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. (Aug.)