99% Invisible: Roman, Elliott, and Robert Caro – Live in Conversation
Release Date: November 19, 2024
In this compelling episode of 99% Invisible, host Roman Mars sits down with author Robert Caro and co-host Elliott Kalin for an in-depth live conversation at the New York Historical Society. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Caro’s seminal work, The Power Broker, this episode delves into the enduring legacy of the book, Caro’s meticulous research process, and his continued dedication to uncovering the intricate stories behind influential figures in American history.
Introduction: Celebrating The Power Broker
Roman Mars opens the conversation by highlighting the 50-year impact of The Power Broker, a biography that reshaped public perception of Robert Moses—from a revered urban planner to an urban design antagonist. Mars remarks, “The Power Broker has endured in ways that few biographies have,” emphasizing its profound influence on how urban design and political power are understood.
Elliott Kalin adds, “There are so many amazing documents on display,” referring to the special exhibit curated by the New York Historical Society, which showcases Caro’s extensive research notes, including his interactions with both supporters and adversaries of Moses.
Robert Caro's Research Process and Archives
Caro, now 89 years old and working on his fifth volume about President Lyndon Johnson, shares insights into his rigorous research methodology. He explains the depth of his archives housed at the New York Historical Society, including handwritten notes and early drafts of The Power Broker. Caro reveals, “I cut 350,000 words around a third of my initial draft,” underscoring his commitment to refining his work to make it both comprehensive and accessible.
Notable Quote:
“If you just say he built 627 miles of expressways and parkways, that's not going to get anyone to read the book.”
(07:15)
Impact and Reception of The Power Broker
The conversation shifts to the book’s reception upon its release. Caro recalls the mixed reviews, including condemnation from Robert Moses himself, who referred to Caro as a “venomous viper” (05:19). Caro discusses how, despite initial challenges, the book eventually gained widespread acclaim and became a cornerstone in urban studies. He shares an anecdote about receiving support from fellow writer Joseph Heller, highlighting the literary community's role in easing the emotional toll of critical reception.
Notable Quote:
“I could do it a lot shorter, you know, in time and in length, but it's that then my feeling is then people wouldn't read it.”
(25:19)
Writing Style: Balancing History and Storytelling
Elliott Kalin and Roman Mars explore Caro’s distinctive writing style, which blends meticulous historical detail with engaging narrative techniques. They discuss how Caro’s emphasis on rhythm and storytelling transforms what could be dry historical accounts into vivid, compelling narratives. Caro explains, “I have always felt that the rhythm of the words was very important... if history was written with more attention to the rhythm of sentences, more people would read history.” (16:12)
Kalin remarks on the lyrical quality of Caro’s prose, noting how it captivates readers of all ages, including his own 10-year-old son, who enjoys listening to segments of The Power Broker at bedtime.
Notable Quote:
“There is, I believe, the right word for what you're trying to say... it just sort of came naturally.”
(15:33)
Audience Interaction: Insights from the Archives
The episode features audience questions that delve into the future use of Caro’s archives and the personal impact of his work. Caro expresses humility and hope that future scholars will continue to explore overlooked figures like Al Smith and Belle Moskowitz, whose contributions were pivotal yet underrecognized. He emphasizes the importance of preserving these detailed records for future biographical works.
Notable Quote:
“I could not figure out a way to do it. But I thought of, well, who else wrote about someone who had so much to compliment Homer... to list them that way draws you into the book.”
(18:20)
The Omission of Jane Jacobs and Continuing Legacy
A significant point of discussion is the missing chapter on Jane Jacobs in The Power Broker. Caro acknowledges the absence but underscores the breadth of his research, which includes extensive interviews and documents that didn’t make it into the final publication. He reflects on Jane Jacobs’ influence and shares her heartfelt letter praising The Power Broker, highlighting the mutual respect between influential urban thinkers.
Notable Quote:
“I have always, for some reason, felt that the rhythm of the words was very important... even if you have to spend a long time thinking about that word for looking for that word, you know.”
(17:59)
The Continuing Work: Biography of LaGuardia and Beyond
Caro reveals his ongoing project, a biography of Fiorello LaGuardia, signaling his unwavering commitment to documenting the lives of key figures who shape America’s urban landscape. Mars commends Caro’s dedication, stating, “The pleasure of the book is spending 1200 pages with this kind humanist who cares about this city and this country and this world,” underscoring the profound humanism that drives Caro’s work.
Conclusion: The Enduring Relevance of The Power Broker
As the conversation wraps up, Caro reflects on the long-term impact of his work and the importance of preserving detailed historical narratives. He remains steadfast in his mission to ensure that the stories of influential yet overlooked individuals are remembered and studied by future generations.
Notable Quote:
“If you do it by concentrating on individuals telling their stories, it's going to take another additional two weeks or two months or something... How do you get them to read it as a story.”
(25:19)
Roman Mars concludes by expressing deep gratitude to Caro for his monumental contributions to historical literature and urban studies, celebrating the enduring legacy of The Power Broker.
Key Takeaways:
- Robert Caro’s Legacy: The Power Broker remains a pivotal work in understanding urban development and political power, celebrated for its depth and narrative strength.
- Meticulous Research: Caro’s extensive archives and dedication to detailed research set a high standard for biographical writing.
- Engaging Storytelling: Caro’s ability to infuse historical facts with rhythmic and compelling storytelling makes complex subjects accessible and engaging.
- Enduring Impact: The book continues to influence readers, scholars, and urban planners, highlighting the lasting relevance of comprehensive historical narratives.
This episode not only honors Robert Caro’s monumental achievements but also provides valuable insights into the art of historical writing and the profound impact one dedicated author can have on our understanding of the built environment and the people who shape it.