England's heroes, through a language and literature shared, become ours even if many of them are too often reduced to foothold status in footnote descriptions. The ten legendary figures amplified by analysis here include four of the most familiar — Arthur, Alfred, Robin Hood and Robert the Bruce. In addition, there is Caratacus, Hereward, Llewellin William Wallace, Owen Glyndwr and Montrose. In this book, Miss Sutcliffe's essay style is as satisfying as her outstanding novels for this age group have proved to be. She is direct in statement, points out the recorded facts underlying the growth of legend about each hero, discusses the reliability of the sources and recaps their stories from the chronicles, ballads, etc., with flair and precision. These are not heroes diminished by research for each is allowed to retain in the speculative retellings, "...the unmistakable Hero-light on his forehead."
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 1966
ISBN: 0399200959
Page Count: -
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 10, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1966
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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