The Power Broker #8: Shiloh Frederick

40 snips

Aug 16, 2024

Shiloh Frederick, a passionate writer and influencer known for her viral love for New York City's history, joins the conversation. She shares her journey of reading 'The Power Broker' in 30 days, detailing the challenges and insights gained along the way. The discussion dives into the profound impact of Robert Moses on urban planning, showcasing his controversial legacy and the manipulative power dynamics he wielded. They also touch on the fragile balance of democracy and the lessons learned from NYC’s architectural evolution.

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ANECDOTE

Moses and Tammany

Robert Moses, after opposing Tammany Hall, became an ally.
He supported Tammany candidate William O'Dwyer, gaining Construction Coordinator post.

INSIGHT

Shift in Focus

Robert Caro shifts from chronological storytelling to thematic analysis in this chapter.
He emphasizes Moses's corruption through financial maneuvering.

INSIGHT

Moses' Information Control

Moses used his "city construction coordinator" role to control information flow.
He manipulated communication between the city and federal agencies for his gain.

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Eminent Victorians

Lytton Strachey

Published in 1918, 'Eminent Victorians' is a groundbreaking work by Lytton Strachey that challenged the traditional Victorian biographical style. The book consists of four biographical essays that use literary devices such as paradox, antithesis, hyperbole, and irony to portray its subjects. Strachey's approach was irreverent and witty, aiming to puncture the myths surrounding these Victorian icons. While Florence Nightingale is treated more sympathetically, the other subjects are depicted in a less-than-flattering light, revealing their flaws and human frailties. The book was a significant departure from the conventional biographies of the time and had a profound impact on the genre[1][2][4].

The Power Broker

Robert Moses and the Fall of New York

Robert Caro

This book is a monumental biography of Robert Moses, who was the single most powerful man in New York City and State during his time. It explores how Moses accumulated and wielded power, shaping the city through his public works projects, including highways, bridges, and parks. The book delves into Moses's early life, his idealistic beginnings, and his transformation into a powerful figure who dominated New York's politics without ever being elected. It also highlights the social and environmental impacts of his projects and his eventual fall from power. The biography is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of power dynamics in urban politics[2][4][5].

The Death and Life of Great American Cities

Gerd Albers

Jane Jacobs

Published in 1961, 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' is a seminal work by Jane Jacobs that critiques the urban planning policies of the 1950s. Jacobs argues against the modernist urban renewal practices that separated uses and led to the decline of city neighborhoods. She advocates for dense, mixed-use development, walkable streets, and the importance of 'eyes on the street' to maintain public order. The book emphasizes the complexity of urban life and the need for planning that prioritizes the needs and experiences of residents. Jacobs uses her own neighborhood, Greenwich Village, as a model for a healthy and vibrant urban environment, contrasting it with the urban renewal projects championed by figures like Robert Moses[2][3][5].