Reaching for Glory: Lyndon Johnson's Secret White House Tapes, 1964-1965

Beschloss has transcribed and selected the most stunning moments from hundreds of hours of newly-released LBJ tapes to give us - with commentary and historical context - treasures of permanent interest to historians and readers. The book exposes the inner workings of LBJ's Presidency during its most critical stage, from the fall of 1964 through most of 1965. During these months, LBJ changed America in a way that affects all of our lives today. He took personal command of the revolution for civil rights, escalated the Vietnam War beyond the point of no return and, in the high summer solstice of the Great Society, passed more monumental laws than any President in history, starting with Medicare. The book provides story after story that shows us Lyndon Johnson unplugged. From beyond the scenes, he micromanages his Presidential campaign and defends himself against charges of scandal. On Election Night, he acts to ensure that Americans will not see his victory, the greatest in history, as merely a landslide against Barry Goldwater. His vendetta against the new Senator Robert Kennedy gathers steam.

Author: Michael R. Beschloss
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 11/01/2002
Pages: 480
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.65lbs
Size: 9.07h x 6.05w x 1.25d
ISBN: 9780743227148

Review Citation(s):
New York Times 11/03/2002 pg. 28

About the Author
Michael Beschloss has been called "the nation's leading Presidential historian" by Newsweek. He has written nine books on American Presidents and is NBC News Presidential Historian, as well as contributor to PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife.