The Power Broker #1: Robert Caro

Research Passion

Robert Caro's passion for research is evident in his writing process for "The Power Broker." He describes his love for sifting through original documents and raw files, emphasizing the importance of deep research in understanding historical figures like Robert Moses 1. Caro's investigative background, honed through journalism, equipped him with techniques to uncover hidden truths, such as tracing real estate transactions to reveal political corruption 2.

I happen to love just sitting in a library going through papers. You know, I mean, I just love it. There's something about raw files, you know, not press releases, but seeing the original letters, the original studies.

--- Robert Caro

His dedication to thorough research is a testament to his commitment to uncovering the complexities of power and influence.

   

Writing the Book

Writing "The Power Broker" presented Robert Caro with unexpected challenges and revelations. Initially, he underestimated the book's potential audience, believing few would be interested in Robert Moses 3. However, as he delved deeper, Caro realized the broader implications of Moses' influence, prompting him to devise ways to engage a larger readership.

All I heard for all those years was, nobody's going to read a book on Robert Moses.

--- Robert Caro

The process of writing also highlighted the entrenched systems of power, akin to the political machine of Tammany Hall, which resisted change and used media to manipulate public perception 4. Caro's work not only documents Moses' impact but also serves as a reflection on the enduring nature of political power.