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Means of Ascent

The Years of Lyndon Johnson

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Means of Ascent

By: Robert A. Caro
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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About this listen

Robert A. Caro's life of Lyndon Johnson, which began with the greatly acclaimed The Path to Power, also winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, continues - one of the richest, most intensive, and most revealing examinations ever undertaken of an American President. In Means of Ascent, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer/historian, chronicler also of Robert Moses in The Power Broker, carries Johnson through his service in World War II and the foundation of his long-concealed fortune and the facts behind the myths he created about it. But the explosive heart of the book is Caro's revelation of the true story of the fiercely contested 1948 senatorial election, for 40 years shrouded in rumor, which Johnson had to win or face certain political death, and which he did win -- by "the 87 votes that changed history."

Caro makes us witness to a momentous turning point in American politics: the tragic last stand of the old politics versus the new - the politics of issue versus the politics of image, mass manipulation, money and electronic dazzle.

©1990 Robert A. Caro, Inc. (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Americas Elections & Political Process Historical Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State United States Suspenseful
All stars
Most relevant
Certainly one of the greatest political biographies ever written. A spellbinding story, researched and told with absolute mastery.

Superb

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Audible version let down by lack of chapter titles , but if that were to be fixed I'd wholly recommend.

Excellent book. Audible version let down

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Measured and insightful work which gives a clear view of what it means to be a candidate in a tight race. Conclusively exposes the corruption of post-war Texas politics

The brilliance of Robert Caro is best illustrated by his use of the photograph of LBJ will ballot box 13. A lesser biographer would have placed it centre stage as a ”smoking gun.” Caro’s proportionate use is all the more devastating

Addictive Tale a Corrupt Election Campaign

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This book has so much depth and detail - you are invested in the discernible truth that Caro provides through his meticulous and thorough research and context. I loved this volume!

Captivating!

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Magisterial, with a reader to match. A superb study of the complexity of American democracy.

The collision of the heroic old and tawdry new.

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