Robert Caro on the Making of “The Power Broker”
Digest
This episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour features an interview with Robert Caro, the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "The Power Broker." Caro recounts his early days as a reporter for the New Brunswick Daily Home News, where he witnessed firsthand the influence of political machines. He then shares his experience working for Newsday, where he investigated a proposed bridge that would have had a devastating impact on Long Island. This investigation led him to realize the immense power wielded by Robert Moses, a man who had never been elected to office but had shaped New York City for decades. Caro describes his meticulous research process, which involved interviewing countless people and meticulously examining documents. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical environment in which his subjects lived and worked. Caro shares a particularly poignant anecdote about interviewing Sam Houston, Lyndon Johnson's brother, in a replica of the Johnson boyhood home. This experience helped Caro to understand the complex relationship between Lyndon Johnson and his father, which ultimately shaped his ambition. Caro concludes by discussing the importance of slowing down and taking the time to truly understand the people and events he writes about. He argues that political power can be used for both good and evil, and that we have forgotten the immense good that government can do for its citizens.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and its focus on Robert Caro, the author of "The Power Broker." It also mentions the 50th anniversary of the book's publication and the excerpt being republished on Newyorker.com.
Robert Caro's Journey to "The Power Broker"
This Chapter delves into Robert Caro's early career as a reporter and his initial encounter with the power of political machines. It highlights his investigation into a proposed bridge and the realization of Robert Moses's immense influence. Caro discusses his meticulous research process, emphasizing the importance of interviews, documents, and understanding the physical environment.
The Importance of Slowing Down
This Chapter explores Caro's philosophy of slowing down and taking the time to truly understand his subjects. He shares his experience with a creative writing professor who taught him to stop thinking with his fingers. Caro also discusses the importance of political power and its potential for both good and evil, arguing that we have forgotten the immense good that government can do for its citizens.
Keywords
Robert Caro
Robert Caro is an American author and journalist, best known for his multi-volume biography of Lyndon B. Johnson. He is also the author of "The Power Broker," a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about Robert Moses, a powerful city planner who shaped New York City for decades. Caro is known for his meticulous research and his ability to bring history to life.
Robert Moses
Robert Moses was a powerful city planner who shaped New York City for decades. He was responsible for building many of the city's iconic landmarks, including the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the Long Island Expressway, and Jones Beach State Park. Moses was also a controversial figure, known for his ruthless tactics and his disregard for the needs of the poor and marginalized. Caro's book "The Power Broker" is a detailed and insightful account of Moses's life and work.
The Power Broker
The Power Broker is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Robert Caro about Robert Moses, a powerful city planner who shaped New York City for decades. The book is a detailed and insightful account of Moses's life and work, and it explores the complex relationship between power, politics, and urban development. The book is considered a classic of American political reporting and biography.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson was the 36th president of the United States. He served from 1963 to 1969, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Johnson is best known for his role in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He also oversaw the escalation of the Vietnam War. Caro is currently working on a multi-volume biography of Johnson.
Political Power
Political power is the ability to influence or control the behavior of others through the use of authority, force, or persuasion. It is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied by philosophers, political scientists, and historians for centuries. Caro's work explores the nature of political power and its impact on individuals and society.
Urban Development
Urban development is the process of planning, constructing, and managing the growth and change of cities and towns. It involves a wide range of activities, including infrastructure development, housing construction, economic development, and social services. Caro's book "The Power Broker" is a case study in the complex and often controversial nature of urban development.
New York City
New York City is the most populous city in the United States and one of the most important cultural and economic centers in the world. The city is known for its iconic skyline, its diverse population, and its vibrant arts and culture scene. Caro's book "The Power Broker" is a fascinating exploration of the history and development of New York City.
Interviewing
Interviewing is a key skill for journalists, historians, and biographers. It involves asking questions, listening carefully, and recording information. Caro is known for his meticulous interviewing techniques, which have allowed him to gather firsthand accounts from a wide range of sources. He believes that interviewing is essential for understanding the complexities of human experience.
Research
Research is the systematic investigation into a topic or problem. It involves gathering information, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. Caro is known for his rigorous research methods, which have allowed him to produce highly detailed and accurate accounts of his subjects' lives. He believes that research is essential for producing high-quality historical writing.
Q&A
What was Robert Caro's initial experience with political machines like?
Caro's early days as a reporter for the New Brunswick Daily Home News exposed him to the influence of political machines, where power was wielded through patronage and control over local government.
How did Robert Caro's investigation into a proposed bridge lead him to understand the power of Robert Moses?
Caro's investigation revealed that Moses's influence extended far beyond elected officials, and that he had the power to shape the city's development in ways that benefited him and his allies.
What is Robert Caro's meticulous research process like?
Caro's research involves extensive interviewing, meticulous document examination, and a deep understanding of the physical environment in which his subjects lived and worked.
How did Robert Caro's interview with Sam Houston, Lyndon Johnson's brother, help him understand Lyndon Johnson's ambition?
By placing Houston in the replica of the Johnson boyhood home, Caro was able to elicit a more truthful account of Johnson's relationship with his father, revealing the roots of his ambition.
What is Robert Caro's philosophy on slowing down in the writing process?
Caro believes that slowing down and taking the time to truly understand his subjects is essential for producing high-quality historical writing. He rejects the modern world's emphasis on speed and efficiency, preferring a more deliberate and thoughtful approach.
Why does Robert Caro believe that we have forgotten the good that political power can do?
Caro argues that we have forgotten the good that government can do because we have had too many presidents who have not used their power for the benefit of the people. He cites examples like Social Security and Medicare, which have made a significant difference in the lives of millions of Americans.
Show Notes
Fifty years ago, in July, 1974, The New Yorker began publishing a lengthy excerpt of Robert Caro’s “The Power Broker.” When the book appeared, it ran more than twelve hundred pages and won a Pulitzer Prize. In vivid, astonishing detail, it shows how a city planner named Robert Moses gained power over New York City that dwarfed that of any mayor or governor, and radically changed the city. “The Power Broker” became a landmark of political reporting and biography, and made Caro one of the most celebrated writers in America. David Remnick sat down with Caro at the McCarter Theatre, in Princeton, New Jersey, in 2019, when “Working”—a collection of short pieces about Caro’s methods—had been published. Their discussion encompassed Caro’s early years as a newspaper reporter, his interviewing techniques, and his determination to tackle huge projects, including his chronicle of the life of Lyndon B. Johnson, four volumes of which have been published to date.
This segment originally aired on June 18, 2019.
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