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HOW DID WE FIND OUT ABOUT SOLAR POWER?

Name: HOW DID WE FIND OUT ABOUT SOLAR POWER?
Author: Isaac Asimov
ISBN: 0380596180

by Isaac Asimov ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1981

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These latest additions to Asimov's science-history series don't explain their scientific subjects with any flair or special care. Rather, his historical approach sees him, in the volcano book, ticking off major eruptions from Thera in Cretan times to Mt. St. Helens in 1980; and, in the solar book, describing gadgets and devices from an experimental paraboloid mirror to focus sunlight, devised in 230 B.C. This latter survey, which leads up to solar cells, is better integrated with explanations than is the volcano history, but still cursory; and as for future possibilities of solar power, Asimov ignores all small-scale and local uses of wind, tide, and so on, and discusses only the "hundreds of billions of dollars" project of lining up enormous areas of solar cells in space. Both books contain the odd interesting item, but Solar Power has at best a skimpy utility and Volcanoes less.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1981

ISBN: 0380596180

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walker

Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1981

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE RETURN OF THE BLACK WIDOWERS
by Isaac Asimov & edited by Charles Ardai

- BOOK REVIEW
MAGIC
by Isaac Asimov

- BOOK REVIEW
GOLD
by Isaac Asimov

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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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

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

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

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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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.