Before beginning a book, Robert Caro plans the book as a whole and considers its central subject.

“Before I start a book,”

“I learned this the hard way with The Power Broker, 'cause I didn't do it with The Power Broker. Before I start a book,”

“I think through what I want the book to be, the whole book.”

“People say, "You mean you think it through to the end?" Well, the answer is yes. And then you say, "Well, what is this book about?"”

“And I sit at that desk sometimes- For a long time before I start write, when I'm thinking about the book, just asking myself in one way or another, "What is this book about?"”