For many years I resisted reading Robert Caro's multi-volume biography of Lyndon Johnson. I finally gave in about a decade ago and, only then did I realize what I'd missed. It is a masterpiece of biographical art and essential reading for anyone interested in how political power is obtained and held. Caro has completed four volumes and is working on the fifth, and final, book. It's a race against time; Caro is 87 and his editor for the past half-century, Robert Gottlieb, at 91.
Caro is a mid-20th century liberal Democrat and that is the perspective he brings to his books from a policy view but, unlike many 21st century authors, he does not fit everything into a narrative to match those views. In fact, one of the themes he explores is how do we judge Lyndon Johnson, who Caro clearly supported on domestic policy, but also has distaste for the man and his methods? It also means he explores his subject from every angle so that his work his brimming with insight. He also brings to life other characters like Sam Rayburn and Richard Russell so we can understand them in the context of their times.
Later this month, a documentary on Caro and Gottlieb, and their sometimes testy relationship, is being released, Turn Every Page. The trailer is below.
In conjunction with the film, New York Magazine published this article on Gottlieb.
I've written several posts about, or with reference, to Caro's work.
No comments:
Post a Comment