Next book

AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?

THE ETHICAL FRONTIERS OF BIOMEDICINE

Careful consideration of some of the knottier bioethical problems of our times, by the director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, who fears that cynicism and mistrust have eroded our ability to see ourselves as our brothers' keepers. Caplan, who recently compiled essays largely from his newspaper columns (Due Consideration, p. 1564), draws here on weightier sources—his articles in law reviews and medical journals as well as some book chapters. The topics he discusses thoughtfully are often the same ones he tackled somewhat pugnaciously in the earlier collection—the ethics of fetal tissue research, reproductive technologies, gene therapy, assisted suicide, organ transplant, etc. Occasionally, whole paragraphs are virtually identical, but overall, Caplan is writing to a more sophisticated readership this time, and he spends more time presenting the issues and developing his arguments. The theme of trust recurs often in these essays. Caplan points out that when the free-market approach drives behavior, as in for-profit managed health care systems, trust, a crucial element in any therapeutic relationship, is hard-pressed to survive. Trust becomes an issue, also, in the question of redefining death: As Caplan points out, mistrust of medicine makes us leery of leaving that task to doctors whose motives we cannot be sure of. To the title question he responds with a firm ``yes,'' reminding us that in an age when personal autonomy is much valued, we must not overlook the need to trust, rely on, and help one another. Of the two collections, this is more satisfying, though less lively; more thoughtful, though less provocative; and while timely, less likely to become dated.

Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1998

ISBN: 0-253-33358-X

Page Count: 232

Publisher: Indiana Univ.

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1997

Categories:
Next book

NUTCRACKER

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:
Next book

TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

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

Categories:
Close Quickview