Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson III by Robert Caro

Robert Caro’s “Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson III” provides an accurate and captivating biography of a political power player. This addition to Caro’s four volume biography of the late Lyndon B. Johnson is an expertly researched and wittingly written look at a pivotal period in American history – the Senate years of Johnson.

The book provides a detailed look into Johnson’s rise to power and his time as the master of the Senate, delving deep into how he navigated the political climate during his years on Capitol Hill. Caro’s research included hundreds of interviews with people who knew and worked with Johnson during that time, including close aides and colleagues. With powerful story-telling, Caro skillfully brings to life many of the details and nuances of Johnson’s leadership style, his courtly and often manipulative approach to power.

In “Master of the Senate”, Caro paints a vivid portrait of Johnson’s remarkable mastery during his years in the Senate. He explains how Johnson developed a structure for the Senate that enabled him to be its undisputed leader, and how he crafted the perfect combination of authority and flattery to get his peers to do whatever he wanted. He assesses Johnson’s rhetoric, his ability to negotiate deals, and his skill in managing controversial topics with a deft hand.

Moreover, Caro stresses Johnson’s abilities as a populist oriented leader, citing his ability to connect with huge numbers of American voters through his empathetic style of politics. He argues that Johnson was able to transcend politics to tap into the very real needs of average Americans, and was unafraid to stand up for what he believed.

At the core of Caro’s analysis of Johnson are the two figures – race and power. Caro discusses Johnson’s moderating role in civil rights, how he pushed for civil rights legislation, and how in doing so he galvanized huge swathes of the population to join his cause. Caro argues that Johnson’s dogged pursuit of the Civil Rights Act and other legislation testify to his progressive-vision for the nation and were a product of his ambition and skillful use of political power.

In “Master of the Senate”, Caro examines Johnson’s many successes, his mistakes, and his weaknesses as a political tactician. Caro’s mastery of his subject is clear and his narrative is engaging. He masterfully explores the political climate of Johnson’s era, and explains why Johnson’s period in the Senate is still so relevant today. “Master of the Senate” provides a fascinating look inside the inner workings of an extraordinary politician, and will appeal to fans of modern American history and politics.