'Book Review': Robert Caro on 50 Years of 'The Power Broker'
11Digest
This podcast delves into the world of journalism and biography, featuring insightful conversations with prominent figures in both fields. Josh Hainer, a New York Times photographer covering climate change, discusses the challenges of finding stories that illustrate the impact of climate change on the world. Gilbert Cruz, editor of The New York Times Book Review, interviews Robert Caro, author of the seminal book "The Power Broker," about the life and legacy of Robert Moses, the man who shaped New York City. They explore the book's enduring relevance and Caro's insights into power dynamics. Carol Rosenberg, a New York Times reporter covering Guantanamo Bay, emphasizes the importance of journalism in holding institutions accountable and providing information to the public, even in challenging and controversial environments. Caro further discusses his collaborative relationship with his editor, Robert Gottlieb, highlighting the importance of having someone challenge his work and push him to think critically about his writing. Caro shares the story of his wife, Ina Caro, who has been a crucial collaborator in his research and writing, particularly for his Lyndon Johnson biography. He highlights her dedication, research skills, and even her talent as a writer. Caro then discusses the challenges of writing biography in the digital age, where information is often ephemeral and controlled by institutions. He emphasizes the importance of physical archives and the need for thorough research. Finally, Caro shares his admiration for great interviewers like George Simonyones and John le Carré, and discusses his own reading habits, including his recent discovery of Anthony Trollope's novels.
Outlines
The Power of Journalism and Biography
This podcast explores the power of journalism and biography, featuring interviews with New York Times journalists and Robert Caro, author of "The Power Broker," discussing the impact of climate change, the legacy of Robert Moses, and the challenges of writing in the digital age.
Robert Caro on Robert Moses and Power
Gilbert Cruz interviews Robert Caro, author of "The Power Broker," about the life and legacy of Robert Moses, the man who shaped New York City. They discuss the book's enduring relevance and Caro's insights into power dynamics.
Journalism in Difficult Places
Carol Rosenberg, a New York Times reporter covering Guantanamo Bay, emphasizes the importance of journalism in holding institutions accountable and providing information to the public, even in challenging and controversial environments.
Collaboration in Writing
Caro discusses his collaborative relationship with his editor, Robert Gottlieb, highlighting the importance of having someone challenge his work and push him to think critically about his writing.
The Role of Ina Caro in Robert Caro's Work
Caro shares the story of his wife, Ina Caro, who has been a crucial collaborator in his research and writing, particularly for his Lyndon Johnson biography. He highlights her dedication, research skills, and even her talent as a writer.
Biography in the Digital Age
Caro discusses the challenges of writing biography in the digital age, where information is often ephemeral and controlled by institutions. He emphasizes the importance of physical archives and the need for thorough research.
Lessons from Great Interviewers and Reading for Pleasure
Caro shares his admiration for great interviewers like George Simonyones and John le Carré, and discusses his own reading habits, including his recent discovery of Anthony Trollope's novels.
Keywords
Unchecked Power
Power that is not subject to any constraints or oversight, often leading to abuse and corruption. Robert Moses's power in shaping New York City is an example of unchecked power.
Power Broker
A person who wields significant influence and control over a particular field or area, often behind the scenes. Robert Moses was a power broker in New York City, shaping its infrastructure and development.
Public Authority
A government agency or organization created to perform specific functions, often with a focus on public services or infrastructure. Robert Moses used public authorities to circumvent elected officials and gain control over projects.
Lyndon Johnson
The 36th president of the United States, known for his political skills and his role in passing landmark civil rights legislation. Robert Caro's multi-volume biography of Johnson explores his complex character and political strategies.
Civil Rights
The fundamental rights and freedoms that ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics. Lyndon Johnson's presidency was marked by significant progress in the civil rights movement.
Digital Archives
Collections of digital documents, records, and other materials that are stored and accessed electronically. The increasing reliance on digital archives raises concerns about the preservation and accessibility of historical information.
Nonfiction Writing
Writing that focuses on factual information and real-world events, often employing literary techniques to engage readers. Robert Caro's work exemplifies the power of nonfiction writing to illuminate history and human experience.
Interviewing Techniques
Methods and strategies used to gather information and insights from individuals through conversation. Caro's interviewing techniques involve patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of his subjects.
Q&A
How did Robert Moses gain and maintain so much power in New York City, despite never being elected to office?
Robert Moses gained power through a combination of factors, including his ability to navigate political systems, his control over public authorities, and his strategic use of public funds. He was able to circumvent elected officials and build a vast network of influence that allowed him to shape the city's infrastructure and development for decades.
What is the significance of Robert Caro's book "The Power Broker" and why has it endured for 50 years?
"The Power Broker" is significant because it provides a detailed and insightful account of Robert Moses's life and legacy, exploring his impact on New York City and his complex relationship with power. The book's enduring relevance stems from its exploration of themes that continue to resonate today, such as the nature of power, the role of government, and the impact of urban planning on society.
How does Robert Caro's process of writing and researching his books contribute to their quality and impact?
Caro's meticulous research process, which involves extensive archival work, numerous interviews, and careful attention to detail, is essential to the accuracy and depth of his books. His commitment to slow, deliberate writing allows him to craft narratives that are both informative and engaging, making his work stand out as some of the best biography and history writing of the past half century.
Show Notes
Robert Caro’s 1974 biography “The Power Broker” is a book befitting its subject, Robert Moses — the unelected parochial technocrat who used a series of appointed positions to entirely reshape New York City and its surrounding environment for generations to come. Like Moses, Caro’s book has exerted an enduring and outsize influence. Caro recently joined The Times’s Book Review Podcast to discuss his experience writing the seminal book, and how he accounts for its continuing legacy.
You can find more information about that episode here.
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