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Robert Caro

97quotes

Full Name and Common Aliases


Robert Anthony Caro is a renowned American journalist and historian, commonly known as Bob Caro.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on October 18, 1935, Robert Caro remains active in his profession to this day.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Caro holds dual citizenship of the United States and France. He is a journalist, historian, and biographer by profession.

Early Life and Background

Robert Caro was born in New York City. As a child, he suffered from asthma and spent much time indoors, developing an interest in history and reading. His family later moved to Virginia, where he attended high school. This environment had a lasting impact on his writing style, with the lush landscape of the American South serving as a backdrop for many of his works.

Caro's early life was marked by personal struggles; however, it also laid the foundation for his remarkable career. His experiences growing up in an era of social change and witnessing significant historical events firsthand instilled in him a deep sense of curiosity about human nature and the role of individuals in shaping history.

Major Accomplishments

Robert Caro's most notable work is undoubtedly The Years of Lyndon Johnson series, which spans five volumes. The series chronicles the life of Lyndon Baines Johnson, from his early days as a young congressman to his presidency. This magnum opus has earned him numerous awards and critical acclaim.

Caro's meticulous research and dedication have made him one of the most respected biographers in the world. His work is characterized by an obsessive attention to detail, with some volumes featuring hundreds of pages of footnotes and appendices detailing every aspect of his subjects' lives.

Notable Works or Actions

In addition to The Years of Lyndon Johnson series, Caro has written several other notable works, including The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York, a biography that examines the life and career of urban planner Robert Moses. This book is considered one of the greatest biographies ever written.

Throughout his career, Caro has been recognized with numerous awards for his work. Some of these include:

Pulitzer Prize (2013)
 National Book Award
* Bancroft Prize

Caro's writing style is characterized by an ability to humanize complex historical figures and make them relatable to modern audiences. His dedication to exhaustive research sets him apart from other biographers, making his works unparalleled in depth.

Impact and Legacy

Robert Caro's impact on the world of history and biography cannot be overstated. His meticulous approach to research has raised the bar for historians and writers, setting a new standard for accuracy and thoroughness.

Caro's influence extends beyond the academic community; his books have also had a significant cultural impact. The Years of Lyndon Johnson series has become a touchstone for understanding one of America's most pivotal periods in history, with many readers finding themselves transformed by their experience reading the series.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Robert Caro is widely quoted and remembered due to his remarkable ability to craft compelling narratives that illuminate key historical events. His dedication to exhaustive research has earned him a reputation as one of the greatest biographers in history, with readers and scholars alike relying on his insights to better understand complex figures and events.

Caro's legacy continues to inspire generations of writers, historians, and journalists. His commitment to accuracy, thoroughness, and storytelling has left an indelible mark on our understanding of American history and politics.

Quotes by Robert Caro

I trained myself to be organized.
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I trained myself to be organized.
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I try to have a mood or a rhythm for a chapter.
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I try to have a mood or a rhythm for a chapter.
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Nobody believes this, but I write very fast.
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Nobody believes this, but I write very fast.
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You come in off the street, through the doors of the theater. You sit down. The lights go down and the curtain goes up. And you're in another world.
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You come in off the street, through the doors of the theater. You sit down. The lights go down and the curtain goes up. And you're in another world.
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I sometimes feel that if your book sells more than 20 years, then there's something in it that you can say, gee, I did something that endures, that's timeless.
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I sometimes feel that if your book sells more than 20 years, then there's something in it that you can say, gee, I did something that endures, that's timeless.
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Robert Moses wasn't elected to anything. We're taught that in a democracy power comes from being elected. He had more power than anyone, and he held it for 48 years.
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Robert Moses wasn't elected to anything. We're taught that in a democracy power comes from being elected. He had more power than anyone, and he held it for 48 years.
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I was trying to learn about Lyndon Johnson when he was young and creating his first political machine in the Texas hill country. I moved there for three years. You had to learn that world.
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I was trying to learn about Lyndon Johnson when he was young and creating his first political machine in the Texas hill country. I moved there for three years. You had to learn that world.
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I sometimes feel that if your book sells more than 20 years, then there’s something in it that you can say, gee, I did something that endures, that’s timeless.
"
I sometimes feel that if your book sells more than 20 years, then there’s something in it that you can say, gee, I did something that endures, that’s timeless.
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I like new ballets because they’re totally new. As you get older, new experiences are harder and harder to come by, so it’s pretty great to have a new experience.
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I like new ballets because they’re totally new. As you get older, new experiences are harder and harder to come by, so it’s pretty great to have a new experience.
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I never wanted to do biography just to tell the life of a famous man. I always wanted to use the life of a man to examine political power, because democracy shapes our lives.
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I never wanted to do biography just to tell the life of a famous man. I always wanted to use the life of a man to examine political power, because democracy shapes our lives.
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