Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York

Tells the story of Robert Moses, the single most powerful man in New York for almost half a century and the greatest builder America (and probably the world) has ever known. Without ever once being elected to office, he created for himself a position of supreme and untouchable authority, allowing him to utterly reshape the city of New York.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1312 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2019
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

The Power Broker is a remarkable non-fiction book that has left an indelible mark on English literature over the past forty years. Authored by Robert A. Caro, it has been hailed as a masterpiece by various esteemed critics and publications. Dominic Sandbrook, in the Sunday Times, describes it as "simply one of the best non-fiction books in English of the last forty years." Robert Moses, the central figure portrayed in the book, is regarded as the most influential man in New York for nearly half a century. Caro's portrayal of Moses is nothing short of awe-inspiring, as he meticulously details his ascent to power and the profound impact he had on the city of New York.

Without ever being elected to office, Moses created a position of supreme and untouchable authority, allowing him to reshape the city as he saw fit. His vision for New York was ambitious, and he executed it with unwavering determination. He built vast infrastructure projects, such as the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Queensboro Bridge, which transformed the city's landscape and facilitated transportation. However, his influence went beyond physical infrastructure. Moses also played a significant role in shaping the city's political landscape, advocating for urban renewal and development projects that benefited his own interests.

Despite his immense power, Moses remained accountable to no one. His decisions were often driven by self-interest, and he disregarded the concerns of marginalized communities and the environment. The book sheds light on the ethical dilemmas and contradictions that characterized Moses's reign, highlighting the ways in which power can be wielded for personal gain and the devastating consequences it can have on society.

The Power Broker was first published in the USA in 1974 and quickly gained recognition as a seminal work. When it was published in the UK in 2015, it became a Sunday Times bestseller, solidifying its status as a literary masterpiece. The book has been widely acclaimed for its comprehensive and insightful analysis of power, politics, and the city of New York. It has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Non-Fiction Books of All Time by Time magazine and as one of the 100 Greatest Books of the Twentieth Century by the Modern Library.

In conclusion, The Power Broker is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, history, and the city of New York. Robert A. Caro's masterful storytelling and deep research have brought to life the remarkable life and legacy of Robert Moses, a man who wielded immense power without being held accountable to anyone. This book is a testament to the power of individuals and the impact they can have on society, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority.

Weight: 1346g
Dimension: 232 x 177 x 52 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847923653