Robert A. Caro's The Power Broker is widely acclaimed for its meticulous research and insightful exploration of political power, particularly through the life of urban planner Robert Moses. While praised for its narrative depth and extensive detail, some readers find the length intimidating and certain sections overly dense. Overall, it remains a seminal work in biographical and urban studies literature.

Readers who enjoy detailed political biographies, urban planning, and in-depth analyses of power dynamics will find The Power Broker by Robert A. Caro compelling. Comparable to Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Master of the Senate by Caro himself, this book appeals to those captivated by the intricate machinations of influential figures.

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert A. Caro charts the ascent and subsequent decline of urban planner Robert Moses, detailing his transformation of New York City through ambitious public works projects, his accumulation of vast political power, and his eventual fall from grace due to public and political opposition, revealing the complex interplay of idealism and power in urban development. The book includes discussions of racial discrimination and socio-economic inequalities.

Informative / Challenging / Gritty / Contemplative / Melancholic

- The Power Broker is renowned for its thorough research and depth, having been based on over 522 interviews conducted by Caro, taking him more than seven years to write.
- The book was initially rejected by multiple publishers because it was deemed too long and too political, yet it went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1975.
- Robert A. Caro's detailed examination of Robert Moses's life and work has notably influenced urban policy discussions and is often used as a critical reference in urban planning courses.

Robert A. Caro

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Biography

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Power Broker and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Power Broker Summary

Background

The Power Broker Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Idealist”

Introduction-Part 1

The Power Broker Introduction-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Reformer”

Part 2 The Power Broker Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Rise to Power”

Part 3 The Power Broker Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Use of Power”

Part 4 The Power Broker Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Love of Power”

Part 5 The Power Broker Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “The Lust for Power”

Part 6 The Power Broker Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “The Loss of Power”

Part 7 The Power Broker Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Power Broker Key Figures

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Themes

The Power Broker Themes

Index of Terms

The Power Broker Index of Terms

Literary Devices

The Power Broker Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

The Power Broker Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Power Broker Essay Topics

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York

Before You Read

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