September 26th, 2024

In the Shack with Robert Caro

Robert Caro's "The Power Broker" celebrates its 50th anniversary with an exhibition. Caro, 89, is finalizing his Lyndon B. Johnson series, emphasizing meticulous research and detail in his writing.

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In the Shack with Robert Caro

Robert Caro's influential book, "The Power Broker," which chronicles the life of urban planner Robert Moses and his impact on New York City, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The New-York Historical Society is hosting an exhibition in honor of this milestone. Caro, now 89, continues to work on the final volume of his series about Lyndon B. Johnson, which he has been writing since 1975. He emphasizes the importance of thorough research and detail in his writing process, often revisiting earlier sections to ensure accuracy. Caro's dedication to his craft is evident in his writing routine, which takes place in a modest writer's shack in East Hampton. "The Power Broker" has had a lasting impact on discussions of urbanism and power dynamics, influencing figures like Barack Obama and Pete Buttigieg. Its sales continue to rise, and it remains a significant read for those seeking to understand the complexities of 20th-century New York. Caro's meticulous approach to writing and research has shaped the narrative of urban development and the exercise of power in America.

- "The Power Broker" celebrates its 50th anniversary with an exhibition at the New-York Historical Society.

- Robert Caro is currently working on the final volume of his Lyndon B. Johnson series.

- Caro emphasizes thorough research and detail in his writing process.

- The book has influenced notable political figures and continues to sell well.

- It remains a key text for understanding urbanism and power in 20th-century America.

Link Icon 6 comments
By @sharadov - 7 months
I hope to read the Power Broker some day. Listening to the series on the 99% Invisible podcast until then..
By @huitzitziltzin - 7 months
If you haven’t read them, they’re all worth the time.

Especially if you ever have lived or will live in Texas the first volume of the LBJ series is essential.

By @pj_mukh - 7 months
"A couple of bookcases, a plywood work surface, corkboard with outlines tacked up, an old brass lamp, an underworked laptop for emails, a Smith-Corona typewriter. "

I wonder if software engineers would pay for some software (or dedicated hardware) to turn their laptops into a coding typewriter with maybe just a GPT connection to probe documentation and whatever tunnels they need to work on internet deployments.

I'd love to experiment with something like this.

By @oldpersonintx - 7 months
TuffShed will sell you one of these for just a few thousand dollars prebuilt and delivered and then you too can enjoy working in the sweltering heat or bitter cold

https://www.tuffshed.com/products/#/details/Premier%20PRO%20...