Books
May 22, 2021
As the LBJ Library Turns 50, the Man Who Planned Its Dedication Recalls a Few Surprises
Lyndon B. Johnson rehearsed his speech in the bathroom, the new fountain doused the guests, and the booze flowed freely.
LBJ
Books
March 22, 2021
Even at a Funeral, LBJ and Lady Bird Couldn’t Make Their Peace With the Kennedys
This exclusive excerpt from a new biography of the late first lady chronicles an emotionally fraught experience in the wake of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination.
The Texanist
December 14, 2019
The Texanist: Should I Stop Wearing My Stetson Now That They’ve Become So Popular?
A Dallas man worries that hipsters have commandeered his favorite style of hat.
Books
October 16, 2019
When Texas Democrats Roamed the Earth
Two new books remind us that the Lone Star State once had a nationally powerful tradition of liberalism.
Texas History
March 8, 2018
Meet the 26-Year-Old LBJ Enthusiast Who Had Her Bachelorette Party at His Presidential Library
The New York resident flew to Austin to celebrate LBJ-style.
Texas History
October 27, 2017
Here’s What We Found Out From the JFK File Dump
Most of it was pretty lackluster, but there were a few interesting tidbits.
Film & TV
October 18, 2017
Woody Harrelson’s Performance in ‘LBJ’ Might Just be the Definitive LBJ
Now it’s Woody Harrelson’s turn to play our thirty-sixth president on-screen. Why can’t we get enough of a man once regarded as utterly devoid of glamour?
Arts & Entertainment
August 13, 2015
All the Way With LBJ
As five new books make clear, our thirty-sixth president refuses to be consigned to the dustbin of history.
The Daily Post
January 8, 2015
Does “Selma” Get LBJ Wrong?
The Golden Globe-nominated film about the Civil Rights Movement is the subject of some unexpected controversy regarding its depiction of the relationship between Martin Luther King and President Lyndon Johnson.
Politics & Policy
April 11, 2014
Obama’s Approach to Civil Rights
At his keynote speech at the Civil Rights Summit, the President honored LBJ's legacy on civil rights--but implied that he would try to advance it by other means.
Politics & Policy
March 28, 2014
“I Shall not Seek, and I Will not Accept”
A key member of LBJ's administration tells the inside story behind Johnson's decision not to run in 1968.
Politics & Policy
February 21, 2014
The Making of Barbara Jordan
A look back at the career of one of Texas's most remarkable politicians.
Politics & Policy
February 17, 2014
All the Way With LBJ
A civil rights summit in Austin celebrates the true legacy of the Johnson administration.
Texas History
March 11, 2013
Sarah Haldeman, Presidential Archivist
“I get to see things other people don’t get to see.”
Film & TV
January 21, 2013
Barbara Walters: LBJ Would Have Loved ‘Pubic Affairs’ Typo
The unfortunate typo on the commencement programs for the LBJ School of Public Affairs was discussed on The View Tuesday.
Politics & Policy
January 21, 2013
Not Many Texans Think Perry Should Run for Governor in 2014
Only 29 percent of Texans would support Perry for a fourth full term.
Politics & Policy
January 21, 2013
A Tale of Two Robert Caro Profiles
Both Esquire and the New York Times published lengthy profiles of LBJ biographer Robert Caro, who has just finished his fourth LBJ tome, The Passage to Power. But who had the better piece?
Politics & Policy
January 20, 2013
Go Ask Alice
Fifty years ago LBJ won—some say stole—a U.S. Senate runoff. What happened to the South Texas ballot box that saved his career?
Texas History
January 20, 2013
Lyndon Johnson on the Record
Working on his memoir one day in 1969, LBJ spoke more frankly into a tape recorder about the Kennedys, Vietnam, and other subjects than he ever had before. The transcript of that tape has never been published—until now. Michael Beschloss explains its historical significance.
Texas History
January 20, 2013
Styles and Styles of Texas
The thirty Texans with the most iconic, unforgettable, eye-popping looks, from Davy Crockett to Beyoncé.
Politics & Policy
March 1, 2012
Power Trio
In this excerpt from Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency, letters, interviews, and historic documents offer a revealing glimpse into the stormy relationship between Lyndon Johnson and the Kennedys.
Texas History
February 1, 2012
ESPN Writer: LBJ Was Not Much of a College Football Recruiter
On National Signing Day, Ivan Maisel recalls LBJ's failed attempt to get Joe Washington to play for Darrell Royal at the University of Texas.
Politics & Policy
December 14, 2011
Holder Holds the Voting Line at LBJ Library
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder talks tough about redistricting, Voter ID, and the 1965 Voting Rights Act at the LBJ Library & Museum in Austin
Arts & Entertainment
August 31, 2011
The Drop Everything List
The Go-Gos, LBJ's Birthday, Houston Theater District Open House, and the Hot Sauce Festival. . .
News & Politics
July 31, 2008
Luci Baines Johnson
“‘LBJ’s war’ was not a war he had sought. It was a war he had inherited. It was a war he was trying desperately to get out of.”
Texas History
August 31, 2007
A Lady First
Today, many younger Texans may be inclined to think of Lady Bird Johnson as belonging entirely to the past. But if her demeanor and style seemed faintly anachronistic, the virtues instilled by her parents back in East Texas—practicality, thriftiness, good manners, and an open mind—made her remarkably effective as a
News & Politics
May 31, 2007
“The President Is Dead, You Know”
What the late LBJ confidant Jack Valenti remembered about the longest day of his life.
News & Politics
November 1, 2003
The Witness
For forty years Nellie Connally has been talking about that day, when she was in that car and saw that tragedy unfold. She's still talking—and now she's writing too.
News & Politics
March 1, 2000
Voting Rites
LBJ, George Wallace, Selma: Eavesdropping on the making of history 35 years ago this month.
Uncategorized
July 31, 1999
Alone Together
No one denies that there was love at the center of Lady Bird Johnson’s marriage to LBJ. But like Hillary Clinton, she endured quite a bit, spousally speaking, as her husband’s star was on the rise.
Politics & Policy
March 1, 1998
Luci in the Sky
After what seemed like a lifetime as the nation’s first daughter, Luci Baines Johnson has finally come of age.
Bum Steers
January 1, 1996
Head Ache
LYNDON B. JOHNSON AND HIS FAMILY PAPER DOLLS, a cutout book featuring Lyndon and his family in their undies, published by Dover Books as part of its presidential paper doll series, $4.95. TRAIL OF FLAME: THE RED-HOT GUIDE TO SPICY RESTAURANTS ACROSS AMERICA, by Jennifer Trainer Thompson,
Politics & Policy
November 1, 1991
Billy and Lyndon
Lyndon Johnson understood all too well the advantages of being Billy Graham’s buddy.
Politics & Policy
March 1, 1989
Back In the Saddle Again
Twenty-five years ago, Texans hoped LBJ would lead them into the promised land. They have the same hopes for the new president, but George H. W. Bush is making no promises.
Politics & Policy
April 1, 1988
The Night Lyndon Quit
For twenty years, the story behind President Johnson’s withdrawal has remained a mystery. Now, on the anniversary of his decision, his former secretary reveals the drama of LBJ’s biggest surprise.
Texas History
August 31, 1987
A Texan Looks at Lyndon
On the eve of the 1964 national elections, Texas historian J. Evetts Haley published a scathing attack on President Lyndon B. Johnson. The book sold seven million copies, but Johnson still won the race.
Style & Design
February 1, 1984
Texas Primer: The Texas Timex
Ever since LBJ’s gold Rolex appeared next to his gall bladder scar in news photographs, Texans have been buying the pricey timepieces by the carload.
Politics & Policy
November 1, 1983
Why Do They Hate Us So Much?
A great man was dead and an outraged world desperately wanted someplace to lay blame. It chose Dallas and changed the city forever.
Books
January 1, 1983
A Monumental Man
In The Path to Power Robert Caro brings the Texas of the twenties and thirties to hot, scrubby life, but tries to fit the young Lyndon Johnson into a prefabricated and constricting mold.
Politics & Policy
May 31, 1979
Ben Barnes is Still Running
The former boy wonder of Texas politics has found a new career. Still, old habits die hard.
Politics & Policy
February 1, 1979
Billy Lee
How a bountifully talented young Texas writer based a novel on Lyndon Johnson, won high praise, and then…
Food & Drink
May 31, 1977
From Mexico With Love
Out of the Texas melting pot comes a food hot enough to melt anything.
Politics & Policy
September 30, 1976
The Making of Barbara Jordan
From poor black girl to presidential possibility, in ten not-so-easy lessons.
Politics & Policy
January 1, 1976
Remembering LBJ
Lyndon Johnson left an indelible impression on people—and a few black and blue marks, too.
Politics & Policy
January 1, 1976
Bringing Up Lyndon
First the boy made the man—then the man re-made the boy.
Politics & Policy
April 30, 1973
Farewell to LBJ: A Hill Country Valediction
Some last words, reverent and irreverent, like Lyndon himself.