Robert Caro
Robert Allan Caro is an American journalist and author known for his biographies of United States political figures. He has won two Pulitzer Prizes for Biography and is best known for his multi-volume biography of Lyndon B. Johnson and his book 'The Power Broker' about Robert Moses.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Power Broker
Robert Moses and the Fall of New York
This book is a biography of Robert Moses, a powerful figure in New York City and state politics, who wielded immense influence over the urban development of the area in the mid-20th century. Despite never holding elected office, Moses was responsible for the creation of numerous parks, highways, bridges, and public works throughout the city and state. The book delves into the methods Moses used to achieve and maintain his power, his impact on the city, and the controversial legacy he left behind.
The 1899th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Master of the Senate
The Years of Lyndon Johnson
This book is the third volume in a series that details the life and career of a prominent American politician. It focuses on his time in the U.S. Senate, detailing how he used his skills in persuasion and manipulation to gain power and influence. The book explores his major legislative achievements, his relationships with other politicians, and his impact on American politics. It also provides an in-depth look at the workings of the Senate and the political climate of the time.
The 2332nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Passage Of Power
The Years of Lyndon Johnson
"The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson" by Robert Caro is the fourth volume in his acclaimed biography of the 36th President of the United States. This book covers the years from 1958 to 1964, including Johnson's ascent to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Caro explores Johnson's struggles to pass civil rights legislation, his relationship with Kennedy's family, and his efforts to establish his own presidential legacy. The book also delves into Johnson's personal life, including his marriage to Lady Bird Johnson and his health issues. Overall, "The Passage of Power" provides a comprehensive and insightful look into one of the most complex and consequential figures in American political history.
The 2518th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Path to Power
The Years of Lyndon Johnson
"The Path to Power" is a detailed biography of a U.S. president, tracing his life from his birth and upbringing in a poor rural community, through his college years, and onto his early political career. The book explores his personal and professional struggles, his ruthless ambition, and his relentless drive for power. It provides a deep insight into his character, his accomplishments, and the controversial methods he used to achieve his goals.
The 13514th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. Means Of Ascent
The Years of Lyndon Johnson
"Means of Ascent" is the second volume in a comprehensive biography series that chronicles the life of a prominent American political figure. This installment focuses on his early political career, particularly his controversial 1948 Senate election. The book delves into the intense and often unscrupulous campaign strategies used, including electoral fraud and manipulation, which ultimately led to his victory. The narrative not only explores the personal and political growth of the central figure during this period but also provides a detailed examination of the political landscape of mid-20th century America, highlighting the influence of money and power in politics.
The 14165th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. Working
Researching, Interviewing, Writing
In this insightful exploration of the craft of biography, the author delves into the meticulous process behind his acclaimed works, offering readers a glimpse into the dedication and persistence required to uncover the truth about influential figures. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, he shares the challenges and triumphs of conducting exhaustive research, the importance of patience and perseverance, and the profound impact of understanding power dynamics in shaping history. This narrative serves as both a guide and an inspiration for aspiring writers and historians, emphasizing the significance of thoroughness and integrity in storytelling.
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7. On Power
An incisive reflection on the nature of political power, distilled from decades of investigative reporting and biography, exploring how it is acquired, wielded, and the consequences it has on ordinary lives. Through vivid episodes involving a city-shaping master builder and a nation-shaping president, it exposes the gap between public image and private leverage, the backrooms where decisions are forged, and the relentless research required to hold leaders to account, ultimately arguing that understanding power is essential to understanding democracy.