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PHAROS

Name: PHAROS
Author: Thomas C. Clarie
ISBN: 978-1934582121

A LIGHTHOUSE FOR ALEXANDRIA

by Thomas C. Clarie ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 1, 2009

A well-researched, engaging history enhanced by high-quality illustrations.

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Clarie (Just Rye Harbor, 2005) serves up a feast of history and legend surrounding the Egyptian city of Alexandria and Pharos, its once-upon-a-time lighthouse.

Founded in 332 B.C by Alexander the Great, Alexandria—as presented in this colorful account—has been at various times a humble fishing village, a prosperous commercial port, an international capital with palatial public buildings and sumptuous dwellings, and a ruin laid low by earthquake, plague and foreign conquest. Sizable populations of Jews, Arabs, Europeans and sub-Saharan Africans have lived there, more or less in harmony with the Egyptians themselves. Emperors from the Ptolemies and Cleopatra to Napoleon ruled the city while illustrious personages from E.M Forster to Pierre Cardin have been inspired by its charms. The lighthouse Pharos, the focal point of the book, was a welcoming beacon in Alexandria harbor for more than 1600 years and a wonder of the ancient world. Some historians claim that its light could be seen by sailors 100 miles out to sea, a day or more before their ships reached the port. Partially destroyed and renovated many times during its long life, Pharos finally disappeared in the 14th century. Recent diving expeditions have found what many believe to be remnants of its stone blocks and statuary submerged in the mouth of Alexandria harbor. Clarie recounts an exciting tale and does it well for the most part, with a palpable enthusiasm for the curious twists and turns of Egyptian history. The proliferation of names, dates and numbers assembled here is impressive, if a bit overwhelming. At times it’s difficult to navigate through the competing versions of history and legend, scores of capsule biographies and leaps back and forth in time, between brave attempts to reclaim ancient monuments and political dithering. Though the writing is generally readable, more shading or emphasis would better illuminate the preferred explanations of various phenomena and events. But ultimately the delightful, surprising details and lively presentation reward the reader’s considerable efforts.

A well-researched, engaging history enhanced by high-quality illustrations.

Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2009

ISBN: 978-1934582121

Page Count: 276

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: April 7, 2011

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

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

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THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

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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.