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THE BIG BOYS

Name: THE BIG BOYS
Author: William Taylor
ISBN: 039472111X

by William Taylor & Ralph Nader ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 19, 1986

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Nine of America's most powerful (though virtually unknown) executives are scrutinized in this extraordinarily candid and thought-provoking probe into their business and personal lives. Consumer advocate Nader and Taylor seek to demystify the "Big Boys"—the often elusive wizards who guide their corporations through trying economic downturns, unforeseen crises, and, sometimes, periods of unparalleled success. Who are these enigmas? Does the power they wield emanate from the corporate entity alone, or from the man as well? Through a series of interviews with the myriad friends, relatives and associates of the chosen few, plus exhaustive background analysis and reference checks, Nader offers vital glimpses of this rare breed of businessman—in the boardroom, as well as on golf courses or fishing in remote locales. In exposing the motivations, aspirations and principles that the likes of David Roderick, Felix Rohatyn, and Paul Oreffice, among others, embody, Nader tends to focus on the individual's treatment of a significant crisis situation to set the stage for interpreting his background. The presentation varies from light, personal vignettes to complex documentary material acquired via the Freedom of Information Act. There is unfortunately a tendency towards digression, though the offshoots are usually valuable in their own right and integral to the whole. The Big Boys is a very big book. It offers, in wordy prose, a number of meaningful insights into the hows and whys of corporate executive decision-making, plus unhedged opinions on some of the less parochial issues of interest to a diversified public. The subjects are well chosen, though the depth of detail more often than not buries the authors' initial point. Of interest to corporate people-watchers and others who wonder what kinds of people make it to the top.

Pub Date: May 19, 1986

ISBN: 039472111X

Page Count: 612

Publisher: Pantheon

Review Posted Online: May 22, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1986

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
MAGGIE & ABBY'S NEVERENDING PILLOW FORT
by William Taylor

- BOOK REVIEW
KNITWITS
by William Taylor

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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.