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TEMPEST-TOST

Name: TEMPEST-TOST
Author: Robertson Davies
ISBN: 0143054910

by Robertson Davies ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 10, 1952

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..... in a teacup is the production of a "pastoral" by the Salterton Little Theatre group, and all the dramatic — and romantic rivalries it provokes in a quite considerable cast of characters. There's wealthy Mr. Webster, who reluctantly lends his beautiful gardens as the site, while Tom, his gardener, is obstructive; Mrs. Forrester, who presides socially, Miss Rich, an importation, who directs, and Hector Mackilwraith, the treasurer, who blackmails his way into a small part. And there's Freddy Webster, an inventive and instrusive 14, who contributes a sour younger sister's commentary on the fickle followers of Griselda, whose pretty head is not as empty as it seems. Through the ticklish problems of casting, to rehearsals and the first night, with some asides at an auction and a local ball, this gently taunts the petty snobberies, rivalries and vanities of a close Canadian community, manages some careful observation but only a mild diversion.

Pub Date: April 10, 1952

ISBN: 0143054910

Page Count: 265

Publisher: Rinehart

Review Posted Online: Oct. 7, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1952

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
HAPPY ALCHEMY
by Robertson Davies

- BOOK REVIEW
THE MERRY HEART
by Robertson Davies

- BOOK REVIEW
THE CUNNING MAN
by Robertson Davies

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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.