Robert Moses was a man of great intelligence, imagination, competence and, initially, integrity. As he aids those in elected office he gains power to sculpt New York City and its environs in an increasingly independent manner, ultimately wielding more power than the elected governors and mayors. His contempt for the poor leads him to decisions that do harm to their neighbourhoods, options for recreation, and self-esteem. In remaking New York, he causes great harm.
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The review of this Book prepared by SGaber
This is the amazingly deailed biography of Robert Moses, the man responsible for building 20th-century New York City: it's highways, parks, beaches, bridges, and meeting centers. It shows how obsession with power corrupts a frighteningly brilliant and energetic person, causing him to push through his plans at all costs and out of reach of public censure. It is one of the best inside looks at the working of state and municipal government in the U.S. ever written.
The review of this Book prepared by Gretchen Boger
