The book follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary Englishman, whose house and planet are about to be demolished. He is rescued by his friend Ford Prefect, an alien researcher for the 'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. Together, they embark on a journey through space, encountering various characters such as Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed president of the galaxy, Trillian, a human woman, and Marvin, a paranoid android. The story involves their adventures on the spaceship Heart of Gold, which has an Infinite Improbability Drive, and their quest to understand the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, which is revealed to be '42'. The novel is known for its humor, satire, and imaginative storytelling.
Madeline
Ludwig Bemelmans
Published in 1939, 'Madeline' is a beloved children's book written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans. The story follows Madeline, a seven-year-old girl who lives in a Parisian convent with eleven other girls under the care of their teacher, Miss Clavel. The narrative is told in rhyming verse and features vivid illustrations of Parisian landmarks. The plot revolves around Madeline's appendicitis and her subsequent hospital visit, which sparks a chain of events where her friends also claim to be in pain. The book is known for its charming portrayal of childhood adventures and the unique character of Madeline, who embodies bravery and curiosity.
Shogun
James Clavell
Shōgun is a historical novel that chronicles the end of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period and the dawn of the Edo period. The story centers around John Blackthorne, an English navigator who becomes shipwrecked in Japan and becomes embroiled in the complex political dynamics of the region. Blackthorne must navigate a foreign culture, learn the language, and adapt to the customs of feudal Japan, all while being caught in the midst of a power struggle between powerful daimyōs, particularly Toranaga and Ishido. The novel explores themes of cultural clash, adaptation, political intrigue, and personal transformation, providing a vivid portrayal of the collision between Eastern and Western cultures[3][5][2].
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].
This is the eleventh official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro.
This week, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan sit down with Brennan Lee Mulligan, a comedian and host with Dropout TV, where he’s the creator of Dimension 20 — a Dungeons & Dragons show that features incredibly complex and campaigns, with improv actors and special effects. And as the Dungeon Master, Brennan leads these stories. Season three of Dimension 20 takes place in a magical New York City, where the main villain is a fictionalized, undead Robert Moses, who shares the real Robert Moses’s passion for building roads and destroying lives through bureaucracy.
Elliott and Roman also cover the second section of Part 7 (Chapter 42 through Chapter 46), discussing the major story beats and themes.
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