{
  "id": 17256020,
  "title": "Robert Caro – The master biographer reflects at 91",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/robert-caro-the-master-biographer-reflects-at-91",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-30T16:56:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dwarkesh Patel",
    "slug": "dwarkesh-patel",
    "url": "https://www.dwarkesh.com/p/robert-caro"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Robert Caro, the renowned biographer, reflects on his craft at the age of 91. In an interview, he discusses the strategies he employs to extract information from reluctant interviewees. Caro emphasizes the importance of persistence, asserting that he will not stop until he secures an interview or obtains the information he seeks. He provides an example of his pursuit of Lyndon Johnson's first secretary, who initially declined to be interviewed. Caro explains that he recognized the unique perspective this individual held, given his close proximity to Johnson during political campaigns. Despite the person's initial reluctance, Caro persevered in his efforts to secure an interview, driven by the belief that this individual possessed invaluable insights into Johnson's actions and decision-making processes.",
  "summary": "\"A lot of the stuff that I cut out, it's tragic that no one knows it.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Robert Caro, 91, reflects on his biographical craft.",
    "Persistence drives Caro to secure interviews and information.",
    "Caro's pursuit of Johnson's secretary highlights his determination."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}