Means of Ascent (The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Volume 2)

Rating:
Summary: A scary look at how one man's lust for power was realised.
Review: The book brought into the open the mechanics of LBJ's rise from the Texas political arena into national politics. I believe that if his supporter's had not been able to blatantly steal a few of his elections by ballot - stuffing, he may have never made it to Washington. As it was, he was unarguably one of the most effective behind-the-scenes mover and shaker this government had seen up until that time. I'm glad I was not in national politics at the time and in his way, or on his "enemies" list. A scary guy. His ascent to the Presidency has been under a shadow ever since in some debates.

Rating:
Summary: More than a biography; a panoramic view of Texas politics
Review: Although Caro is an unabashed liberal, this conservative appreciates the way he has dug through the blanket of misinformation that has been staple fodder about Johnson over the years. If Lyndon Johnson represents what must be done to rise to political heights in America, then all of us suffer for it. A fascinating, yet deeply troubling book. Lovers of American history need to make it a library staple. I can't wait for part III.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: The better man often doesn't win, and it's certainly the case here as we see a corrupt, unprincipled man. As Johnson bludgeoned and snookered Old Coke, he bludgeoned and snookered the constitution to do as he pleased. A fabulous book on an unsavory topic.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous
Review: While I normally find biographies can be tough boing (even those that are supposed to be great) this book was riveting. You really feel like you have an insight into Johnson the man, and knowledge that stays with you long after you finish the book.

Rating:
Summary: The most incredible political biography ever written.
Review: A monumental work, describing exactly what
it took for Lyndon Johnson to win a
Senate seat in 1948 by the narrowest of
margins. Caro vividly illustrates the political
cunning, unbelievable work ethic and
sheer desperation that went into Johnson's
campaign. The reader strangely finds
himself rooting for Johnson to win.

Rating:
Summary: The amazing story of Lyndon Johnson
Review: Absolutely spellbinding! A man who did so much good AND so much evil...chronoicled with warts and all. Few presidents have exerted such influence and shown such smallness of mind at the same time. Caro shows us the complexity and motivations of a politician born in the age of William Jennings Bryan and wielding naked power in the age of Vietnam and atomic weapons. Amazing and a MUST READ FOR ALL HISTORY BUFFS.The reader will come away from this book<READ VOL 1 FIRST> saying "wow!"

Rating:
Summary: I rave about this book all the time.
Review: Caro has produced a book which manages to be both: 'Can't put it down 'til it's finished' AND So meticulously researched that you are in no doubt as to the reality of the portrait presented. I was given this book, and almost never read it as I had no desire to read about Johnson. I'm glad that I did finally pick it up. Wow!

Rating:
Summary: A scary yet brilliant anaylisis of politics at work
Review: A great political biography that demonstrates how modern politics are no different than those of the 1940's...Mr. Cairo writes in an engaging style that tells a complicated story with understanding and insight. He respects his subject yet points out his many flaw

Rating:
Summary: Stolen Election
Review: The 1948 Texas Senatorial race is the centerpiece of this outstaning 2nd volume of Caro's epic biography of Lyndon Johnson. Caro spends the first half of the book documenting Mr. Johnson's "war years". The second half is devoted to this controversial election. Mr. Caro's writing flows and he does an outstanding job of setting up time and place. I cannot wait to read Volume 3.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting and instructive
Review: Volume I (Path to Power) was, as they say, "a great read", and this one is too.
It is a little chilling, I must say: the truth about politics in America (or is it politics everywhere) is decidedly grimmer and colder than I'd have known but for Mr. Caro's brilliant research. It's a little like reading a creepy horror story and then finding out the bogeyman was actually REAL...