The Power Broker.

First edition of Caro's Pulitzer-Prize winning work on Robert Moses. Thick octavo, original black cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated with numerous photographs and maps, top edge red. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, "To George Labalme - George, I think I've known you for almost as many years as its been since I wrote this book. With affection, Robert A. Caro." The recipient, philanthropist and designer, George Labalme Jr. (1927–2016) served as Vice President of the New York Public Library for nine years and was heavily involved with several other cultural and philanthropic organizations, including the Jacob and Valeria Langeloth Foundation and the Renaissance Society of America. His professional design work included collaborations with Gio Ponti and Raymond Loewy, and he notably designed the Grey Poupon mustard jar. Labalme and Caro first connected in the vibrant New York intellectual and cultural scene during the 1950s or early 1960s, a period when Caro was beginning his career as a journalist and writer. Labalme, already well-established as a designer and active in philanthropic and literary circles, took an interest in Caro’s work and potential. Recognizing Caro’s talent and ambition, Labalme offered both personal encouragement and practical support, helping Caro navigate the challenges of early career development, including access to networks and resources in the publishing world. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and shared commitment to the arts and ideas, and Labalme’s mentorship provided Caro with valuable guidance during crucial stages of his writing career. This support was instrumental in Caro’s perseverance as he embarked on his extensive research projects, including his landmark biographies of Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson. Labalme and Caro both served as trustees of the New York Society Library, Labalme in 1988, and Caro in 1994. With the original transmittal note inscribed by Caro to Labalme laid in on Caro's Century Association letterhead, "George - Yes, Boheme was sensational! It's a pleasure to inscribe books to a friend. Bob Caro." Near fine in a very good price-clipped dust jacket. Jacket design by Paul Bacon. An very nice example of this monumental work with fine provenance.