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

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 try to have a mood or a rhythm for a chapter.

You have to be an extremely good reader to appreciate what a good writer is. There are some people who are completely insensitive to good writing.

I deliberately made an effort not to become an expert on the ballet.

Herman Brown was a businessman who wanted value for money spent. His relationships with politicians were measured by that criterion.

I never went to a ballet until I was 45 years old. I don't know why.