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ROBERT BOOTHBY

Name: ROBERT BOOTHBY
Author: Robert Rhodes James
ISBN: 0-670-82886-6

A PORTRAIT OF CHURCHILL'S ALLY

by Robert Rhodes James ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1991

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A masterly biography of Robert Boothby, a Conservative politician now little remembered, whose Parliamentary career spanned more than 50 years during the interwar and post-WW II period. Here, James, British historian and M.P. (Anthony Eden, 1987, etc.), offers a portrait with far greater significance than the subject might suggest. Based on unfettered access to most of Boothby's papers, James's study provides unusual insight into the characters of both Winston Churchill and Harold Macmillan. Boothby, a charismatic, ebullient figure, regarded as one of the best orators of his time, was also considered a possible Conservative Prime Minister. Elected to the House of Commons in his 20s and shortly thereafter appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Churchill when the future P.M. was Chancellor of the Exchequer, Boothby seemed destined for the highest office. But his very brilliance, his unwillingness to subordinate his judgment to the demands of the party, and his recklessness in financial matters—all contributed to the failure of that promise. The most significant cause, however, may have been his affair with Lady Dorothy Macmillan, Harold's wife, which lasted from 1930 until her death in 1967. That, and a minor scandal just after he had taken office as Minister of Food during WW II, helped to destroy his reputation. As a result, a politician who had been right on almost every major issue of importance, from the economy in the 1930's to the danger from Nazi Germany, became ultimately no more than a peripheral figure. But Boothby's career gives an unusual view of the ruthlessness of Churchill in his treatment of one of his main supporters, and of the determination and charity with which Macmillan faced his own unhappiness, ultimately even giving Boothby a peerage. A fascinating insight into British politics through the life of someone who knew everyone of significance, and who possessed an unusual capacity to tell the truth, however much it hurt him. (Sixteen pages of b&w photographs—not seen.)

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1991

ISBN: 0-670-82886-6

Page Count: 352

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1991

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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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.