OurColony.net

Disappointed

Customer Rating:
After finishing David Halberstam's "Best and the Brightest," I decided to learn what Goodwin had to say about LBJ. I was disappointed. This book does not even mention the word "Tonkin" in any way, shape, or form. How can you write a book about LBJ and not mention Tonkin? Well, that's where my 3-star rating comes in. For despite a superficial treatment of Johnson's White House years, Goodwin does succeed in communicating the enormity of Johnson's tragic ego-centrism and insecurity. First came Johnson, then Nixon. Which means the collective "we" elected two very sick personalities to the highest office in the land without nary batting an eyelash. Which of course is a comment on "us" and I believe that is part of Goodwin's thesis.

Although Goodwin's access to Johnson certainly provided for some incredible insights into the psychological mess that was LBJ, I am not a fan of historians who over-use psychoanalysis in the treatment of their subjects. Although Johnson certainly was and remains a candidate for a good shrink, I don't think Goodwin has the credentials to make a psycho-analytic case. And after finishing the book, I think she really didn't need to try. She could allow the reader to make up his/her own mind about Johnson by just sticking with the facts. The ironies and themes that keep popping up over and over would make such a case all by themselves.

Goodwin does a masterful job of relating the truly incredible story of Johnson's rise in local and national politics, in particular his successful seizure of power in the Senate. That story could stand all by itself. But if you're really interested in Johnson and Viet Nam, be sure to pick up Halberstam's book. Much of that information is glossed over or left out of Goodwin's work completely, making this particular volume light on detail and political insight while strong on bringing to life LBJ's huge ego. Which of course means what the presence of such usually means in an individual - that his self esteem was severly wanting.

Also, Goodwin could probably benefit from updating the fate of The Great Society. She leads you to believe that the whole thing was dismantled by Nixon. In fact, much of The Great Society remains intact to this very day, and much of it has, through its continued existence over time, been adopted as normative by both parties.

Johnson Biography Skimps But Is Worth Reading

Customer Rating:
Doris Kearns Goodwin's biography of Johnson is not a lengthy tome, and it covers the life of one of the most interesting, practical, effective, troubled and troubling figures in American politics sometimes in too cursory a fashion. Anyone who has read what Caro has written (so far!) in his multi-volume biography of Johnson will naturally wonder how some critical events are almost completely absent from this biography, and others get only the slightest attention. But you can't be brief without cutting. Prof. Goodwin's insights into Johnson's character seem a little shallow compared to Caro's--sometimes, they sound a little too much like Johnson's own rationales. On the other hand, the book's rather positive tone on its subject is a worthwhile contrast to Caro's strongly critical take, and there must have been much to the charm, humor, and charisma of Johnson which is absent from Caro but reflects better here. Finally, in the absence of Johnson's years as vice president and president from Caro's epic--can I wait another ten years?--Goodwin's strong focus on those years is very useful. Of course she is an excellent writer and the book is a fun read; her understanding of the mechanics of the executive branch and the presidency's interaction with Congress benefits very likely from her close association with Johnson, and provides much illumination into how government can be utilized in the hands of a powerful, determined, energetic, and strong-willed leader. For anyone interested in Johnson, the successes and failures of the era, or the history of American government, it's a must-have and it is certainly an excellent, enjoyable read.

"If it hadn't been for Vietnam"---

Customer Rating:
Goodwin takes on Lyndon Johnson in a biographical sketch that has a very familiar and intimate attachment for her. She served as an aide in his administration, 1967, and then later after him leaving office was asked to worked on his memoirs. There is no question that she liked and was fascinated with Johnson. Within her book she examines the power and coercive nature that moved him from small town Texas to the power halls of Congress, Senate and the Office of the President. Within the Congress and the Senate, Johnson's natural abilities really come to fruition allowing him to gain control over the Congress then the Senate. This allowed him to move legislation through faster and more efficiently than had previous been accomplished. Goodwin shows how, at this time and place, these branches of government were ripe for this kind of leadership to flourish. I'm not sure that this kind of individual control could or would happen again. Stalled in the Vice-Presidency under Kennedy, Johnson moved into the doldrums. After the Kennedy's assassination, he was brought quickly back into action and with decisive steps would bring the Nation back from mourning. His work on Civil Rights was tremendous and would have insured his place forever in the history books as one of the great Presidents but for Vietnam. Vietnam consumed him and Goodwin explains how the abilities that helped him in the Congress and Senate turned on him and would eventually run him from office. Out of office, with only the Texas ranch to occupy his time, he would deteriorate mentally and physically. Finally Johnson would succumb to death on January 22, 1973 after Nixon announced the dismantling of the "Great Society".

The book is a fascinating look at the political arena of the turbulent 60's and what was happening within the walls of the White house. It is an interesting look at the endless pursuit of power and decisions that created the roller-coaster ride of Lyndon Johnson. The one area that I felt that Goodwin lingered too long on was trying to psychoanalyze Johnson. She tries to determine what made this tremendously talented man function as he did and why he made such good and bad decisions. However she does the good biographer approach of not holding back the good or the bad but letting the readers see the man as he was. The book is well worth the read and addition to the history shelf.

Good LBJ biography

Customer Rating:
I liked this book and learned alot about 'the man' LBJ that I did not know. Is it over analyized from a 'psychology' standpoint - I dont know. I think it is important to understand the inner workings of a persons mind - even from that persons early childhood - to fully understand how a person will act later in life, especially in very difficult situations.

BTW I did not see anyone write in their review that this book was originally published in 1976 - only 3 years after LBJs death. Im not sure if the 1991 edition is revised. Interesting as well in the original 1976 edition the author has her name as Doris Kearns (not not Doris Kearns Goodwin) although she was already married to Goodwin.

Very good, though a little too much analysis

Customer Rating:
When I bought this book, I was warned by a cousin of mine, who teaches history at GW, that the book would contain a lot of phsycology, and he was right.

Now, this is still a very good book, second only to Master of the Senate in terms of biographies about LBJ, but I found the phsycology a little bit boring. That is the only thing that prevents me from giving the book 5 stars.

There is a lot of interesting insight, helped along by the fatc that Goodwin knew LBJ, and interviewed him repeatedly. I would advise everyone interested in LBJ, the Presidency, Civil Rights, or Vietnam to read this book. It is great.