I look at Lyndon Johnson that I had never seen before. My perception of him was not very positive. At the beginning of the book I started to see a different side of him and started to change my opinion. Then by the end my former opinion started to resurface. A very complex and conflicting person.
This incredible biography of Lyndon Johnson written by one of the best historical writers in America today. Doris Kearns Goodwin had a personal relationship with President Johnson. Goodwin frequently met with Johnson when he was President and almost until the day he died. Johnson was a very complex southerner but made every effort to pass civil rights legislation that President Kennedy wanted passed before he was killed in 1963. His problem after the passage of Civil Rights legislation was, of course, Viet Nam. Goodwin delves into the personality of the man with all his attributes and weaknesses. I believe Johnson was a great president even with Viet Nam. Anyone who likes American history and the 1960's in America will find this a very in depth analysis of a larger than life President. Johnson cared about the poor, minorities and anyone down on their luck.
