Skyscraper Dreams: The Great Real Estate Dynasties of New York
Shachtman, coauthor of The Gilded Leaf , contends that skyscraper mania--the compulsion to alter and claim part of the New York City skyline and increasingly costly square feet of property--animates successors to the Astors and Rockefellers, represented by descendants of immigrant builders (Urises, Tishmans, Zeckendorfs et al.). While such people may assuage their oversize ambitions with well-publicized contributions to civic causes, many demonstrate a near-total disregard for the city's structural and social health--and, charges the author, for its real housing needs especially. Though a plethora of character sketches and anecdotes swells the narrative, history buffs and concerned citizens--and scandal- and gossip-lovers--should relish the stories of these dynasties. Despite the present financial crisis, the author predicts, they and New York City will survive. Photos not seen by PW.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.