated for this book to end. A really fun thing was being able to go to youtube and pull up original footage of so many of the events related - it made it so much more poignant. This book was recommended by a friend and I didn't think I would enjoy it but I stand happily corrected. I will definitely do all of Robert Caro's books now.

So It Was Johnson Who Passed Civil Rights

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

Yes. Was amazed by the Robert Kennedy and LBJ relationship. Learned to respect both. What an important chapter in our history.

What did you like best about this story?

Taking the Johnson and Kennedy youth through the elections was powerful. To learn how the southern senators held Civil Rights hostage. That the senator from VA accomplished keeping the VA electorate to 17% of the eligible voting population. Comparisons to the 2012 voter suppression actions of the Republicans. Whole read was fascinating.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Fine job. Couldn't wait to hear the next chapter.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I enjoyed reading this history like a novel.

Riveting

Would you consider the audio edition of The Passage of Power to be better than the print version?

Yes. The audio edition brings the story alive.

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

The dynamics of legislation and getting the tax bill and the civil rights bill passed.

Have you listened to any of Grover Gardner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, he is very good at narrating biographies.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Impossible, but it is book that I couldn't wait to get back to.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next volume to be available.