Not a history of free speech in the marketplace, which might be intermittently "tumultous," but a review of more or less famous court cases—on the assumption that free speech must constantly be fought for. Hentoff groups the cases under headings of church and state, the free press, sedition, and education; and though issues in each of these areas have generated intense, often violent political struggles between opponents, Hentoff's gaze remains fixed on the courtroom. Decision after decision batters the reader, all adding up to Hentoff's position that freedom of speech must be steadfastly generalized—i.e., broadened—in order to protect everyone; and for Hentoff, like the ACLU in which he is active, the acid test becomes the court case over the attempted march of Nazis in Skokie, Ill. The First Amendment, he maintains, becomes strengthened through its use by everyone, including those whose views are considered repugnant. But Hentoff's narrow legalistic approach ignores important questions of shared values and loss of community—questions which render speech problematic in the first place. In focusing on the courtroom, Hentoff has presented a brief for the ACLU and missed an opportunity to consider fundamental social and political issues.
Pub Date: Feb. 29, 1980
ISBN: 0385284276
Page Count: 340
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: April 3, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1980
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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