Alexandra Alter interviewed the author at an exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of his book “The Power Broker.”
Robert Caro, the renowned writer, and journalist, was recently featured in an exhibit at the New-York Historical Society to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking book, “The Power Broker.” This biography of Robert Moses, the influential urban planner, is highly regarded for its meticulous research, eloquent writing, and profound insights into political power. As a writer for The New York Times Book Review, I had the privilege of meeting Caro and delving into the impact of his iconic work.
“The Power Broker,” weighing four pounds and spanning 1,286 pages, initially seemed daunting to me when I first encountered it during my journalism studies in New York two decades ago. However, living in the city, I have long been aware of Moses’ lasting influence, particularly as I traverse the Prospect Expressway in Brooklyn, a project spearheaded by Moses. The book’s enduring relevance became apparent as I witnessed a woman carrying a tote bag that read “Repeal Robert Moses” on my way to interview Caro. In his portrayal, Caro depicts Moses as a power-hungry figure who transformed New York City through controversial infrastructure projects, displacing marginalized communities in the process.
During our meeting at the historical society, Caro, clad in his signature blazer and tie, expressed a mix of emotions upon revisiting artifacts from his years of research for “The Power Broker.” While one might expect him to be jubilant about the exhibit honoring his work, he instead conveyed a sense of profound sadness. Recalling the challenging period when he struggled financially and faced uncertainty about the book’s publication, Caro described the editing process as particularly painful, having to trim 350,000 words from his extensive manuscript. Above all, he lamented that the cautionary lessons on the perils of unrestrained power highlighted in “The Power Broker” seemed to have been overlooked.
Caro’s reflections underscore the enduring impact of his seminal work, prompting a reexamination of the dynamics of power and urban development. As we explore the legacy of “The Power Broker,” we are reminded of the importance of critically evaluating historical narratives and their implications for contemporary society.
Source: The NY Times
