The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 92, July 1988 - April, 1989 Page: 492
682 p. : ill. (some col.), maps, ports. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Southwestern Hzstorzcal Quarterly
White House operations .. ." (p. 8), though they concede that in doing
so they wish to dispel the "dominant view" of a Johnson White House
plagued by "instability, ineffectuality, and internal conflict" (p. 7). A
second purpose is to present an account of what White House aides ac-
tually do to "provide a useful empirical foundation" for those who seek
reform. Too many such proposals, they conclude, are unrealistic be-
cause they fail to understand "the political character of the modern
presidency" (p. 197).
The book begins with a definitive profile of the president's advisers,
an overview of the organization Johnson inherited from John F. Ken-
nedy, and an examination of Johnson's "management style." The next
four chapters divide the work of the White House staff into functional
divisions: developing the legislative program, developing executive
policy, directing the executive branch, and representing the president.
The latter includes congressional relations, speechwriting, and public
relations.
Although the authors offer few original conclusions, the book is a
thorough and orderly account of how presidential aides really spend
their time-too orderly, perhaps. Those who have researched the
Johnson presidency will search in vain for the phrenetic character of
that administration so evident in the frantic pace of Johnson's daily
schedule, the stacks of memos to and from Joseph Califano, and the
obsessive preoccupation with image that grows along with the intensity
of the Vietnam War.
Given the fascination with the modern presidency, it is no surprise
that books and articles on organizing the White House have prolifer-
ated in recent years. Some are "inside stories." Others reflect the more
theoretical work of outsiders. Aside from its concentration on one ad-
ministration, what sets this book apart is that it combines the objectivity
of the "outsiders" with the documentation and information provided by
the "insiders." This is a book that should be on the reading list of every
presidential transition team. Unfortunately, one hallmark of the mod-
ern presidency seems to be an unwillingness to learn from the past.
Tulane University ANNA KASTEN NELSON
The North American Sketches of R. B. Cunninghame Graham. Edited by
John Walker. (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 1986. Pp.
x+145. Editor's foreword, introduction, map, illustrations, pref-
ace, glossary, bibliography. $20.95.)
Most enthusiasts of the American West will not be familiar with R. B.
Cunninghame Graham. The adventurous Scot, who spent most of the492
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 92, July 1988 - April, 1989, periodical, 1989; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101212/m1/546/: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.