Asimov's approach to population education is to lead readers step by painstaking step through a series of demographic figures showing world population in toro and per square kilometer. . . comparative density and present and projected growth rates in different parts of the world. . .how man has multiplied since the time of pre-human hominids and how long it will take to reach various estimated maximums. . .how "jumps" in available energy lead to population explosions and how we will soon use up our fossil fuels, landing a newly nonindustrial world with a population it can't support. . .finally, how "we simply will not avoid disaster within a few decades if population keeps going up and up." What to do? Asimov hopes to avoid the "natural way" of population control — that is, an increase in the death rate — by educating the nonindustrial world to limit its birth rate (though you can't stop people from "mating," something we suspect Asimov regrets) and the developed countries to "give up some of their wealth and share some of their energy." Well, if there's nothing but straws to dutch we night as well grab them, and Asimov's argument is worth trying on those cerebrally-oriented kids who are most easily convinced by figures and reason.
Pub Date: Nov. 18, 1974
ISBN: 0200722794
Page Count: -
Publisher: John Day
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1974
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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