Julie Satow Libri

"In this definitive history, award-winning journalist Julie Satow not only pulls back the curtain on Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball and The Beatles’ first stateside visit-she also follows the money trail. The Plaza reveals how a handful of rich, dowager widows were the financial lifeline that saved the hotel during the Great Depression, and how, today, foreign money and anonymous shell companies have transformed iconic guest rooms into condominiums that shield ill-gotten gains-hollowing out parts of the hotel as well as the city around it. The Plaza is the account of one vaunted New York City address that has become synonymous with wealth and scandal, opportunity and tragedy. With glamour on the surface and strife behind the scenes, it is the story of how one hotel became a mirror reflecting New York’s place at the center of the country’s cultural narrative for over a century."-- Provided by publisher

Set against the backdrop of the golden age of American department stores, this narrative explores the lives of three pioneering women who shaped the retail landscape. Their stories reveal the challenges and triumphs they faced while navigating a male-dominated industry, highlighting themes of ambition, innovation, and the evolution of consumer culture. The book captures the opulence of the era while delving into the personal and professional journeys of these influential figures.