Book SummaryWorking, by Robert A. Caro

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Working

The actions of Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson are evident demonstrations of political power and sway.

Caro suggests that biographies illuminate the times and the shaping forces in their subjects' lives, particularly the significant impact of political power. He argues that understanding the fundamental nature of political power is crucial because it significantly affects various facets of our lives, including the placement of bridges and the accessibility of healthcare and educational services. The Vietnam conflict vividly illustrates the profound and sometimes devastating impact wielded by political authority. In his writings, Caro seeks to clarify and explain how political power operates, as evidenced by the extraordinary career paths of Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson.

The author explores the profound effects that individuals not elected to office, like Robert Moses, exert on the political landscape and their consequences for the citizenry.

Robert Caro explores the mysterious character of Robert Moses, an individual who exercised significant influence without ever being elected to public office. The author, Robert A. Caro, scrutinizes the genuine mechanics of power by dissecting Moses' career, contesting the traditional view that the roots of democratic power are exclusively linked to the electoral process. For over forty years, Moses' influence in molding New York City and State was unchallenged by any city mayor or state governor. His impact was so significant that it transformed the urban environment and also altered the way social policies were managed.

Moses was instrumental in reshaping the urban landscape of the metropolis known as the Big Apple over a considerable duration, influencing the creation of a multitude of amenities including green spaces, a range of housing projects, several bridges, and major roadways, despite never having been voted into office.

Caro explores the profound influence that Moses wielded throughout New York. He was instrumental in forming the 20th-century infrastructure of New York City, supervising the creation of bridges that connected its boroughs and established its framework. He played a pivotal role in developing an extensive network of roads, picturesque routes, and communal green spaces that enhanced the urban area's natural beauty and revolutionized urban transportation. Moses' influence extended to initiating massive housing projects that housed a greater number of individuals than the population of Minneapolis, and he contributed to the development of landmarks like Lincoln Center and the esteemed international diplomatic complex. He effectively spearheaded the creation of initiatives for infrastructure development valued at billions, solidifying his position as the most prominent architect in the country's history.

Context

• Moses was responsible for the development of numerous parks and recreational areas, including Jones Beach State Park and the expansion of Central Park, which provided city dwellers with much-needed open spaces.
• His ability to work outside the constraints of electoral politics meant that he faced less direct accountability to the public, allowing him to pursue controversial projects with less resistance.
• His work set precedents for modern urban planning, influencing how cities across the United States approached infrastructure development, often emphasizing car-centric designs.
• Notable bridges associated with Moses' projects include the Triborough Bridge (now the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge), which connects Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, linking Staten Island and Brooklyn.
• The scale and ambition of Moses' projects were unprecedented at the time, reflecting a belief in the transformative power of infrastructure to shape urban life and economic growth.
• The international diplomatic complex referred to is likely the United Nations Headquarters, located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan. Completed in 1952, it serves as the main meeting place for the UN's member states and is a symbol of international cooperation and diplomacy.
• His approach often involved controversial methods, such as using eminent domain to clear neighborhoods for new developments, which sometimes led to the displacement of communities.
• His projects reshaped the social and cultural landscape of New York City, affecting demographics and the accessibility of different neighborhoods.

The writer seeks to illuminate the profound impact of political power on American urban environments by recounting the stories of Moses' encounters.

Caro delves into the professional life of Moses to reveal hidden factors that shape our cityscapes and the nature of power in such environments. He argues that the stories about Moses reveal that traditional views on power, which were confined to the functions of elected representatives, do not sufficiently capture the complexities involved in policy development and the wielding of influence. Caro's objective is to uncover the often secretive tactics, structural manipulations, and enduring approaches that define urban political power by scrutinizing the actions of Moses.

Context

• While Moses is credited with modernizing New York City, he is also criticized for contributing to urban sprawl and neglecting the needs of poorer communities. His legacy is a complex mix of achievement and controversy.
• Moses was known for his top-down approach, often prioritizing large-scale projects over community needs, which sparked...

Working Summary Lyndon Johnson's intricate and influential exercise of legislative authority.

Caro delves into the nuanced ethical dilemmas and the multifaceted nature of wielding presidential authority during Johnson's tenure. He explores the stark differences between zeniths of political power, taking into account the creation of vital civil rights legislation and the escalating catastrophe of the Vietnam War.

The enactment of crucial civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, was significantly influenced by the efforts of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Johnson, although he had a long history of opposing initiatives for racial equality during his time in legislative office, ultimately became the driving force behind the most significant advancements in racial equality in American history. Upon assuming the presidency, Johnson energetically continued the work of John F. Kennedy, persuading Congress to enact major laws that would guarantee the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality. The legislative prowess of Lyndon B. Johnson, along with his commitment to advancing the policies that Kennedy supported, led to the creation of two groundbreaking laws that profoundly changed the social landscape of...

Working Summary The author employs the genre of nonfiction to delve into the intricacies of political maneuvering.

Caro asserts that the creation of historical narratives and biographies requires a commitment to accuracy as well as the employment of imaginative narration, urging his colleagues to employ rhythm, ambiance, and vividly depicted environments to engage readers and infuse vitality into past occurrences. He emphasizes his thorough research methodology, his unwavering dedication to uncovering specifics by conducting interviews and scrutinizing historical records, and his belief that grasping the nuances of political power and its effects on people is essential to create citizens who are well-informed within a democratic society.

The writer believes that to truly engage readers, nonfiction must carefully integrate literary components such as rhythm, atmosphere, and the creation of a setting that is as richly detailed as that found in fictional works.

Caro advocates for non-fiction writing that does more than just relay facts; he argues that history needs to be animated and engage the reader's attention. He explains that by infusing non-fiction writing with characteristics often seen in novels, like cadence, ambiance, and richly painted settings, one can greatly enhance the...