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***SPOILER THREAD**
Group Members of the History Book Club,

One of our relationships with Random House has allowed us to offer our group members who reside in the United States free copies of the following book:

Landslide: Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, and the Dawn of a New America by Jonathan Darman



We will have a special spotlighted discussion very soon. We will keep you posted.

We have arranged a live chat with the author Jonathan Darman and I will keep you posted on that as time goes by.

Jonathan will be here to discuss his book much as many of the other authors who have joined the discussion have responded to questions about their books.

We will be setting up a thread called Q&A with Jonathan.

So for those of you who are interested in not only acquiring this book at no charge along with free shipping paid for by Random House, please post here when I open this thread and let me know of your interest. Also, send me via PM your name and mailing address so that I can place you on the list so that you can get your advance copy. I will release the list of the lucky recipients who are committed to reading and discussing this fine book with us and the author and doing a review of the book itself.

We are only being allowed 35 copies and they are only going to be available to History Book Club members from the United States who will also commit to reading the book, discussing it with us.and the author as well as writing a review. If you do not plan on doing the above, let somebody else get a chance of a free copy of this great book. Also if you have not even introduced yourself to the group - I must say that that is the very first step in the process - here is the url for that:

/topic/show/...

This is a great opportunity so we hope you take advantage of this and let me know of your interest.

Also send me a PM or post here if you are unable to reach me for any reason and I will contact you and tell you my History Book Club email address.

All Best,

Bentley


Author: Jonathan Darman



Jonathan Darman (no photo)

About the Author:

Jonathan Darmanis a former political reporter for Newsweek, where he covered numerous campaigns including John Kerry's run in 2004 and Hillary Clinton's in 2008. He lives in New York City. His forthcoming book, Landslide: LBJ and Ronald Reagan at the Dawn of a New America,

Random House's Synopsis of the Book:
This will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Landslide: Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan and the Dawn of a New America

This book is a riveting work of narrative nonfiction that tells the story of how LBJ and Reagan transformed American politics into a contest between warring fantasies of the future in the span of a thousand days. Historians such as Jon Meacham and Evan Thomas are already raving about this one and Jonathan Darman is a newcomer to keep our eye on!

by Jonathan Darman (no photo)

Folks, we are opening up the requests for the advanced copies that we will be receiving for the full discussion of the book Landslide: Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, and the Dawn of a New America by Jonathan Darman.

We will begin the discussion soon - keep watching the toc and syllabus thread for details.

If you do not get a free copy; you will be able to purchase your copy at your local book store, or any of the on line book sellers like Amazon. or Barnes and Noble. There is also a Kindle edition which will most likely be available if you want to acquire the book as a download.

This book discussion will be led by Bentley with backups - Assisting Moderators Kathy Harris and Jerome with author Jonathan Darman.

There will be 35 copies available for our group and for our moderators.

These are the requirements to be considered to receive this FREE book.

a) You must have a US address - Random House will send the book free to US addresses only and only to the recipients selected.

b) You must indicate to Bentley that you will read the book, discuss the book actively in each of the weekly threads and post your comments weekly, that you will write a review of the book and post it here on the Final Comments thread or HBC, and also participate and post a question or two for the author - Jonathan Darman who will be joining us.

c) If you received a previous book from us; we will review your standing on that book and see if you participated as agreed. We want to give everyone a chance and there are a limited number of books so we really want active participation from folks we give the books to.

d) Also, make sure to respond "yes" to the event notification sent out on the book.

Procedures:

a) Post your interest here on this thread FIRST and indicate ON THIS THREAD that you agree to the T&C's which are quite basic and the same as we had for all previous books.

b) Send Bentley VIA PM a copy of your full name and address with zip code indicating where you would like the book to be sent. We do not retain addresses from previous offers.

c) If you post that you are interested here on this thread in getting a copy of the book, Bentley will make sure to reach out to you and send you a PM so that you can reply to him with the information. If you are not a friend of Bentley's - he will send you an invite, accept the invite and then you will be able to PM Bentley right away. But remember the first step is to express your interest here on this thread. We reserve the right to make the final decision on the recipients of these books; we want to be absolutely fair but we want to have an active discussion.

SO REMEMBER THE FIRST STEP IS TO POST HERE FIRST AND EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST.

Review Excerpts

“Jonathan Darman’s engaging first book, Landslide, tells the story of [Lyndon B.] Johnson’s triumphs and precipitous decline, from his succession to the presidency after John F. Kennedy’s murder through the pivotal midterms. . . . Darman’s provocative contribution is to interweave his account with the parallel story of the political rise of Johnson’s polar opposite, Ronald Reagan. . . . Alert to the subtleties of politics and political history, Darman, a former correspondent for Newsweek, nimbly explores delusion and self-delusion at the highest levels.��—The New York Times Book Review

“Novel and even surprising . . . Landslide vividly chronicles an oft-told moment—the 1,000 days following John F. Kennedy’s murder when the social structure seemed to come unglued. Drawing on presidential telephone transcripts and making smart use of archival documents, Landslide deftly reminds readers that Johnson and Reagan both trafficked in grandiose oratory and promoted utopian visions at odds with the social complexity of modern America.��—The Washington Post

“[Darman] has a deft grasp of Reagan’s and Johnson’s biographies and of the last half-century of American political history. Setting the book as a dual story . . . both rescues the story from the fatalism (for Johnson) and pluck (for Reagan) of biography and refreshes both of their stories by contrasting the simultaneous reversals of their respective political fortunes.��—The Daily Beast

“Darman’s compelling, sweeping narrative explores the myths that Johnson and Reagan invented about themselves. . . . Reminiscent of such spellbinders as Rick Perlstein’s Before the Storm . . . and Jeff Shesol’s Mutual Contempt. . . . This title will engross readers of political history.��—Library Journal (starred review)

“Smart and perceptive . . . Darman sizes up the careers of two political powerhouses and craftsmen, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan, while claiming that each man’s impressive litany of achievements influenced the historical arc of American leadership. . . . Darman’s sincere and informative approach animates these historic figures, bringing them from the nostalgia of old TV clips and fading newsprint to the forefront of an engaging historical discussion.��—Publishers Weekly

“A rich, fly-on-the-wall narrative. If the current partisan gridlock has you pulling your hair out, this book will help you understand where these ripples originate.��—B�Ǵǰ��������

“An intimate chronicle of the 1,000 days after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, during which there was a sea change in the American electorate. . . . The author masterfully conveys LBJ’s agony, as well as former actor Reagan’s freewheeling spirit: He was the ‘Errol Flynn of the B movies�� who had aged out of his previous roles and needed a new gig as an American hero. Ambitious, studious portraits pulled together nicely by Darman.��—Kirkus Reviews

“Jonathan Darman turns fresh eyes on two political giants of the late twentieth century, LBJ and Ronald Reagan. Landslide is full of surprises and new insights on these two presidents, and is written with flair. A delicious feast of a read.��—Lesley Stahl

“Masterly . . . In taking us back to a moment in American history when politics worked, Jonathan Darman provides a resonant reality check on a system that now seems all too dysfunctional. The intertwined stories of Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan offer us a window on the intrinsic give-and-take that makes governing possible. Anyone who cares about politics, biography, and current affairs will find this a delightful and illuminating book.��—Jon Meacham, author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

“Jonathan Darman writes with power, sweep, vivacity, and humor. He is at once a gifted storyteller, a keen judge of character, and a genie of political insight. He gives us two giants, Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan, in all their glory and human vanity, and takes us on a breathtaking thousand-day ride. The relevance to today will be achingly obvious to readers—who will be both riveted and disturbed by this moving, memorable book.��—Evan Thomas, author of Ike’s Bluff and Robert Kennedy

“An ingenious and compelling book . . . With astute psychological insight, Jonathan Darman explains the motivations and achievements of these two men, how Lyndon Johnson’s downfall paved the way for Ronald Reagan’s rise, and how their overarching visions of governing became myths that defined the Republican and Democratic parties. Darman connects the dots between the lives of these two iconic characters in a dramatic and original way, offering a fresh perspective as he sweeps the reader through the events of the tumultuous sixties that reverberate to this day.”��Sally Bedell Smith, author of Elizabeth the Queen and Grace and Power

Article by Jonathan Darman:

The Trouble with Lyndon B. Johnson



Editor's Note: Jonathan Darman is a former political reporter for Newsweek, where he covered numerous campaigns including John Kerry's run in 2004 and Hillary Clinton's in 2008. He lives in New York City. His forthcoming book, Landslide: LBJ and Ronald Reagan at the Dawn of a New America, is his first. Here, he sheds light on the troubles that plagued LBJ following Kennedy's assassination.

Source: Biographile

Article by Jonathan Darman:

John Edwards's mistress has been surprisingly silent in public.

The Quiet Dignity of Rielle Hunter



Source: Newsweek

Article by Jonathan Darman:

Could a wealthy, white, well-connected southerner really grow up to be president? Haley Barbour can't wait to find out.

Will Haley Barbour Be the Next President?



Source: Newsweek

Article by Jonathan Darman:

When your résumé says 'disgraced ex-governor,' what do you do next?

The Confessions of Eliot Spitzer



Source: Newsweek

Article by Jonathan Darman:

An update to our April 27 cover story: A journalistic flare-up over whether NEWSWEEK played a role in Eliot Spitzer's political rehab.

The Confessions of Eliot Spitzer, Cont.



Source: Newsweek

Article by Jonathan Darman:

Reagan called it the place where good Republicans go to die. But has the very idea of Orange County expired?

You Can’t Go Home Again



Source: Newsweek

Article by Jonathan Darman:

Robert Caro spent decades living LBJ's life. His goal with the last volume is the same as itwas with the first: to endure.

Robert Caro's Last LBJ Volume



Source: Newsweek

Articles by Jonathan Darman:

There is a 5 article free limit:



Source: Newsweek

Youtube: Uploaded on Nov 4, 2008
11/3/08: NEWSWEEK's Jonathan Darman on the first things the new president should do.

Jonathan Darman on C-Span

Jonathan Darmon's family background - father was Richard Gordon Darman, who died Jan. 25, and was best known on the national scene as former president George H.W. Bush's budget director, a brilliant and determined policymaker who in 1990 negotiated a bipartisan deal with Congress to reduce the budget deficit.

Daily Routines by Jonathan Darmon:

On Robert Caro (interesting)

Regarding: Landslide

The book itself will be available in bookstores everywhere so even if you do not get a free copy; you will be able to purchase your copy at your local book store, or any of the on line book sellers like Amazon. or Barnes and Noble. There is also a Kindle edition which will be available if you want to acquire the book as a download.

This book discussion will be led by Bentley with backups - Assisting Moderators Kathy Harris and Jerome with author Jonathan Darman.

There will be 35 copies available for our group and for our moderators.

These are the requirements to be considered to receive this FREE book.

a) You must have a US address -
Random House will send the book free to US addresses only and only to the recipients selected.

b) You must indicate to Bentley that you will read the book, discuss the book actively in each of the weekly threads and post your comments weekly, that you will write a review of the book and post it here on the Final Comments thread or HBC, and also participate and post a question or two for the author - Jonathan Darman who will be joining us.

c) If you received a previous book from us; we will review your standing on that book and see if you participated as agreed. We want to give everyone a chance and there are a limited number of books so we really want active participation from folks we give the books to.

Procedures:

a) Post your interest here on this thread FIRST and indicate that you agree to the T&C's which are quite basic and the same as we had for all previous books.

b) Send Bentley VIA PM a copy of your full name and address with zip code indicating where you would like the book to be sent. Also indicate the following:

Within the context of your note - please indicate to Bentley that you will follow the t's and c's and will read the book, post on the weekly non spoiler threads, write a review on the History Book Club and post Questions for the author.

c) If you post that you are interested here on this thread in getting a copy of the book, Bentley will make sure to reach out to you and send you a PM so that you can reply to him with the information. If you are not a friend of Bentley's - he will send you an invite, accept the invite and then you will be able to PM Bentley right away. But remember the first step is to express your interest here on this thread. We reserve the right to make the final decision on the recipients of these books; we want to be absolutely fair but we want to have an active discussion.

SO REMEMBER THE FIRST STEP IS TO POST HERE FIRST AND EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST.

We will let you know when we open up the offer.

This free book offer is now open for folks who would like to "throw their name into the hat".

Check out message 17 for what the T's and C's are all about and the first step is to say that you are interested.

We will post the "lucky recipients" after a certain period of time.

After you do the above on this thread, then please send me your complete name, full address and zip code and will place you on the list for consideration and tell me which book you are interested in being considered for.

There will be two book offers open so this step is important. This book is not out yet and if selected - you will be among the first reading it.

The offer is now open.

I am interested and will abide by the Ts & Cs.

Thanks Teri - you have always been a great participant and member. We will place your name in the hat.

I am interested and will abide by the Ts and Cs.

Great Francie - you are also a great participant and member. Send me the mailing information via PM - we do not keep it on hand.

See note above:

After you do the above on this thread, then please send me your complete name, full address and zip code and we will place you on the list for consideration and tell me which book you are interested in being considered for.

There will be two book offers open so this step is important. This book is not out yet and if selected - you will be among the first reading it.

I am interested.

I will send Bentley a PM and I will abide by the rules.

Thank you for your interest Peter - make sure to PM me

I am interested and will abide by the t's and c's- will send a pm

Hello, I would love to be involved in the reading of this book. I would be interested in getting a copy of it. I agree to all of the aforementioned terms and conditions. I will send Bentley a PM with my information.

@ David and John - have your details. @Peter - have yours and @Francie - have yours.

I will update the list so far.

All, I sent notices to all folks who had signed up for the book when I sent out the event notification first - I will be sending a broadcast tonight but I wanted all of you who have signed up for it first to have first dibs.

Remember you must follow the table of contents and syllabus and stay with us and read the book and post, ask a question or two of the author who is graciously joining us, and then post a review on our Book as a Whole thread. I always tell folks to just stay with the syllabus and read one weeks assignment at a time and then you can become actively involved with the discussion. Some folks who are actually great contributors reread the assignment pages and they feel they get a lot more out of it doing it that way. What we are looking for is a great discussion and a lot of interaction and there are no right or wrong answers.

Please throw my name into the hat. I agree to the t&c's. I have enjoyed doing this with the Hanns and Rudolph book; it was my first time doing something like this and it has been great.

@ Cary - Glad you like it Cary - it is great being able to bounce off ideas and what you read with other folks.

Make sure to do the following next:

Subject line should say Landslide:
b) Send Bentley VIA PM a copy of your full name and address with zip code indicating where you would like the book to be sent. We do not retain addresses from previous offers.

I am interested and will abide by the t's and c's- will send a pm

Sign me up, Bentley. I think you have all my information.

Jill please see my PM and thanks. Just post here that you agree to the t's and c's.

Sorry I forgot to add that. I do agree to the t's and c's.

Thanks Jill

I will abide by the p's and q's. always enjoy these discussions! Bentley, I think you already have all my info since I have done this with Hanns and Rudolf?

@Tomi - Yes, Tomi but we do not save it - so please send me the PM - on the subject line - LANDSLIDE - then the same info as before- we always need a new PM with every offer - Subject line is the name of the book.

I agree as well.

Thanks Jerome

I am interested in the offer if still avail and agree to the ts and cs.

I agree to the terms and conditions. The PM was just sent out. Thanks.

I'm interested, and I agree to the terms. On to my private message.

Hello, I am interested and will abide by the terms and conditions. This presidential series has been very enlightening so far.

If it's not too late, please add my name to the list. I will abide by the ts and cs.

No it not too late Dave - make sure to send me via PM your mailing details - put Landslide as the subject header of the PM.

@Misha - please send me the PM - on the subject line - LANDSLIDE - we need your full name (first and last) - your street address, city, state and zip code - we always need a new PM with every offer - Subject line is the name of the book.

@Dave - same as Misha

Hi Bentley. I they are still available, I am interested in the book and discussion and I will abide with the terms and conditions.

@Dave - Dave I want you to learn how to send me a PM so look at the envelope at the top of the screen beside second icon to the left of your photo and click on that.

You should then see in red - the notes you have not opened and there will be one from me.

Click on it and post your information and then click send.

Brian wrote: "Hi Bentley. I they are still available, I am interested in the book and discussion and I will abide with the terms and conditions."

Hello Brian - yes the offer is still open - I have not sent the broadcast message yet - I wanted those who signed up for the book already through the event notification to get first dibs.

So you are in the running.

Now you must send me the PM - I do not keep information from one offer to another.

Dave and Brian - you are both in the running.