Building the Great Society

Dan Woren provides a clear, authoritative tone in his performance of Zeitz's meticulous audiobook on the political maneuverings of the Johnson presidency. Listeners expecting a sweeping overview of LBJ's life and career should note that this work focuses on Johnson's efforts to build coalitions to enact the programs that comprised the sweeping policy changes of the 1960s, including the Civil Rights Act, Medicare and Medicaid, and the War on Poverty. Zeitz's work is both concise and exhaustive. This is not hagiography; Johnson's confrontational, provocative personality is on display throughout. Often the narrative includes the work of staff close to the president, including Jack Valenti and Bill Moyers. Woren's performance handles all the challenging moments with the right level of respect. S.P.C. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine