Synopses & Reviews
Lyndon Johnson and Robert Kennedy loathed each other. Their antagonism, propelled by clashing personalities, contrasting views, and a deep, abiding animosity, would drive them to a bitterness so deep that even civil conversation was often impossible. Played out against the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s, theirs was a monumental political battle that would shape federal policy, fracture the Democratic party, and have a lasting effect on the politics of our times. Drawing on previously unexamined recordings and documents, as well as memoirs, biographies, and scores of personal interviews, Jeff Shesol weaves the threads of this epic story into a compelling narrative that reflects the impact of LBJ and RFK's tumultuous relationship on politics, civil rights, the war on poverty, and the war in Vietnam. As noted, "This is indispensable reading for both experts on the period and newcomers to the history of that decade." "An exhaustive and fascinating history. . . . Shesol's grasp of the era's history is sure, his tale often entertaining, and his research awesome."--Russell Baker, "Thorough, provocative. . . . The story assumes the dimensions of a great drama played out on a stage too vast to comprehend."--Jonathan Yardley, (1997 Critic's Choice) "This is the most gripping political book of recent years."--Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. A Notable Book of the Year
Synopsis
After the death of John Kennedy, LBJ and RFK were the dominant political figures of the 1960s, each fighting for the spotlight, each struggling to emerge from the other's shadow. Their arguments echoed across the nation, as "Johnson men" and "Kennedy men" waged political turf battles and the press portrayed every disagreement as a claim on the legacy of the fallen JFK. By 1968, two men who were once allies had become bitter rivals for the presidency of the United States. Drawing on previously unexamined recordings and documents, as well as memoirs, biographies, and scores of personal interviews, Jeff Shesol weaves the threads of this story into a tight and gripping narrative that reflects the profound impact of this relationship on politics, civil rights, the war on poverty, and the war in Vietnam. Like a Greek tragedy played out on a nation's center stage, this book provides a prism through which to view two men, their times, and the nature of power.
Synopsis
" is at once a fascinating study in character and an illuminating meditation on the role character can play in shaping history."--Michiko Kakutani,
About the Author
Jeff Shesol is the author of Supreme Power: