Lone star rising: Lyndon Johnson and his times 1908-1960. Robert Dallek. 1991.

In Lone Star Rising, Robert Dallek offers a brilliant, definitive portrait of a great,American politician. Based on seven years of research in over 450 manuscript collections and oral histories, as well as numerous personal interviews, this first of a two-volume biography follows Johnson’s life from his childhood to his election as vice-president under Kennedy.

While Dallek does not neglect the tawdry side of Johnson’s political career, he offers a balanced portrait of this much-maligned president.