Reveals in detail the genesis of the almost superhuman drive, energy, and ambition that set LBJ apart. It follows him from the Texas Hill Country to New Deal Washington, from his boyhood through the years of the Depression to his debut as Congressman, his defeat in his first race for the Senate, and his attainment, nonetheless, at age 31, of the national power for which he hungered.

Part I : The trap -- The Bunton strain -- The people's party -- The Johnson strut -- The father and mother -- The son -- "The best man I ever knew" -- "The bottom of the heap" -- Part II : Escape -- "Bull" Johnson -- The rich man's daughter -- Cotulla -- White stars and black stars -- "A very unusual ability" -- Part III : Sowing -- On his way -- The New Deal -- The boss of the little Congress -- In tune -- Lady Bird -- Rayburn -- "Put them to work!" -- The dam -- Part IV : Reaping -- The first campaign -- From the forks of the creeks -- Galveston -- Balancing the books -- Longlea -- The tenth district -- The sad irons -- "I'll get it for you" -- Part V : New fields -- Mr. Johnson goes to Washington -- A contract and three telegrams -- Campaign committee -- The Munsey Building -- Through the back door -- Part VI : Defeat -- "Pass the biscuits, Pappy" -- "I want to see Lyndon" -- "Mister Speaker" -- The "perfect Roosevelt man."