Roman, Elliott, and Robert Caro: Live in Conversation
99% Invisible
Deep Dive
Why did Robert Caro cut 350,000 words from his initial draft of 'The Power Broker'?
The publisher could not physically bind a book of that size, making it impossible to release a book that large.
How did Robert Caro's approach to research influence his writing style?
Caro's extensive research, involving talking to numerous people at all levels, contributed to a detailed and humanistic narrative style.
What was Robert Caro's reaction to Robert Moses' nickname for him, 'venomous viper'?
Caro was expecting negative reactions but was overwhelmed by the positive reception of the book, which made him feel validated despite initial criticism.
Why did Robert Caro feel a personal connection to the stories of the people affected by the Cross Bronx Expressway?
Caro's investigative work on a scam involving retirement home sites in the Mojave Desert made him empathetic towards people who were hurt, a feeling that persisted in his later work.
How does Robert Caro balance historical accuracy with storytelling in his books?
Caro focuses on weaving numbers and facts into dramatic narratives, emphasizing the human impact of historical events to make them more engaging and understandable.
What does Robert Caro hope future generations will learn from his archives?
Caro hopes that his archives will inspire future biographers to explore stories that didn't make it into his books, such as those of Al Smith and Belle Moskowitz, providing a more comprehensive understanding of historical figures.
Why did Robert Caro feel the subtitle 'The Fall of New York' was appropriate for 'The Power Broker'?
Caro believed that Moses' policies, such as the construction of segregated public housing and the crippling of the city's financial capacity, contributed to the decline of New York, symbolizing its fall.
- The Power Broker completely changed public perception of Robert Moses.
- The New York Historical Society curated a special exhibit from Caro's archives.
Shownotes Transcript