Great Fortune

The Epic of Rockefeller Center

De: Daniel Okrent

Narrado por: Christopher Grove

In this hugely appealing book, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, acclaimed author and journalist Daniel Okrent weaves together themes of money, politics, art, architecture, business, and society to tell the story of the majestic suite of buildings that came to dominate the heart of midtown Manhattan and with it, for a time, the heart of the world.

At the center of Okrent's riveting story are four remarkable individuals: tycoon John D. Rockefeller, his ambitious son Nelson Rockefeller, real estate genius John R. Todd, and visionary skyscraper architect Raymond Hood. In the tradition of David McCullough's The Great Bridge, Ron Chernow's Titan, and Robert Caro's The Power Broker, Great Fortune is a stunning tribute to an American landmark that captures the heart and spirit of New York at its apotheosis.

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Great read

As a Native New Yorker who left for Florida 25 years ago, I continue to enjoy visiting the City I grew up in and reading its history. This book contained an exceptional amount of information of many of the people that helped make New York what it is. Told expertly by one of the best writers of our generation and read enticingly by Christopher Grove.

Any New Yorker should listen to this one

A bit slow at the beginning but once the architects come on stage its great - the art and design of Rockefeller center take on a new level of interest. The story of the various art works is fascination.. Some of the financial details are a bit dull for this listener but the way art and architecture cannot be removed from the business and economic realities of urban development is a truth that cannot be overlooked.

Great book. I'm inspired to take the tour next time I'm in the city - something this New Yorker never considered.

An epic tale

An epic story with detailed story telling. The legacy of Rock Center seems diminished in latter chapters. Overall a interesting story that provided some new insight.