Sam Rayburn guided the most important legislation of the 20th century through Congress—from the New Deal to the New Frontier—and served under eight presidents during his remarkable 49-year congressional career.Rayburn is the award-winning biography of the Texas Democrat whose tenure of 17 years as Speaker of the House of Representatives has never been equalled.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Sam Rayburn made available his congressional papers, personal correspondence and taped conversation with the late Hardeman to Bacon (Congress and You, who completed this biography. The book presents an intimate look at a man who had the longest law-making career in American history, having served in the House of Representatives for 49 years at the time of his death in 1961. As Speaker of the House, "Mr. Sam" epitomized honesty and integrity in public service. Referred to here as "arguably the most underrated public official in twentieth-century politics," he is revealed as a major architect of New Deal legislation, adviser to presidents from Wilson to Kennedy, and a man whose "outrageously optimistic dreams came true." Rayburn's legislative battles are described in detail, from his confrontation with public-utility holding companies in the '30s to his last major victory, a showdown with conservatives over control of the House Committee on Rules. Also covered are Truman's reliance on the Speaker's counsel and the father-son relationship between Rayburn and his protege, Lyndon Johnson. An inspiring portrait of a politician who may have been the last of his kind. Photos.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
This long-awaited biography brings Sam Rayburn to life so vividly that it will be the standard against which other writings about him will be measured. It is a marvelous achievement: comprehensive, clear, deep and full of surprises. (Washington Post Book World )
An insider's view of the power that was Rayburn's. (New York Times Book Review )
An intimate look at a man who had the longest law-making career in American history. (Publishers Weekly )
A worthy and fascinating account of monumental legislative achievements. This is fine history, warm and personal, and enriched with a treasure of anecdotes about eight presidents. (Texas Books In Review )
An insider's view of the power that was Rayburn's. (New York Times Book Review )
An intimate look at a man who had the longest law-making career in American history. (Publishers Weekly )
A worthy and fascinating account of monumental legislative achievements. This is fine history, warm and personal, and enriched with a treasure of anecdotes about eight presidents. (Texas Books In Review )
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great History,
This review is from: Rayburn (Paperback)
This is a great narrative about a facinating individual. This is a highly recommended read. In contrast to current politics, it is an inspiration story. I highly recommend this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The political story and the private man - Sam Rayburn,
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This review is from: Rayburn: A Biography (Hardcover)
Impovished youth but so was everyone else. As a young man Sam told his father he wanted to go to college and his father told his son that the family could not afford to send him. Sam told his father he was not asking for money only permission to go. Sam received $50. and East Texas Normal had a new studentHis only marriage of less than 90 days ended and Sam said it was a tragedy,end of story. The author speculated alchol as a pricipal factor with Sam a regular imbiber while the wife abstained. Sam dearly love cigars an malt liquor. Even the court records were removed from the local court house. Both parties went on to fruitful lives - she to another marridge with children and Sam to a record breaking 21 terms Warning: Sam wrote very few notes and less letters so the reader is left with dry political history.
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