Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

50 years after 'The Power Broker,' Robert Caro's dreams are still coming true

ENT

50 years after 'The Power Broker,' Robert Caro's dreams are still coming true
ENT

ENT

50 years after 'The Power Broker,' Robert Caro's dreams are still coming true

2024-09-23 09:22 Last Updated At:09:30

NEW YORK (AP) — Robert A. Caro stands between two giant columns in a second-floor library of the New-York Historical Society, looking out on dozens of friends, family members and colleagues. A research room named for him looms behind. Portions of his archives are on display nearby.

“The most honest thing I could possibly say tonight is also possibly the corniest, and that is having my archives here is, in a way, a dream come true,” the historian said during a recent dinner tribute at the Society, a 200-year-old institution located opposite Central Park that he would visit often as a child who already imagined becoming a writer.

More Images
FILE - Author and biographer Robert Caro stands beside an image of his younger self after touring a permanent exhibit in his honor at the New York Historical Society Museum & Library in New York on Oct. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

FILE - Author and biographer Robert Caro stands beside an image of his younger self after touring a permanent exhibit in his honor at the New York Historical Society Museum & Library in New York on Oct. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

“I won't say I dreamed of being a well-known writer,” he added. “But my dreams were of being a writer. So now, I am a writer and my papers are here, and you could say it's a dream come true.”

The 88-year-old author spends most of his days writing — the fifth and final volume of his Lyndon Johnson series, more than a decade in the making, is still without a scheduled release date. But in recent weeks, he has been looking back to his first book, to the biography that made him famous, and, for some, infamous: “The Power Broker.” His Pulitzer Prize-winning chronicle of Robert Moses is a page-turning — around 1,300 pages — appraisal of the New York City municipal builder, portrayed by Caro as a man of historic vision and talent whose ego and disregard for others made him a cautionary tale for unchecked authority.

A New Yorker for much his life, Caro is the Society's unofficial laureate, subject of one exhibit — “Turn Every Page” — about his famously thorough research and a new one dedicated to “The Power Broker,” published 50 years ago. “Robert Caro’s The Power Broker at 50” includes typescript pages, notebook entries, letters, press clippings, a draft of the book’s introduction and samples of Caro’s reporting, including a tally sheet that he and his wife, Ina, amassed of commuters to Long Island’s Jones Beach, Moses’ first major public project.

Caro’s book remains widely purchased, taught and discussed, and so much a symbol of serious thought that it turned up in the background of many Zoom interviews with journalists and public figures during the height of the pandemic. The Society not only sells signed copies of his books, but also offers ceramic mugs that read: “I FINISHED THE POWER BROKER."

Although “The Power Broker” is among the longest one-volume books in existence, Caro obsessives — and the author himself — have wondered about the material left out. Caro’s original manuscript was around 1 million words, and some 300,000 had to be removed by Caro and editor Robert Gottlieb just so the book wouldn’t require an extra edition. Missing or drastically cut sections include one on community activist Jane Jacobs, who helped stop Moses’ efforts to build a highway through Greenwich Village, and one on tenants of a Bronx neighborhood uprooted by the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Caro himself has long forgotten what happened to the old manuscript pages, boxed up and placed in filing cabinets decades ago and opened only after the Society acquired his papers in 2020. The exhibit, and his archives, now open to the public, offer few clues.

According to Valerie Paley, senior vice president and director of the society’s Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, virtually all “The Power Broker” papers have been sorted and no sign of a full draft or extensive section of the Jacobs chapter or One Mile sequel has been found. The society's online site dedicated to the archive lists thousands of “Power Broker”-related materials, but nothing specific about Jacobs or the lives of the Bronx tenants after they left.

During a recent interview at his writing office, a short walk from his apartment and the Society, Caro noted one artifact in the exhibit — a napkin on which he had scrawled a few thoughts about “Fiddler on the Roof” and a line about growing up knowing everyone you meet. He had been speaking with some Bronx women displaced by Moses' highway and noted how their fates could be compared to those driven out in Russia by the czar. But what he had hoped would be a long chapter on what happened to them ran just 10 pages.

“I remember writing pages of that chapter over and over again,” he said. ““I thought it was good, but we were coming down to the end and we had to cut another 40,000 words and it had to go.”

“The Power Broker” set the template for Caro's grand ambitions and flexible deadlines. He thought he would spend a few months on the book, but needed more than seven years, taking so long that he and Ina ran out of money and had to sell their home. His background was in journalism; he was a Pulitzer-winning investigative reporter for Newsday. But “The Power Broker” was also influenced by some of the 19th century novelists he admired, notably Anthony Trollope, whom his wife first told him about.

Caro’s narrative has the kind of scale, moral underpinning, political insights and outsized characters — Moses above all — that he admired in such Trollope works as “The Prime Minister.” Asked if “The Power Broker” could almost be called a nonfiction 19th century novel, Caro responded: “Not almost.”

When “The Power Broker” was published, Moses issued a 23-page statement denouncing it as full of “mistakes, unsupported charges” and “random haymakers” and accused Caro of listening too closely to “a few bellyachers on street corners” and “disgruntled truck drivers.” But most critics regarded the book as a revelation and continue to rank it as essential for those interested in politics, urban planning or New York history. Admirers include President Barack Obama, who recalled being “mesmerized” by it when he awarded Caro a National Humanities Medal in 2010.

Even Jacobs forgave him for not mentioning her. In a 1974 letter displayed in the exhibit, she thanked Caro for sending her a copy and expressed gratitude for his efforts.

“I have no doubt that many readers are going to feel the way I do — we owe you a tremendous debt for all those years of hard work, good sense, unflagging curiosity, and compassion,” she wrote. “What an account it is of human predicaments; it ranks with the great novels.”

FILE - Author and biographer Robert Caro stands beside an image of his younger self after touring a permanent exhibit in his honor at the New York Historical Society Museum & Library in New York on Oct. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

FILE - Author and biographer Robert Caro stands beside an image of his younger self after touring a permanent exhibit in his honor at the New York Historical Society Museum & Library in New York on Oct. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

Robert Caro poses for a portrait on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)

European heavyweights Real Madrid and Manchester City both suffered big defeats in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Defending champion Madrid was humbled 3-1 at home by AC Milan, while Erling Haaland missed a penalty and City squandered a fourth-minute lead as it lost 4-1 at Sporting Lisbon, whose coach will soon take charge of its crosstown rival.

It was a much better evening for Liverpool, as Luis Diaz scored a hat trick and Cody Gakpo grabbed another goal in a 4-0 win over German champion Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield that marred Xabi Alonso’s return to his old home.

The Leverkusen coach was given a warm welcome on his return to the club where he became a fan favorite as a player over five seasons between 2004-09. Alonso won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.

Liverpool moved top of the league phase table with four wins from four games, followed by Sporting and Monaco, both on 10 points after three wins and a draw. Under the new 36-team format introduced by UEFA this season, the top eight teams advance directly to the next round, and those from ninth to 24th enter a playoffs to reach it, while the bottom 12 are eliminated.

Before their game, Sporting fans displayed a huge tifo thanking Rúben Amorim in his last home game before he takes over Manchester United.

Phil Foden then got City off to a flying start in the fourth minute, only the second goal Sporting has conceded in four games of the competition.

But Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres scored a hat trick as Sporting came roaring back. Gyökeres first equalized in the 38th after a perfect through ball from Geovany Quenda, before Maximiliano Araújo made it 2-1 right after the break. made it 3-1 in the 49th from the penalty spot after Joško Gvardiol was penalized for a shove on Francisco Trincão in the area.

Haaland’s penalty hit the crossbar, before Gyökeres showed the Norwegian how it’s done with another spot kick at the other end to complete the scoring.

It is the first time since 2018 that City has lost three straight games, coming off a defeat to Tottenham in the English League Cup and a loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

“In my seven and a half years at the club, I don't remember losing three games in a row,” City midfielder Bernardo Silva said.

In Spain, Christian Pulisic sent in a corner for Malick Thiaw to head Milan into a 12th-minute lead, ensuring Madrid trailed in a third straight game in the Champions League this season. The 15-time champion had already lost to surprise team Lille in their second game.

Vinícius Júnior equalized from the penalty spot in the 23rd after he’d been tripped, but Álvaro Morata pounced on the rebound after Andriy Lunin saved Rafael Leão’s shot to restore the visitors’ lead against his former club.

Morata had already been given a hostile reception from the home fans, who evidently remember the goal he scored to take Juventus through to the 2015 final at their team’s expense.

Tijjani Reijnders scored Milan’s third goal as the home fans made their frustrations known at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

“The last two defeats are inexplicable. We have to analyze and react quickly," Lunin said, referring to Madrid's 4-0 loss to Barcelona in its previous Spanish league game.

It's the first time since 2009 that Madrid has lost two successive games at home with at least three goals conceded in each, according to Opta.

“We have to get back on track,” Lunin said.

German forward Nicolas Kühn scored twice as Celtic defeated Leipzig 3-1 at home, and Juventus drew 1-1 at Lille.

Lille midfielder Edon Zhegrova eluded two defenders before playing a perfect pass for Jonathan David, who fired inside the far post, but Dušan Vlahović equalized with a penalty for the Italian club.

Donyell Malen scored late for Borussia Dortmund to beat Sturm Graz 1-0 at home, and Thilo Kehrer did likewise for Monaco to win at Bologna 1-0.

United States midfielder Malik Tillman scored one goal and set up another as PSV Eindhoven beat Spanish team Girona 4-0.

Dinamo Zagreb dealt Slovan Bratislava its fourth straight defeat in the competition as the visitors came from behind to win 4-1 in Bratislava.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Sporting players toss coach Ruben Amorim into the air during the UEFA Champions League opening phase soccer match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Sporting players toss coach Ruben Amorim into the air during the UEFA Champions League opening phase soccer match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Sporting players celebrate after a goal during the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Sporting players celebrate after a goal during the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Manchester City's Erling Haaland reacts after missing a penalty kick during the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Manchester City's Erling Haaland reacts after missing a penalty kick during the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Sporting players toss coach Ruben Amorim during the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Sporting players toss coach Ruben Amorim during the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Sporting's head coach Ruben Amorim leaves the pitch after the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Sporting's head coach Ruben Amorim leaves the pitch after the UEFA Champions League opening phase match between Sporting and Manchester City in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, right, and AC Milan's Yunus Musah battle for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, right, and AC Milan's Yunus Musah battle for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, front, and AC Milan's Emerson Royal battle for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, front, and AC Milan's Emerson Royal battle for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, right, celebrates after scoring his side's 3rd goal against Real Madrid during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, right, celebrates after scoring his side's 3rd goal against Real Madrid during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's 3rd goal against Real Madrid during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's 3rd goal against Real Madrid during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

AC Milan's Alvaro Morata celebrates after scoring his side's 2nd goal against Real Madrid during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

AC Milan's Alvaro Morata celebrates after scoring his side's 2nd goal against Real Madrid during the Champions League opening phase soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

PSV's Malik Tillman, left, and Girona's Silvi Club fight for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

PSV's Malik Tillman, left, and Girona's Silvi Club fight for the ball during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

PSV's Malik Tillman, center, scores his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

PSV's Malik Tillman, center, scores his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

PSV's Malik Tillman, foreground, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

PSV's Malik Tillman, foreground, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

PSV's Malik Tillman, left, scores his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

PSV's Malik Tillman, left, scores his side's second goal during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Girona at Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)

Recommended Articles