Higher

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The Roaring Twenties in New York was marked by ambition, optimism, and artistic expression during Prohibition. In 1924, a fierce rivalry emerged between two architects, William Van Alen and Craig Severance, former friends turned bitter adversaries, as they aimed to create the city’s tallest skyscraper. Van Alen, a creative visionary, partnered with automobile magnate Walter Chrysler to construct the iconic Chrysler Building. In contrast, Severance, a savvy businessman, rallied old-money investors to build the Manhattan Company Building at 40 Wall Street. Their competition intensified as each architect sought to outdo the other, revamping designs mid-construction to reach new heights. Just as their battle escalated, a third contender entered the fray, planning an even taller building backed by a rival of Chrysler—this project would become the Empire State Building. With a blend of narrative excitement and meticulous historical detail, the story captures a thrilling chapter in American history. Author Neal Bascomb weaves in notable figures like Al Smith and Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt, culminating in a remarkable climax that showcases one of the most ingenious architectural feats of the era.