Synopses & Reviews
Three future presidents JFK, Nixon, and LBJ in the crucial year of 1948, when all were young congressmen facing major turning points, while America itself was poised as a new global superpower.
In 1948, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon were all ambitious young congressmen at pivotal points in their lives. LBJ was in a desperate Senate race, running against a more popular candidate. Campaigning frantically by helicopter across Texas, LBJ won only with the help of corrupt political bosses, whose illegal ballot-stuffing put "Landslide Lyndon" into the Senate by 87 votes. At the same time, Nixon was having his first meetings with Whittaker Chambers, the witness in the Alger Hiss trial that would make Nixon a national figure and lead to his selection as Eisenhower's running mate four years later. And Kennedy was still recovering from the near-fatal attack of Addison's disease he had suffered the previous year. From that point on, he would conceal the truth about his health, just as he concealed his reckless personal life. In all three politicians, Morrow finds a streak of amorality and ruthlessness each believed that the rules didn't apply to him. Lies of one kind or another lies they told or exposed would propel each of them to power; lies would also undo LBJ and Nixon's presidencies and, ultimately, tarnish JFK's reputation.
Morrow also tells the story of America in 1948, when it, too, was learning the secrets of power, and coming to grips with the vast changes of the postwar world. For readers of Robert Caro and Robert Dallek, The Best Year of Their Lives offers a fresh look at a crucial turning point in the lives of three presidents, by one of America's most observant and thoughtful journalists.
Review
"A trenchant philosophical essay reminiscent of the best of Garry Wills; smart moralizing in a time governed by its archly stupid variant." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Taking the year 1948 as a seedbed of history, Lance Morrow follows the lives and times of three Americans who one day would be president, discovering surprising and unexpected parallels in their careers. Filled with stimulating insights and provocative what-ifs, The Best Year Of Their Lives provides a personal explanation of how the United States got from there to here. You may not always agree with it, but you are bound to enjoy it. A brilliant achievement!" David Fromkin, author of A Peace To End All Peace and Europe's Last Summer
Review
"Lance Morrow explores with consummate skill and insight the early lives of three bright and driven young men, each destined to win the Presidency, but in 1948, the threshold year of post-WWII America, still on the cusp of success. His weaving of their similarities and differences, their roots and personalities, their strengths and weaknesses makes The Best Year of Their Lives an engrossing book." Henry Kissinger
Review
"Beautifully written and awesomely insightful, Lance Morrow's new book shows how 1948 was the seedbed that defined modern America and shaped the character of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. Every paragaraph is fascinating, and every page will reward you with a wealth of new ideas." Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
Synopsis
For readers of Robert Caro and Robert Dallek, The Best Year of Their Lives offers a fresh look at a crucial turning point in the lives of three presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon by one of America's most observant and thoughtful journalists.
About the Author
Lance Morrow has written more than 150 cover stories for Time, where he has worked since 1965. The author of several books, including The Heart, The Chief, and Fishing in the Tiber, he is a University Professor at Boston University, and lives in Chatham, New York.