The Power Broker
description The Power Broker Overview
Robert Caros biography of Robert Moses is arguably the most important book ever written about the exercise of political power in America. It details how Moses, an unelected official, shaped the physical landscape of New York City through sheer political maneuvering. The book is a masterclass in understanding how power is acquired, maintained, and used to bypass democratic processes. While its massive length can be daunting, it is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of bureaucracy, infrastructure, and political influence.
info The Power Broker Specifications
| Genre | Biography, History, Political Science |
| Author | Robert A. Caro |
| Awards | National Book Award for Nonfiction |
| Isbn-10 | 0394720245 |
| Subject | Robert Moses, Urban Planning, Political Power |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Page Count | 1,336 |
| Publication Year | 1974 |
| Initial Print Run | Limited hardcover release |
balance The Power Broker Pros & Cons
- Meticulous historical research drawing from thousands of interviews and archival sources, providing unparalleled depth on New York City's development
- Masterful narrative storytelling that transforms complex political maneuvering into compelling, readable prose
- Comprehensive 1,336-page examination covering Robert Moses's entire career and lasting impact on American infrastructure
- Establishes a definitive standard for biographical writing, influencing how power and politics are analyzed in subsequent works
- Reveals hidden mechanisms of bureaucratic power and urban planning that remain relevant to understanding modern governance
- Won the National Book Award for Nonfiction, validating its exceptional quality and scholarly significance
- At 1,336 pages, requires an extremely significant time investment that may deter casual readers
- Dense, academic prose can be challenging to read continuously without breaks or dedicated focus
- Primarily focused on Moses as an individual, with less exploration of broader historical context or contemporary figures
- Published in 1974, meaning some political analysis and urban planning perspectives may feel somewhat dated
- Repetitive in places due to exhaustive detail, occasionally losing narrative momentum in middle sections
help The Power Broker FAQ
How long does it take to read The Power Broker?
Reading time varies significantly by reader, but most take 30-50 hours to complete all 1,336 pages. Dedicated readers finishing a few chapters daily may complete it in 4-6 weeks, while leisurely readers might take several months.
Is The Power Broker worth reading despite its length?
Yes, most readers consider it absolutely worth the investment. It consistently appears on 'best books of all time' lists and provides irreplaceable insights into political power, urban planning, and American history that no shorter work can match.
What did Robert Moses actually build in New York City?
Robert Moses built or oversaw the construction of over 600 miles of highways, 2.5 million acres of parks, the 1964 World's Fair, the United Nations headquarters, numerous bridges, public housing projects, and beach facilities throughout New York.
Does The Power Broker still hold up since it was published in 1974?
The core narrative about power, bureaucracy, and urban planning remains highly relevant and frequently cited by historians and policymakers. Some specific policy debates have evolved, but the fundamental lessons about unchecked political power endure.
What is the main takeaway from The Power Broker?
The book demonstrates how one unelected official with vision, ambition, and political savvy could fundamentally reshape an entire city, while also serving as a cautionary tale about centralized power operating without democratic accountability.
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What is The Power Broker best for?
Serious readers interested in American political history, urban planning, and the exercise of power who are willing to invest significant time in a comprehensive, award-winning biography.
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What are the key specifications of The Power Broker?
- Genre: Biography, History, Political Science
- Author: Robert A. Caro
- Awards: National Book Award for Nonfiction
- ISBN-10: 0394720245
- Subject: Robert Moses, Urban Planning, Political Power
- Language: English
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