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

by Robert A. Caro
The Power Broker: Robert Moses and The Fall of New York cover
Good Books rating 4.59
Technical
  • ID: 158
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-09-03
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Amazon UK · 2025-09-03
authoritative 4.70

Highly rated by readers for its exhaustive research and narrative depth, the book is recognized as a landmark biography that vividly chronicles the rise and fall of Robert Moses’s influence in New York.

Customer reviews on Amazon UK reflect widespread admiration for Robert A. Caro’s masterpiece, noting the book’s comprehensive coverage of Moses’s career and the profound impact he had on New York City. Readers commend Caro for his ability to weave complex political and urban developments into an accessible story, making it clear how Moses’s vision reshaped the city’s landscape for better and worse. The book is often described as dense but rewarding, essential reading for those interested in urban history, power, and politics. Many readers appreciate the balanced portrayal that neither lionizes nor demonizes Moses but presents a nuanced view of a man whose ambition and power led to both monumental achievements and significant controversies. The high average rating underscores the book’s status as a definitive work on the subject.

Quick quotes

    Customer Reviews, 4.7 out of 5 stars

    Exhaustive research and narrative depth.

    A landmark biography chronicling Moses’s rise and fall.

Felix Online · 2025-09-03
compelling 4.40

The review highlights Robert Caro's meticulous detail and narrative style, praising the book as a definitive account that thoroughly examines Moses's complex legacy and the profound effects of his urban planning.

The reviewer admires Robert Caro’s exhaustive attention to detail, noting that the book offers a comprehensive and gripping portrait of Robert Moses. They emphasize that Caro’s storytelling style transforms a dense biography into a compelling narrative, making the intricate political and urban planning maneuvers accessible and engaging. The depth of research reveals Moses’s contradictions—his vision and achievements alongside the social costs and controversies his work provoked. They found the book valuable for understanding not only the history of New York City but also the use of power in shaping public spaces. The review suggests that Caro's work remains a vital resource for anyone interested in urbanism, politics, or the dynamics of power, portraying Moses as both a transformative and divisive figure.

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    Robert Caro's attention to detail is clear.

    The book is a definitive account of Moses's complex legacy.

    A gripping portrait of power and urban transformation.

The New York Times · 2024-10-11
timeless 4.75

The book remains a timeless classic, offering an unparalleled look into the life and impact of Robert Moses. It is praised for its depth and relevance even decades after its publication.

The reviewer emphasizes that 'The Power Broker' is a timeless classic that needs no revival, even 50 years after its publication. They highlight Caro's epic biography as a must-read for understanding the complexities of urban planning and the power dynamics involved. The book is seen as a comprehensive and unparalleled exploration of Robert Moses' life and impact, making it a significant contribution to historical and political literature.

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    Half a century after its publication, 'The Power Broker' needs no revival.

    Robert Caro's epic biography of the urban planner and city-destroyer Robert Moses.

    It is a book that will stand the test of time, offering insights that are as relevant today as they were when it was first published.

Reddit - r/books · 2022-10-23
impactful 4.50

The book has had a profound impact, revealing layers of corruption and power that were previously unknown. It is praised for its transformative effect on the reader's understanding of these issues.

This Reddit user shares how 'The Power Broker' has deeply impacted their life, pulling back layers of corruption and power they never knew existed. They appreciate the book's ability to transform their understanding of these complex issues. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful and eye-opening read, highlighting its significance in uncovering the intricacies of power dynamics and urban planning.

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    This book has absolutely impacted my life.

    It has pulled back more layers on corruption and power than I even knew existed.

    I will NEVER look at city planning the same way again.

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