In History's Shadow: An American Odyssey

Rating:
Summary: excellent, insightful
Review: Connnally's story is fascinating. Few figures have been at the center of power and wielded such infleunce over Presiedents and policy, as well as standing amidst historic events that shaped an era of American history. Equally, few have been so contemptuoulsy skewered by members of both major parties and distrusted (and envied) by so many others in influential positions. No one disputes Connally's status as a capable individual; he is seen as perhaps as too capable by democrats who witnessed his change of party and by republicans who were skeptical of his past affilations with the very top of the opposition party. Nonetheless, even without the presidential mantle he sought, Connally moved history and shaped events or helped shape them to a degree one hardly considers possible these days. His story includes early political roots and his rise to Secretary of the Navy, three-term Texas Governor, an activist Secretary of the treasury, close political and policy advisor to presidents, his role at center stage during the trauma of the kennedy assassination, his alledged ties to the Watergate crisis that ended his political career, his role as a potentially major contender for the republican npomination in 1980 (and the surprising fizzle of his campaign)--all of this makes for fascinaiting reading to anyone who is interested in the second half of the twentith centruy in America. IN another era, Connally would perhaps have been president, and maybe a good one. His ability and experience certainly towers over many who came before and since. His motives were suspect by many, and no one will ever know how many of those conerns were well-founded. Still, the book leaves little doubt that Connnally, while perhaps opportunistic,(ll politicians are, some just hide it better) was a true patriot who loved his country and its ideals.

Rating:
Summary: A Good History Lesson!
Review: This book is a good history book that tells you the life history of John Connally. You are able to learn about his life from childhood to adulthood. His time in the service is also
well covered in this book. Connally's strong friendship with
Lyndon Johnson is described in detail in this book.Connally's
election to the office of Governor of the state of Texas also
recieves attention in this book.Connally's being wounded during the assasination of Kennedy is also featured in this book.You also get coverage of Connally's friendship with Richard Nixon
wgich resulted in Connally serving in a cabinet post with the Nixon administration.You are also informed of Connally switching from the Democratic to the Republican party. This is an outstanding book that covers many historical periods. You will
find it to be a good read.