A collection of essays and two plays that affords a lively array of topics. From a revision of Lars Porsena which deals with swearing and improper language, to the English Symbols of Col. Blimp and Tommy Atkins, to incest and travel, how mad are hatters, avocado pears, barge life on the Thames, on to charity appeals, feminine endings, tolerance, humor, etc., etc., these pieces, in their concern for derivations, historical backgrounds, personal opinions and bits of life story, literary merit, have an erudition which is tempered by the liveliness of the presentation, by the stylistic excellence. Followers of his recent novels will find this a cordial introduction to his breadth of interests and his exhaustive knowledge of a variety of things, and those who remember his earlier non-fiction works will be glad to enjoy themselves with his enthusiastic absorption in his motley of subjects. For contemplation — and controversy.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1950
ISBN: 0374932379
Page Count: 344
Publisher: Creative Age
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1950
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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