The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York, Volume 1 of 3

by Robert A. Caro, Robertson Dean (Narrator)

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Politics, Economics, Leadership

Audiobook

Published May 17, 2011

About the author

Robert Allan Caro is an American journalist and author known for his biographies of United States political figures Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson.
After working for many years as a reporter, Caro wrote The Power Broker (1974), a biography of New York urban planner Robert Moses, which was chosen by the Modern Library as one of the hundred greatest nonfiction books of the twentieth century. He has since written four of a planned five volumes of The Years of Lyndon Johnson (1982, 1990, 2002, 2012), a biography of the former president. Caro has been described as "the most influential biographer of the last century".
For his biographies, he has won two Pulitzer Prizes in Biography, two National Book Awards (including one for Lifetime Achievement), the Francis Parkman Prize (awarded by the Society of American Historians to the book that "best exemplifies the union of the historian and the artist"), three National Book Critics Circle Awards, the Mencken Award for Best Book, the Carr P. Collins Award from the Texas Institute of Letters, the D. B. Hardeman Prize, and a Gold Medal in Biography from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2010 President Barack Obama awarded Caro the National Humanities Medal.
Due to Caro's reputation for exhaustive research and detail, he is sometimes invoked by reviewers of other writers who are called "Caro-esque" for their own extensive research.

Reviews

[Alex Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what Robert Moses did to Robert Caro but whatever it was in resulted in the most savage take-down (and one of the finest biographies) put to paper. A fascinating look at the unelected, unassailable man who shaped New York (and through example, cities around the globe) for roughly forty years (some very roughly indeed).
I feel both lucky and saddened to be among the last generation with the attention span to get through such a massive, rewarding book.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read a Caro book before this one. The book constantly surprised me by the richness of detail, and the staggering level of research that goes into each chapter. Caro makes Moses's life engrossing, and made me feel like I lived in New York at the time. So many lessons about life, politics, and power. I can't wait to find the last two volumes.

[Sidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this dam book. Today was the day of San Jordi, day of books and roses, so was fitting I finally got it done. Was probably a 4.5 i didn’t care enough to know that Robert Moses was a god at butterfly in college. But the level of detail is remarkable. And can only imagine if we had someone this tactful that built shit the right way. Oh well

[Mateus de Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

havent read that many biographies, but this one must be a masterpiece. the depth of research and quality of writing are incredible. excited for vol 2

[Trevor]

Incredible. Makes me want to read more biography but I fear I'll be disappointed. The depth of detail, the characterization, and the all-encompassing critical eye on display here make the enormous runtime well worth it.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done. 1st of three. And the fact that I'm excited to read the next two says a lot. (because this was not a quick read).
All three books. DONE.

[Kaitlyn Novotny · Rating 4 out of 5]

PART 1 OF 3! This is a massive undertaking and I'm grateful the audiobook is able to be chopped into three parts. So far the level of detail is incredible and I feel as if I'm ~in~ the setting because the details force me to wade through to get to the meat of the story. For all intents and purposes, Robert Moses appears to have begun his career in public service with true and good intentions for serving those less fortunate. However, the overall vibe and atmosphere of the book lead me to believe there will be a downfall coming and it will be merciless.

The character-driven elements of the story also lead me to believe Moses may have been the only person to build NYC into what it is today, that he and his unique skills alone could do justice to the mecca of modern civilization. While that cannot be entirely true, the story-building and (again) detailed elements of his life lead the reader to acknowledge his impressive abilities and connections made, despite not coming from the world of the wealthy elite. I'm excited to continue this project but happy I can take a break between parts!

[Jane Giardino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started with the ebook, which is massive. Couldn’t finish by the library due date so I went with the audiobooks which are in 3 volumes.
As a kid in the 60’s in Connecticut, I knew Robert Moses’ name, vaguely, something to do with the Worlds Fair? shea Stadium? I had no idea of his long association with New York, where my dad worked all his life and many friends went to live after college. Where friends and I hung out in high school and learned from museums, theatres and the mean streets,
The book is incredibly detailed ( too much for my brain at times) and utterly compelling. And Moses himself? A fascinating, complex, admirable man, and a true scoundrel.
Now in 2025 it’s a revelation; politics has not changed too much, and the robber barons will never stop trying to claw their way to the top.
I need a break before I tackle volume 2.

[Aziz Alkattan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wild—in the best way. Caro absolutely goes in on Robert Moses, and the result is this massive, fascinating deep dive into how one unelected guy basically reshaped New York City for decades. It’s dense, sure, but somehow never boring. Every chapter peels back another layer of power plays, ego, and urban planning gone off the rails. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much of the city still bears his fingerprints. It’s a lot—but totally worth it. Can’t wait to read the other 2 volumes

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant biography of a man I had never heard of. No surprise it won the Pulitzer. It also sparked my curiosity about the sort of backdoor power brokering that no doubt exists in our modern political system - hopefully a Caro will be around to expose that as well, perhaps earlier than decades after it started.

[bernie! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dont read a lot of biographies! This is one of them! Caro is clearly a master of the genre, and Moses is a worthy subject. A terrible bastard of a man capable of great imaginings and feats of astonishing hubris, mixed with acts of genuine kindness. Fascinating character, excited for the next volume.

(listened to audio off and on through my daily hour 15 or so total commute)

[Melanie Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s very well-written. I felt that it improved once it became focused on his work - the early life wasn’t as engaging. I am planning to read the other two volumes. I listened to the audiobook and it is well-read. Would have been good to have maps in hand - but I was busy.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love history and business and politics - and this book delivered on all 3! Now ready for Volume 2!

[Henry Craft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened. Sorry.

[Robert Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very detailed book, in both a good and bad sense.

[Arianna]

Finally giving up and only reading volume 1. Just not my cup of tea.

[Marvin Haymaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhaustive, yet enthralling.

[Beanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was offered this book by a friend - I asked him to send me his favorite book of all time and this tome arrived at my doorstep- I admired it and placed it on my bookshelf. 1622 pages of it. After almost 15 months of this unread book staring at me I decided to launch into it, albeit in smaller more digestible bites via audible.

I had absolutely no background knowledge of Moses and little interest in learning about how New York came to be, as we see it today through the urban renewal, reorganization and planning that took place during the 1930s and 40s.

But this is not a book about urban planning or even the inner workings of the political machinery in the 1920’s or 30’s… this is a book of abject power and the relationships one forges to nourish it. Caro takes us by the hand and gives us a front row seat to the genius of one man but also subtlety opens the kimono on the criticality of building powerful networks, reading the unwritten language of loyalty and trust and how to eek out the one or two people who will promulgate ideas. Robert Moses may have been a genius in urban planning but his genius lies mostly with his maneuvering and devious manipulation of laws and his utter unwavering loyalty to one man- Al Smith.

Caro has crafted a masterpiece - the neutral observer, delving at times deep, too deep in some instances into details and minutiae of day to day life in New York politics. However what is much more interesting and addictive is the character portrayal of Robert Moses himself to the extent that despite the sheer size of this book will keep you wanting to know what his next move will be.

What is so interesting about this character is the complete dichotomy or schizophrenia of his character - one version of the man seemed to be one completely driven by public interest above everything else and he fought hard for the betterment of the city and yet at the same time he was single-mindedly driven by his own desires and belief that he was right to the point of callously removing all adversaries in his path.

The alteration in his character after his success of the Jones project - is such an incredible insight into the reality of how power corrupts and the duality of success and arrogance / humility.

On a complété side note and what I have not seen commented elsewhere was the role women played in his life - he was surrounded by strong driven women from his grandma to his mother and beyond. In the entire section of his grooming by Belle Moscowitz I couldn’t help thinking that behind every strong man is an even stronger woman !!!

Beyond all of this -this is a book of hope … Caro eloquently demonstrates that everything is possible if you really want to follow your dreams.

On to volume 2….

[Jimmacc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a great deal. I was stunned to see this broken into 3 volumes, but once I started reading, it makes sense.

Vol 1
The book is as much a history of New York City/state politics and its cast of characters. The contrast of Moses’ start and then actual practice of governing is very interesting. How both he and Alfred Smith read the laws and understood how they worked to favor individuals….spending the time to understand the laws/deeds/funds and their idiosyncrasies…. Eye opening.

Amazing the scope of construction accomplished, as well as the means by which Moses was able to use the law to ensure his control. The comments referring his treatment of those without power (small farmers, blacks) vs those with gave some sense of his blind spots.

The extent he went to get some …vengeance?… for Al Smith and also take care of his people. How hard his people worked…. How he moved projects so fast and forced creativity into the structures often inspite of limited material

Vol2
The descent from reformer to corruption. This section takes pains to show how R Moses focused the state and federal money through his organization and hoe that organization spread that wealth. It also details how he used his bill writing expertise to make himself totally unanswerable to the communities (or public institutions) that were impacted by his construction. No matter the hospital, public transportation, school needed, they got the roads and bridges Moses could push through so quickly.

The financing system is both ingenious and diabolical.
For the audiobook, the actor is excellent.


Vol 3
How the finding schemes ended up costing the city more money…. And a discussion about how Moses descended into an echo chamber. The use of presentations and hospitality…

East tremont community fight. Not moving path despite extra condemnations. Transit property possible conflict as a reason. Blindness/contempt to mass transit as it didn’t fit his vision.

The author makes clear both the grandeur and the arrogance of Moses’ accomplishments. The author points out several times (in the post Moses era, from quotes of Moses’ team) that it is not possible to do massive projects quickly AND keep everyone happy/accomodated. The author also makes clear that Moses had very specific visions, and biases, that were unmoved despite changing conditions and evidence of better options.

Importance of knowing how a new law will actually change old regulations. Who gets/loses power with those changes. Having blueprints, details always ready to take advantage of money. The impact “starting the dig” as soon/before approval… once it’s started, it’s too late to stop it.

[Kristi Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hospitality has always been a potent political weapon. Moses used it like a master. Coupled with his overpowering personality, a buffet often did as much for a proposal as a bribe.”

I was interested in this book because I loved Mr. Caro’s Lyndon B. Johnson books. I had never heard of Mr. Robert Moses before reading this book, but he was one of the great Urban Planners and helped make New York City and parts of New York State what they are today.

I particularly enjoyed his acquisition of land for public beaches on Long Island because he really stuck it to the rich elites who wanted the land to remain as it was for their own private game preserve.

Much of what he did was not nice, by claiming the land by eminent domain, he hurt anyone who stood in his way and was very stubborn. There is a story of a small farmer who he decided to cut a road right through his most fertile land and even when the farmer asked him to move it less than a quarter mile away to the non-fertile part, he refused. The farmer was never able to get his land to produce enough and had to sell out.

I understand that there is always going to be losers when we preserve land for the public. The hard part is to know the best way to do this for the greater good. I love our city and state parks and feel they should be protected and preserved. If they only reason you want to keep a spot of land is to keep the “riff-raff” out, I am not going to be on your side.

This was just the first part of this very long book and I will continue to read the rest to find out more on New York’s city and state parks and how they were purchased and planned.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to get the next volume. Caro has a way of showing Moses to be repugnant then brilliant then a voice for the people then a bigot.

Known for his work making beautiful public spaces in the name of progressiveness (though he self-described as an independent republican) - he tried to keep black people out of his spaces.

"Such men concluded that Moses, even more than most other men, liked power in and of itself.
Some of them suspected that if Moses ever obtained substantial measure of power in his own the alteration in his character would become a transformation. But even sharp-eyed men could not be prepared for the extent of the transformation. For adulthood was, after all, only a part of the pattern of Moses' life. And they had not seen the other part of the pattern. They could not know therefore how far back in the overall pattern the dark thread ran. They could not know how inextricably it was knotted into the pattern's most central design...He was Bella Moses' son. The one of her children most like her. The one most in whom surfaced most strongly the mixed strain of passionate idealism and overweening arrogance... When the idealism died the arrogance was already rooted and strong. If it was given nourishment it would expand. And power feeds arrogance. As Moses obtained power, therefore, the traits symptomatic of his arrogance became steadily more noticeable. The pattern's hue darkened."

[Donald Lanham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating information on the history of Long Island, NYC and New York State.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting aside for a moment his racism (at least towards Africans and Hispanics, no word on his feelings about Asians and he seemed to be fine with the Irish and Italians from the earlier generation of immigrants), I saw Moses as a monster. He bent the political process to his will, and while some of his goals may have been noble, he was willing to lie, cheat, steal, abuse his power (and power he technically did not have), and destroy people to get to them. If he had been a robber baron or naked politician, I might have seen this as the story of a great man who let nothing stand in the path of his ambition, but given his patina of selflessness and civic duty, the whole legend is tainted. A monster indeed, and I am greatly intrigued to see how he manages to keep his grip on this immense power beyond the mid-thirties where Volume 1 leaves off. Robert A. Caro paints a vivid picture of the man in a way that even his contemporaries (and many of his earlier biographers) seem not to have known the man. A fascinating study.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review covers all three volumes:
A thorough biography of Robert Moses, detailing the enormous impact he had on the shape of New York City, for better or for worse--often for worse, and all the ways he exerted control over other city and state officials for decades. I listened to the audiobook, and it was over 60 hours long. (Good thing my library splits it into three volumes!) I learned a lot, and I was impressed with just how much research must have gone into the book. It was also easy to listen to and understand. My one complaint is that there are times where the book reinforces stereotypes about certain ethnic groups, or refers to them in ways I don't appreciate. I had to remind myself while listening that this book was first published fifty years ago.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's all been said! Caro is a magnificent historian and writer -- what a combination! It's like he anticipated hyperlinks and embedded his book with endless rabbit trails of stories and details that he knew his readers would want to follow with him. It is interesting to look at both all that was achieved to the benefit of New York City and the personality and character (or lack of it) it took to pull off such monumental achievements. Power indeed! I started listening the the audiobook version, then tried pairing that with the hard copy book, but finally reverted to just listening to Robertson Dean's stellar narrated version. Looking forward to Volume 2.

[Hamoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read, but only 1 of 3 volumes. The detailed account of Robert Moses's early life is incredibly well put together. I'm jumping straight into volume 2. ONLY RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHO HAVE A NERDY INTEREST IN POLITICS. This is extremely dry stuff that can drag on if you're not the type of person who genuinely cares about the way bills are drafted, laws are executed, and political careers made. But it is very rewarding if you are curious about the way government power is managed at the city and state level.

[Holt Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fascinating and dramatic tale of how an idealistic young Robert Moses came to be one of the most powerful men in New York politics, and of the first portion of his career. Caro shows, in vivid detail, the ways in which Moses gradually became willing to bend the legal and ethical rules in order to create great public improvements to benefit the people of New York, and how this aggregation of power into his own hands gradually became an end in itself, and the power so amassed became a means of achieving his personal whims and satisfying his personal grudges.

[Olivia]

Listening to this because there's no way I can read a 1400 page book. Wow. What a wretched man. The first few chapters on Bella Moses and his upbringing were some of my favorites. This is a comprehensive takedown of not only Moses but also the non-profit industrial complex and white savior mentality. This is an essential read for anyone who works in non-profit/government. Pulled so much from the text on his early years to share with my students. I can't wait to listen to parts 2 and 3!

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps one must be a New Yorker to fully appreciate Robert Moses - the man behind so much about the city and state of New York and the infrastructure which constitutes that which makes living there possible. The insights into Al Smith, FDR, the Tammany machine, and even the New York Times make for interesting reading.