"Starting in the Navy Seabees at the end of WWII, Samuel C. Florman made his way as a general contractor in New York City through the period of explosive development, private exuberance and the historic growth of publicly supported housing--all amidst the rise of the notorious Mafia families, and evolution of the Civil Rights Movement. His storied career brought him into contact with a variety of personalities: politicians and civil servants, developers and technocrats, saintly do-gooders, and corrupt rapscallions. Along with the rousing adventures there were satisfactions of a different sort: the enchantment of seeing architecture made real; the pride of creating housing, hospitals, schools, places of worship--shelter for the body and nourishment for the spirit"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

I can have you killed for fifty Can do Explorations The stupendous builder Nice guys finish last A new beginning, treacherous tides, and a bit of luck Dollars and cents Deus ex Machina A happy family Extended family Friends They say it's who you know

Architects and technocrats Developers La Cosa Nostra Corruption Affirmative Action The women Danger 9/11 The job from hell And a happy ending of course Acknowledgments Index.