A book filled with the enthusiasm of discovery, the delight in accomplishment, and the relief of return.
A veteran travel writer pursues an interest from childhood: Noah, the ark, and the landing.
Antonson (To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey through West Africa, 2013, etc.) shows an indefatigable and intrepid spirit in this swift account of his ascent of Mount Ararat and his travels through some of the most dangerous territory in the Middle East, including Iraq and Iran. Throughout the narrative, he cuts away continually to tell about earlier ascents of the mountain that is now in eastern Turkey (he discusses the nearby Armenians’ displeasure with the current border), other efforts to locate the ark (efforts resulting, he says, in much disingenuous reporting of discoveries), the ancient flood narratives that precede the account in Genesis (Gilgamesh, for example), the actual catastrophic flood possibilities in the region and various theories about the design and construction of the ark, and regional politics and horrors (e.g., the Armenian massacre). Rich with maps and photographs and a devotee’s, if not a scholar’s, knowledge, Antonson’s text moves along with an impressive narrative current whose flow accelerates with his inclusion of much dialogue. His successful Ararat ascent concludes about halfway through, and the second half of the book deals with his ensuing travels in the region. His courage and his trust in his fellow human beings must be astonishing, for he repeatedly got into cars with people he barely knew and drove through dark streets of unfamiliar (and sometimes dangerous) places. Somehow, he always managed to arrive (more or less at the intended time) safely at his destination. Only occasionally does he confess anxiety over a certain situation. When he finally landed in London, he writes that he “reentered the worlds of schedules and precision.” Also in the city, he was able to see the ancient “flood tablet” to which he alluded throughout.
A book filled with the enthusiasm of discovery, the delight in accomplishment, and the relief of return.Pub Date: April 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-5107-0565-4
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 25, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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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