Fernlund (history and education, U. of Missouri-St. Louis) presents a concise biography for students and general readers, exploring the ways that Johnson's Texas and western backgrounds later influenced his congressional and presidential actions. Coverage includes Johnson's early years in Texas; his schooling, teaching, and education administration experiences in Texas before he began his political career; the early years in Texas politics and first years in the U.S. Congress; Johnson's leadership in the U.S. Senate and eventual acceptance of the vice presidency; his ascension to the presidency following Kennedy's assassination in 1963; his involvement in the Vietnam War and his Great Society programs; and Johnson's role in the space program. Illustrated with 17 b&w photographs. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)