The first of Robert Caro's (so far) excellent four-part biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson. In this volume, we learn what a puss young Lyndon was, and of the downright pathological need to be at the forefront of every activity. We learn of his father's hands-on approach to politics (literally pulling his opponents close by their lapels, straightening their ties, filliping dandruff from their shoulders) which Lyndon aped to great sucess himself. Mostly, we learn how truly amazing this young man was, living in what was then the hostile Texas hill country, bereft of electricity and his lightening rise to Congress through sheer cunning and diligence and a secret desire to become the President of the US, hell or high-water. Long, but rewarding for anyone interested in politics/history.