Review: The Kennedy Assassination--24 Hours After: Lyndon B. Johnson's Pivotal First Day as President by Steven M. Gillon

Title: The Kennedy Assassination--24 Hours After: Lyndon B. Johnson's Pivotal First Day as President
Author: Steven M. Gillon
Publisher: Basic Books
Publication Date: October 6, 2009
Edition: Hardcover (320 pages)
Genres:

• Nonfiction
• American History
• History
• Politics

The Kennedy Assassination--24 Hours After: Lyndon B. Johnson's Pivotal First Day as President by Steven M. Gillon

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Historian, Steven M. Gillon, chronicles the tragic events of November 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, and Lyndon B. Johnson's response as he suddenly and unexpectedly becomes President of the United States. The book also explores, in detail, the political drama surrounding President Kennedy's visit to Texas, the Johnson/Kennedy relationship, and the relationships and loyalties of the aids and those closest to both President Kennedy and Vice President Johnson.

The detail is amazing. The author offers a more complete picture of President Johnson, the man. When I think about President Kennedy's assassination, my usual focus is on him and the Kennedy family. I tend to think less about what Vice President Johnson's life as Vice President, and what he had to grapple with when, in the blink of an eye, he became President of the United States. I appreciated seeing the personal side of President Johnson a great deal. Not perfect, of course, but nothing like he is often portrayed either. I intend to read more of this author's material, as I like his writing style and presentation.