President Lyndon Johnson

 

Easton Press Lyndon Johnson books

Lyndon B. Johnson and The American Dream - Doris Kearns Goodwin - 1987

Lyndon B. Johnson and his times - 2 volumes - Robert Dallek - 2001

Vol. 1 - Lone Star Rising 1908 - 1960

Vol. 2 - Flawed Giant 1961 - 1973

 

 

President Lyndon Johnson biography

Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908–1973), often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. Born on August 27, 1908, in Stonewall, Texas, Johnson emerged as a towering figure in American politics, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history. Raised in the Texas Hill Country, Johnson experienced the hardships of rural life during his early years. He attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) and worked as a teacher before entering politics. Johnson's political career began in the 1930s when he served as a congressional aide and later won a seat in the House of Representatives in 1937.

Known for his political acumen and persuasive skills, Johnson quickly rose through the ranks. He served in the House until 1948, when he successfully ran for the U.S. Senate. Johnson's leadership abilities became evident, and he eventually became the Senate Majority Leader in 1955. During this time, he played a crucial role in advancing key legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1957. In 1960, Johnson sought the Democratic nomination for the presidency but lost to John F. Kennedy. However, Kennedy chose Johnson as his running mate, and together they won the election. Johnson became Vice President in 1961. Tragically, on November 22, 1963, Johnson was sworn in as President aboard Air Force One following Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, Texas.

As President, Johnson aimed to continue Kennedy's domestic agenda, which he termed the "Great Society." This ambitious set of programs and policies sought to address poverty, civil rights, and healthcare. Johnson successfully pushed through landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, leaving an enduring impact on civil rights in America. However, Johnson's presidency was also marked by controversy and division, particularly due to the escalation of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The conflict became increasingly unpopular, leading to widespread protests and dissent. In 1968, faced with mounting challenges, Johnson announced that he would not seek re-election.

After leaving office in 1969, Johnson retired to his Texas ranch. He passed away on January 22, 1973, leaving behind a complex legacy. While remembered for his domestic achievements, his presidency is also associated with the Vietnam War, illustrating the complexities of leadership during a tumultuous period in American history.

 

Lyndon B. Johnson and His Times

Lyndon B. Johnson and His Times by Robert Dallek is a comprehensive and insightful biography that provides a deep dive into the life and legacy of one of America's most complex and influential leaders. Drawing upon extensive research and access to previously unavailable documents, Dallek offers readers a nuanced portrait of Lyndon B. Johnson, tracing his journey from humble beginnings in rural Texas to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. Born on August 27, 1908, in Stonewall, Texas, Johnson's early years were marked by poverty and hardship, shaping his determination to rise above his circumstances and make a difference in the world. Dallek explores Johnson's formative experiences as a schoolteacher, his rapid ascent through the ranks of Texas politics, and his tenure as a powerful Senate Majority Leader, where he earned a reputation as a master of legislative maneuvering.

Central to Dallek's narrative is Johnson's presidency, which was defined by both remarkable achievements and tragic setbacks. From the passage of landmark civil rights legislation to the escalation of the Vietnam War, Johnson's administration grappled with some of the most pressing issues of the 20th century. Dallek offers a balanced assessment of Johnson's leadership style, his successes and failures, and the complex motivations that drove his decision-making. Lyndon B. Johnson and His Times explores the personal dimensions of Johnson's life, including his relationships with his family, his struggles with self-doubt and insecurity, and his relentless drive for power and recognition. Dallek's biography goes beyond the political arena to provide a richly textured portrait of a man who embodied the contradictions and complexities of the American experience.

Through his meticulous research and engaging prose, Dallek offers readers a fresh perspective on Johnson's life and legacy, challenging conventional wisdom and shedding new light on his contributions to the nation. Lyndon B. Johnson and His Times is a compelling biography that captures the essence of a man and an era, inviting readers to reconsider Johnson's place in history and his enduring impact on the course of American history.

 

Lyndon B. Johnson and The American Dream

Doris Kearns Goodwin's Lyndon B. Johnson and the American Dream offers readers a captivating exploration of one of America's most complex and consequential leaders. Published in 1976, Goodwin's biography provides a richly detailed account of Lyndon B. Johnson's life and political career, tracing his journey from humble beginnings in rural Texas to the pinnacle of power as President of the United States. Drawing upon extensive research and interviews with Johnson's family, friends, and colleagues, Goodwin paints a vivid portrait of a man driven by ambition, resilience, and a deep commitment to social justice. From his early days as a schoolteacher to his tenure as a powerful Senate Majority Leader and Vice President, Johnson's relentless pursuit of power and influence is brought to life with vivid detail and insight.

Central to Goodwin's narrative is Johnson's presidency, which was marked by both triumph and tragedy. From the passage of landmark civil rights legislation to the escalation of the Vietnam War, Johnson's administration confronted some of the most pressing issues of the 20th century. Goodwin offers a nuanced analysis of Johnson's leadership style, his successes and failures, and the enduring legacy of his presidency. Lyndon B. Johnson and the American Dream explores the personal dimensions of Johnson's life, including his relationships with his family, his struggles with self-doubt and insecurity, and his complex personality. Goodwin's biography is not merely a chronicle of political events but a richly textured portrait of a man who embodied the contradictions and complexities of the American experience.

Through her masterful storytelling and deep empathy for her subject, Goodwin invites readers to reconsider Johnson's legacy and his contributions to the nation. Lyndon B. Johnson and the American Dream is a compelling biography that sheds new light on one of America's most enigmatic and influential leaders, offering a fresh perspective on his life, his presidency, and his enduring impact on the course of history.

 

Lyndon Johnson quotes

"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose."
"Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time."
"I will do my best. That is all I can do. I ask for your help - and God's."
"The land flourished because it was fed from so many sources – because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples."
"Freedom is not enough."
"Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity."
"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men."
"A president's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right."
"Being president is like being a jackass in a hailstorm. There's nothing to do but to stand there and take it."
"There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves."