Epilogue Summary and Analysis

Johnson had planned a number of projects as he returned to his ranch. None was particularly appealing to him, however, except for the writing of his memoirs. He used several people to assist him, including the author of this book, but simply could not put into words an adequate piece. As well, he was convinced that the same conspiracy which helped to destroy his political career—that is, the press and the intellectuals—would take apart whatever he wrote. The book was doomed to failure, and Johnson put his energies into running the ranch.

During his later years, Johnson was not treated well by historians. Judgment of his presidency was harsh, and Nixon set about his own plans to begin dismantling the Great Society programs one by one. Nixon's second term began on January 20, 1973. The next day, a cease...