Summary
The Power Broker, Robert A. Caro's monumental biography of Robert Moses, is a seminal work that exposes the inner workings of power in 20th century New York. Published in 1974, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book meticulously details how Moses, an unelected official, became the most influential force in shaping the city's physical and political landscape for over four decades.
Caro's exhaustive research, spanning seven years and over 500 interviews, provides unprecedented insight into Moses's methods of accumulating and wielding power. The book reveals how Moses transformed from an idealistic reformer into a master manipulator of the political system, using his control over public authorities to bypass democratic processes and reshape New York according to his vision.
At 1,336 pages, The Power Broker is a testament to Caro's dedication to uncovering the truth behind Moses's legacy. The book's impact extends far beyond New York, offering valuable lessons on urban planning, political maneuvering, and the consequences of unchecked power. It remains a crucial read for anyone seeking to understand the forces that shape our cities and the delicate balance between progress and preservation.
Plot
Robert Caro's The Power Broker chronicles the life and career of Robert Moses, a man who shaped New York City's landscape for much of the 20th century. The book begins by exploring Moses's early life, from his upbringing in Connecticut to his education at Yale and Oxford. It details his initial forays into public service, where he championed civil service reform and earned a reputation as an idealistic reformer.
As the narrative progresses, Caro reveals how Moses transitioned from an idealist to a power broker. Through his work on public parks and ambitious projects like the Triborough Bridge, Moses accumulated unprecedented influence. The book illustrates how he leveraged his positions on various boards and authorities to become an indispensable figure in New York's political landscape, despite never holding elected office.
Caro meticulously documents Moses's transformation, showing how he gradually prioritized control over public good. The biography delves into Moses's preference for automobile-centric development over mass transit, his lavish lifestyle, and his methods of rewarding allies and punishing opponents. It details the construction of numerous highways, bridges, and housing projects that reshaped New York, often at the expense of existing communities.
The book culminates with Moses's eventual decline in power, as his reputation began to falter and he clashed with figures like Nelson Rockefeller. Throughout the narrative, Caro paints a complex portrait of Moses, acknowledging his intelligence and political acumen while also highlighting the negative impacts of his outsized influence on New York's urban fabric.
Themes
Power and its corruption
Urban planning and development
Political machinations and influence
Impact of infrastructure on communities
Legacy of public works projects
Conflict between progress and preservation
Transformation of New York City's landscape
Setting
Set primarily in New York City and State, The Power Broker spans much of the 20th century, focusing on the era from the 1920s through the 1960s. This period saw dramatic changes in urban development, transportation infrastructure, and political power dynamics, all of which are central themes in Caro's work.
The book's geographical scope extends beyond the city limits, encompassing Long Island, upstate New York, and even reaching into neighboring states. Key locations include the corridors of power in Albany and New York City Hall, as well as the numerous parks, bridges, and highways that Moses built throughout his career.
Specific places that feature prominently in the narrative include Jones Beach, the Triborough Bridge (now known as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge), the Cross-Bronx Expressway, and the United Nations headquarters. These locations serve as concrete examples of Moses's vast influence on the physical landscape of New York and the lives of its residents.
Key Figures
Robert Moses: The central figure of the book. A powerful and controversial urban planner who shaped New York City and state for over 40 years. Moses held numerous appointed positions and wielded immense influence over public works projects. He was known for his ambitious vision, political savvy, and often ruthless methods in pursuit of his goals.
Al Smith: Former Governor of New York who mentored Moses early in his career. Smith appointed Moses to key positions and helped him gain political influence. Their relationship was crucial to Moses's rise to power but eventually became strained.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: U.S. President and former New York Governor who clashed with Moses over various issues. Despite their conflicts, Moses managed to maintain his power and influence throughout Roosevelt's tenure.
Fiorello La Guardia: Mayor of New York City who worked with Moses on numerous projects. La Guardia and Moses had a complex relationship, alternating between cooperation and conflict.
Nelson Rockefeller: Governor of New York who eventually curbed Moses's power. Rockefeller was one of the few politicians able to challenge Moses's authority effectively.
Belle Moskowitz: Political advisor to Al Smith who initially supported Moses. She played a significant role in Moses's early career advancement.
Frances Perkins: U.S. Secretary of Labor and associate of Moses during his early reform efforts. Perkins provided insights into Moses's early idealism and subsequent transformation.
Quick facts
The book is 1,336 pages long, but this was only two-thirds of Caro's original manuscript.
It took Caro seven years to research and write the book, far longer than the nine months he originally estimated.
Caro and his wife Ina had to sell their house to finance the writing of the book.
Robert Moses tried to prevent the book from being written by limiting Caro's access to information.
The book won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1975.
President Barack Obama cited reading the book at age 22 as influential in shaping how he thinks about politics.
It was named one of the 100 most important books of the 20th century by the Modern Library.
The book sparked public discussion and debate about urban planning and power in New York City.
An e-book version was not released until 2023, 50 years after initial publication.
The New-York Historical Society hosted an exhibit about the book for its 50th anniversary in 2024.
About the Author
Robert A. Caro is an acclaimed American journalist and author best known for his biographies of U.S. political figures Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson. Born in 1935, Caro began his career as a reporter before writing The Power Broker. Caro's most ambitious work is his multi-volume biography The Years of Lyndon Johnson, which he has been writing since the 1970s. To date, he has published four volumes, with a fifth and final volume still in progress. The series is renowned for its exhaustive research, attention to detail, and insightful analysis of Johnson's complex character and political career.
For his biographies, Caro has received numerous prestigious awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, three National Book Critics Circle Awards, and the National Humanities Medal. His meticulous research process often involves years of interviews, archival work, and even temporarily relocating to better understand his subjects' environments.
Caro's writing style combines rigorous historical research with compelling narrative prose. His works are known for their length and depth, with some volumes exceeding 1,000 pages.
