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VIRGIN OR VAMP

HOW THE PRESS COVERS SEX CRIMES

An in-depth analysis of the print media's handling of sex crimes. Focusing on four widely reported rape cases, Benedict (Journalism/Columbia Univ.; Recovery, 1985, etc.) dissects the attitudes and language found in newspaper and magazine reports of the incidents. The overriding consideration she detects is the perpetuation of the myth of the rape victim as either ``virgin or vamp,'' a variation on the familiar ``madonna/whore'' dichotomy. To illustrate, Benedict chooses the 1978 Rideout case of marital rape; the New Bedford, Mass., gang rape that was the basis of the film The Accused; the murder of Jennifer Levin in the so-called ``Preppie Murder Case''; and the ``Central Park Jogger'' trial of 1989-90. Benedict begins with a concise and informative overview of the press's handling of sex crimes since the 1930's. Here and throughout, she does a sensitive job of linking, where applicable, race and class to her subject. But much of what she discovers—that reporters and editors denigrate women victims with such words as ``girl'' and ``bubbly''; that alleged rapists' defense lawyers often rely on the ``she was asking for it'' line of argument; that press coverage almost invariably highlights the more sensational aspects of sex-crime trials—will be familiar to most readers. Benedict's probing into the advantages and disadvantages of disclosure of victims's identities is thought-provoking, though, and her recommendations for upgrading press coverage are dramatic, calling for a thorough overhaul of current newsgathering and reporting techniques. Lacking in original insights, but, still, a well-intentioned and thoroughly researched introduction to a painful subject.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1992

ISBN: 0-19-506680-4

Page Count: 256

Publisher: Oxford Univ.

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1992

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NUTCRACKER

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

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

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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