The Power Broker

Robert Moses and the Fall of New York

By: Robert A. Caro

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 66 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • A modern American classic, this huge and galvanizing biography of Robert Moses reveals not only the saga of one man’s incredible accumulation of power but the story of his shaping (and mis-shaping of twentieth-century New York. One of the Modern Library’s hundred greatest books of the twentieth century.

Robert Caro's monumental book makes public what few outsiders knew: that Robert Moses was the single most powerful man of his time in the City and in the State of New York. And in telling the Moses story, Caro both opens up to an unprecedented degree the way in which politics really happens—the way things really get done in America's City Halls and Statehouses—and brings to light a bonanza of vital information about such national figures as Alfred E. Smith and Franklin D. Roosevelt (and the genesis of their blood feud), about Fiorello La Guardia, John V. Lindsay and Nelson Rockefeller.

But The Power Broker is first and foremost a brilliant multidimensional portrait of a man—an extraordinary man who, denied power within the normal framework of the democratic process, stepped outside that framework to grasp power sufficient to shape a great city and to hold sway over the very texture of millions of lives. We see how Moses began: the handsome, intellectual young heir to the world of Our Crowd, an idealist. How, rebuffed by the entrenched political establishment, he fought for the power to accomplish his ideals. How he first created a miraculous flowering of parks and parkways, playlands and beaches—and then ultimately brought down on the city the smog-choked aridity of our urban landscape, the endless miles of (never sufficient) highway, the hopeless sprawl of Long Island, the massive failures of public housing, and countless other barriers to humane living. How, inevitably, the accumulation of power became an end in itself.

Moses built an empire and lived like an emperor. He was held in fear—his dossiers could disgorge the dark secret of anyone who opposed him. He was, he claimed, above politics, above deals; and through decade after decade, the newspapers and the public believed. Meanwhile, he was developing his public authorities into a fourth branch of government known as "Triborough"—a government whose records were closed to the public, whose policies and plans were decided not by voters or elected officials but solely by Moses—an immense economic force directing pressure on labor unions, on banks, on all the city's political and economic institutions, and on the press, and on the Church. He doled out millions of dollars' worth of legal fees, insurance commissions, lucrative contracts on the basis of who could best pay him back in the only coin he coveted: power. He dominated the politics and politicians of his time—without ever having been elected to any office. He was, in essence, above our democratic system.

Robert Moses held power in the state for 44 years, through the governorships of Smith, Roosevelt, Lehman, Dewey, Harriman and Rockefeller, and in the city for 34 years, through the mayoralties of La Guardia, O'Dwyer, Impellitteri, Wagner and Lindsay, He personally conceived and carried through public works costing 27 billion dollars—he was undoubtedly America's greatest builder.

This is how he built and dominated New York—before, finally, he was stripped of his reputation (by the press) and his power (by Nelson Rockefeller). But his work, and his will, had been done.

©1975 Robert A. Caro (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

1975, Francis Parkman Prize, Winner

1975, Pulitzer Prize — Biography, Winner

"Caro has written one of the finest, best-researched and most analytically informative descriptions of our political and governmental processes to appear in a generation." (Nicholas Von Hoffman, The Washington Post)

"This is irresistibly readable, an outright masterpiece and unparalleled insight into how power works and perhaps the greatest portrait ever of a world city." (David Sexton, The Evening Standard)

Excellent book, Excellent performance

This book is a masterwork of nonfiction. Caro definitely gives you a feeling for the scale of Moses’ life. I feel like I understand many things much better now than I did when I started the book. Including but not limited too, bureaucracy, power, and 20th New York history.

The performance by Robertson Dean is also wonderful, it’s very strong and clear. At times it sounds like Moses himself is speaking to us from beyond the grave.

MAGNIFICENT

Very detailed. Mind blowing amount of research went into this book as reader will witness. At times it may be overwhelming (or boring to some) but this is a CLASSIC! O highly recommend this read to anyone who is interested in taking a deep look into how our government and systems in place are rigged

One of the best books I have ever read

Just a fantastically broad and entertaining and insightful book. You will learn a lot, you will be furious at the man, you will even feel sorry for him. It's like a Shakespearean play but true.

Superlative book. Superlative performance.

I had heard for years that Robert Caro's study of power in the person of Robert Moses was not to be missed. That proved correct. The book itself is a masterpiece of research, narrative, and elegance. And the topic is surprisingly relevant today -- 2020 -- even if you don't give a rot about the parks, roads, or bridges of New York City. As a study of power and its ruthless corruption, Caro's book is necessary reading.

And Robertson Dean's performance of the book is just stunning. One of the finest spoken word performances I've ever heard.

Required reading for any New Yorker

It took me a decade living in New York City to finally listen to this epic. I wish I had sooner. Not a day goes by In this city by without being awed by a Moses creation or being frustrated with what could have been had he not had so much power. Listen to while traveling by car, bike, foot, subway, bus, etc.. Listen in a park, along a waterfront, over a bridge.

Long, but worth the listen

The story of Bob Moses highlights the issues with idealism in governement and how power changes a hero to a villain.

As good as you heard

I have read many biographies and this was easily one of the best. The beauty and triumph of Jones Beach. The horror of 1 mile. So well written.

An architectural, political & literary masterpiece

This book is one of the most fascinating stories you'll ever hear on the makings of power and the architectural shaping of New York City. The narrator of this book is as perfect and complimentary as fresh lemon in lemonade. This was my first Audiobook experience and I'm certain it will never be as good as this. The book is long and it took me several months to finish but it was worth every bus ride in Mexico, car ride in New York, and train ride in Vienna. I have become infinitely more informed and realistic about the ways of politics, power, and city building thanks to this book. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Essential reading

Anyone interested in how the world really works should read this book. Mr. Caro is a master storyteller and deserves his own monument.

Worth the investment of time!

Amazing book. The accolades are deserved. I’ll never look at politics, government or NYC the same way again. Very good reader too.