The first complete publication of the first and second versions of Lawrence's famous and/or infamous Studies in Classic American Literature. The first proves saner, shrewder and in many ways better, and the reasons relating to the revampking remain a uzzle, with the explanations from editor Armin Arnold only whetting the appetite for more. Arnold indeed has an investigatory book about Lawrence and the American adventure, published in England but unfortunately not yet available here. Lawrence it seems wrote the original essays before his trip to the States; after arrival he rewrote them and not only the style but even the emphases changed: what was once viewed with an almost ustere (for him, anyway) appreciation turned apocalyptically mocking. Those discussed are Franklin, Crevecoeur, Cooper, Poe, Hawthorne, Dana, Melville and Whitman. An enlightening essay, The Two Principles, not part of Studies, is also included. Leavis has controversially called Lawrence "the finest literary critic of our time". Let us say he is the most original; his understanding of America's transcendental element coupled with his stance as prophet of the solar-plexus is as remarkable as it is rare. Doubly remarkable now: against Studies' brilliance we can set the new (or older) collection's balance and beauty. Either way, must reading.
Pub Date: N/A
ISBN: 0900000600
Page Count: 264
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: April 4, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1964
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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