Will our galaxy turn into a quasar? Are quasars stages on the cosmic way to becoming galactic nuclei? Are quasars in fact white holes—"cosmic gushers"—compact objects powered by gravitation and spewing out clouds of material from their highly energetic cores? Astrophysicist Gribbin abounds with heady speculations and Lewis Carroll-like conundrums as he reports on present-day theorizing about the origins and destiny of the universe and about holes, white, black, and worm. He describes theory-spinning at this level of imperfect information as "entertainment"—but entertainment with the potential for substantial gains in understanding. The novice had better tread lightly here. Gribbin assumes reasonable familiarity with cosmological theories, relativity, and essential laws of physics. His frequent allusions to science fiction plots to illustrate points are a help, however, as well as a demonstration of his observation that science is even stranger than science fiction. An essay, "Is Our Sun a Normal Star," added as an appendix, is a little marvel of provocative suggestions, tease, and, yes, entertainment.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1977
ISBN: 0440595215
Page Count: 309
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1977
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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