Some scattered, baguette-sized reminiscences of "John Blaize" who for several years worked with the International Diamond Security Organization to put an end to smuggling- these were told to Ian Fleming and appeared originally as a series of articles in England. Along with some of the finer points on the tools and techniques of the traffic, the mine security measures (not too successful), etc., Mr. Fleming- or Blaize- is most interesting when reporting on a particular case or character; the fabulous fence, Monsicur Diamant, who operated in Europe for some thirty years; Patterson, a lone operator, who sat on a fortune in loose diamonds and attempted to fly some 40,000 pounds worth out of the country; secret agents, confidence men, and always- the compliant natives.... The background to some of the material which Fleming has used so effectively in his thrillers- authenticated for the true crime fancier.
Pub Date: April 15, 1958
ISBN: 0884118738
Page Count: 124
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1958
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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