Taking Charge The Johnson White House Tapes 1963 1964 [Paperback]

Lyndon Johnson's secretly recorded tapes offer us the only chance we are ever likely to have to eavesdrop on an American President from his first moments in office until the end. This universally acclaimed volume captures LBJ's private passions and bedrock beliefs as he takes command after John Kennedy's assassination; makes his first fateful decisions on civil rights, poverty, and Vietnam; and runs against Barry Goldwater for President. Michael Beschloss's observations and annotations enhance our understanding of Johnson, his era, and his lasting impact on American politics and culture.Contents

Prologue: The Fatal Trip to Texas

1 November 1963

2 December 1963

3 January 1964

4 February 1964

5 March 1964

6 April 1964

7 May 1964

8 June 1964

9 July 1964

10 August 1964

Editor's Note

Cast of Characters

Appendix: The Warren Report and the Garrison Investigation

Acknowledgments

Index Alan Brinkley The New York Times Book Review[Taking Charge]gives us an incomparable picture of the character and style of one of the most remarkable personalities ever to inhabit the Presidency.Albert R. Hunt The Wall Street Journal When it comes to sheer marvelous history,Taking Chargeis unbeatable. Anybody who cares about presidential elections or about American history -- or who simply wants to have fun -- should read these Johnson tapes.Michiko Kakutani The New York Times Compelling...as expertly selected, edited, and footnoted by Beschloss, the conversations form a fascinating record of the first nine months of Johnson's administration, providing new insights into his character and a revealing look at the day-to-day workings of his presidency and the crucial decisions he would make on Vietnam and civil rights.Richard Barnet The Washington Post Book World A fascinating portrait of an imposing, manipulative, driven, conflicted, and surprisingly vulnerable charl³-