The New Yorker Radio Hour

Robert Caro on the Making of “The Power Broker”

Jul 5, 2024

Award-winning author Robert Caro discusses his iconic work 'The Power Broker' which explores city planner Robert Moses' immense influence over NYC. Caro shares his research techniques, interviewing methods, and the impact of political power on society. The podcast reveals fascinating insights into Caro's journalistic journey and his dedication to tackling monumental projects.

30:49

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Robert Caro

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Quick takeaways

Robert Moses wielded immense power in NYC without being elected, transforming the city through extensive public projects.

Robert Caro's meticulous research in 'The Power Broker' unveils the source of Robert Moses's unparalleled authority.

Deep dives

Robert Moses's Unprecedented Power in New York City

Robert Moses, a political figure in New York City, wielded immense power despite never being elected. He transformed the city through extensive public construction projects, evicting thousands from their homes. Moses's influence shaped the city's infrastructure for decades and his power overshadowed mayors and governors.

Intro

2min

Exploring the Influence of Robert Moses and Robert Caro

3min

Uncovering Power Dynamics and Political Influence

16min

Reflections on 'The Power Broker' and Advertisements for Dell Technologies and 'Daddio'

3min

Robert Caro's Meticulous Research Methods

8min

The Power of Political Power for Positive Change

2min

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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The New Yorker Radio Hour

Robert Caro on the Making of “The Power Broker”

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Robert Moses's Unprecedented Power in New York City

The Genesis of 'The Power Broker' by Robert Caro

Deep Dive into Lyndon Johnson's Biography

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts