Guest Robert Caro, author of 'The Power Broker', discusses the captivating story of Robert Moses and his influence on New York City. The host announces a book club dedicated to reading and discussing the 1200-page book. Conan O'Brien's enthusiasm for Caro's work is also highlighted. The chapter explores Caro's dedication and meticulous approach. The idea of dedicating oneself to a cause is discussed, along with plans to read and discuss 'The Power Broker' in monthly bonus episodes.
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Quick takeaways
Robert Moses, a man who held immense power without ever being elected, shaped the 20th century through his ambitious projects and strategies.
Robert Caro's work showcases an intricate fusion of extensive research and poetic writing, making his books not just informative but also beautifully crafted.
Deep dives
The Power Broker: A Deep Dive into Robert Moses and New York City
The podcast episode discusses the significance of Robert Caro's book, The Power Broker, and the impact of Robert Moses on New York City. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of how cities are formed, neighborhoods are destroyed, and structures such as bridges, roads, and parks are built. Robert Moses, a man who held immense power without ever being elected, shaped the 20th century through his ambitious projects and strategies. The book not only delves into Moses' life but also showcases Caro's remarkable research skills and writing style. This podcast project aims to read and discuss The Power Broker, highlighting its captivating storytelling, its exploration of power, and the lasting impact of Moses on New York City.
Robert Caro: The Synthesis of a Master Researcher and Writer
The podcast episode explores the remarkable qualities of Robert Caro as a biographer and writer. Caro's work showcases an intricate fusion of extensive research and poetic writing, making his books not just informative but also beautifully crafted. His dedication to thorough research and unrelenting pursuit of information sets him apart in the field of biography. Caro's ability to combine factual rigor with evocative writing makes his work stand out, offering readers a mesmerizing reading experience. The podcast project aims to highlight Caro's unique style and inspire readers to delve into his works, including The Power Broker.
Robert Moses: The Influential Figure Who Shaped New York City
The podcast episode delves into the life and accomplishments of Robert Moses, a man who wielded immense power and reshaped the landscape of New York City. Without ever holding elected office, Moses managed to build numerous structures, move Earth, and shape the city in significant ways. While he was celebrated within New York City as the builder of parks and bridges, Robert Caro's book, The Power Broker, shed light on Moses' true impact. The podcast discusses Moses' ability to acquire and wield power behind the scenes, his ambitious vision for the city, and the consequences of his actions on neighborhoods and people's lives.
The Power and Significance of Reading The Power Broker
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of reading The Power Broker by Robert Caro. The book serves as an essential exploration of how power operates, how one person can shape the destiny of a city, and the lasting effects of their actions. By delving into the detailed stories and accounts presented in the book, readers gain a profound understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and struggles faced by individuals and communities affected by the decisions of influential figures like Robert Moses. Moreover, the podcast project encourages listeners to engage with the book, offering them an opportunity to broaden their knowledge and perspective on urban development and the dynamics of power.
Today's episode features #1 Robert Caro superfan, Conan O'Brien.
The Power Broker by Robert Caro is a biography of Robert Moses, who is said to have built more structures and moved more earth than anyone in human history. And he did it without ever holding elected office. Outside of New York City, Robert Moses wasn't exceptionally well known. Inside of New York, he was mostly accepted by the media as simply the man who built all those nice parks. But The Power Broker, which is subtitled Robert Moses and The Fall of New York, changed all that. It is a tour de force of journalism, history, and biography. Roman also argues it's really fun to read and is strongly in contention for the best book ever written.
But there is something of a catch, which can hang readers up: the book is a daunting 1200 pages long. As influential and amazing as this bestseller is, many people own an unopened copy gathering dust on their bookshelf. But that is a crime because this book needs to be read or at least discussed at length on a podcast.
Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan (Flop House, Daily Show) are starting The Power Broker book club that will run through all of 2024 as bonus episodes and in this introductory episode, Conan O'Brien joins us to talk all things Robert Caro.