In History's Shadow: An American Odyssey

by John Connally

Book Overview

The powerful, acclaimed autobiography of a major political figure is now available in trade paperback. The late John Connally learned the ropes of rural Texas politics under Lyndon Johnson and worked his way up, getting wounded along the way allegedly by the same bullet that killed JFK. Connally's story is an essential contribution to our understanding of recent American history. Photographs.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156282791X
• ISBN13: 9781562827915
• Release Date: November 1993
• Publisher: Hyperion Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Connally's Bowdlerized Autobiography

The `Acknowledgments' thank the many people who have helped John Connally over the years. Mickey Herskovitz, the co-author (p.363) and journalist, provided the final chapter. In Chapter Connally testified how he was hit by the second rifle shot (p.3). [The word "they" refers to the unknown, not specific persons.] Conspiracy plots have been around since Lincoln was shot. This chapter tells about that fateful day. Connally's statement refutes the Warren Report which depends on the theory of a lone gunman firing 3 bullets. One shot missed the car and hit a curb. If there were 4 (or more) bullets in 6 seconds there had to be more than one gunman; or a self-loading rifle. Chapter 2 tells of his early years and life in rural Texas. He collected pocket knives (p.30). Connally tells of his college years, his LL.B., and his work in Washington (Chapter 3). Connally was involved in dramatics and politics. Campus politics reflected the struggle in the social hierarchy (p.46). Chapter 4 tells about LBJ, the most important Texan politician of the 20th century; Connally gives his assessment. Rural electrification was LBJ's life-long passion (p.65); and the fight against poverty (p.66). LBJ had a secret life (p.70). LBJ worked hard to elect Democrats (p.74). Chapter 5 has Connally's experiences in the war. [The date on page 86 is 1943, not 1944.] Chapter 6 tells about the incredible election of 1948 and other events of those days. Was Connally confused by Kefauver's popularity (p.132)? Kefauver was against racketeers. Chapter 7 says the oil industry became powerful in the 1950s (p.142). Chapter 8 has the story about his daughter. It was the saddest day of his life (p.160). Chapter 9 explains why LBJ lost the nomination in 1960 and accepted the VP slot. Chapter 10 tells about Dallas and 11/22/63. Isn't Connally naive to say the politicians on the Warren Commission have unquestioned integrity (p.186)? "No conspiracy theories" about Bobby Kennedy (p.189)? Were the many attempts on Gerald Ford merely a coincidence? Why did Jackie marry Onassis (p.192)? Had Onassis ever been persecuted by Big Oil in the 1950s? Connally repeats anecdotes about the LBJ presidency (Chapter 11). Was Connally's advice really that great (p.205)? LBJ was concerned about a healthy economy (p.212) and left a budget surplus (p.214). Chapter 12 tells of his election as Governor of Texas. The candidate who is out in front early rarely wins (p.220). Connally wanted to modernize Texas, his top priority was higher education (p.224). Connally became Secretary of the Treasury in Nixon's cabinet (Chapter 13). A run on the bank caused the devaluation of the dollar in August 1971 (p.238). Wage and price controls don't work over time (p.241). Devaluing a currency takes wealth from most people. Connally tells about Nixon (Chapter 14). Was the trial in Chapter 15 payback by the Nixon Administration (p.284)? Connally ran for the Presidency in 1980 (Chapter 16). Reagan's show business experience trumped p

Texas Giant

This is a well written book on one of the truly great Texans. John Connally was right out of central casting, he was the epitome of the mythical Texan. He was handsome, in a man's man sort of way, tall, and blessed with ample Texas charm. This book does a fine job in giving his story warts and all, Mr. Connally really is candid and that is refreshing, he realized that he was a the foot of power, and as he watched LBJ assend he was wise enough to stay close to the ultimate power. One wonders as they read this book, if Mr. Connally truly realizes that if he had not switched to the Republican party, he may very well have been President. He was just a little early in switching, the South, and in particular Texas, still had not totally embraced the Republican Party. It's a shame really, this man had such talent, it would have been interesting to see how he would have shaped the world, I guess we'll just never know, but in reading this book you get a real feel for the charisma and talent of this great man.

excellent, insightful

Connnally's story is fascinating. Few figures have been at the center of power and wielded such infleunce over Presiedents and policy, as well as standing amidst historic events that shaped an era of American history. Equally, few have been so contemptuoulsy skewered by members of both major parties and distrusted (and envied) by so many others in influential positions. No one disputes Connally's status as a capable individual; he is seen as perhaps as too capable by democrats who witnessed his change of party and by republicans who were skeptical of his past affilations with the very top of the opposition party. Nonetheless, even without the presidential mantle he sought, Connally moved history and shaped events or helped shape them to a degree one hardly considers possible these days. His story includes early political roots and his rise to Secretary of the Navy, three-term Texas Governor, an activist Secretary of the treasury, close political and policy advisor to presidents, his role at center stage during the trauma of the kennedy assassination, his alledged ties to the Watergate crisis that ended his political career, his role as a potentially major contender for the republican npomination in 1980 (and the surprising fizzle of his campaign)--all of this makes for fascinaiting reading to anyone who is interested in the second half of the twentith centruy in America. IN another era, Connally would perhaps have been president, and maybe a good one. His ability and experience certainly towers over many who came before and since. His motives were suspect by many, and no one will ever know how many of those conerns were well-founded. Still, the book leaves little doubt that Connnally, while perhaps opportunistic,(ll politicians are, some just hide it better) was a true patriot who loved his country and its ideals.

A Good History Lesson!

This book is a good history book that tells you the life history of John Connally. You are able to learn about his life from childhood to adulthood. His time in the service is alsowell covered in this book. Connally's strong friendship withLyndon Johnson is described in detail in this book.Connally'selection to the office of Governor of the state of Texas alsorecieves attention in this book.Connally's being wounded during the assasination of Kennedy is also featured in this book.You also get coverage of Connally's friendship with Richard Nixonwgich resulted in Connally serving in a cabinet post with the Nixon administration.You are also informed of Connally switching from the Democratic to the Republican party. This is an outstanding book that covers many historical periods. You willfind it to be a good read.