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THE AMERICAN AS REFORMER

Name: THE AMERICAN AS REFORMER
Author: Arthur M. Schlesinger
ISBN: 0689701705

by Arthur M. Schlesinger ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 1950

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By one of the leading, interpretative historians of our time, this short study was made possible by the Haynes' Foundation and is an informed, stimulating consideration of the reform impulse in America, from its first upsurge in 1841 with Emerson to its abiding vitality derived from the Declaration of Independence. Schlesinger uses the instance of abolitionism as the illustration of the reform impulse in action, later goes on to show how in our two party political system, minor reform parties which have sporadically emerged have been usually ineffectual, sometimes harmful. And in his closing commentary on the nature of the reformer and revolt, he examines the "badly mauled" terms- American and Americanism-shows how in our hatred of Communism we are also jeopardizing our heritage of freedom. An essay which has both political and philosophical, historical and contemporary significance.

Pub Date: Oct. 5, 1950

ISBN: 0689701705

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harvard Univ.

Review Posted Online: May 22, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1950

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE DISUNITING OF AMERICA
by Arthur M. Schlesinger

- BOOK REVIEW
THE CYCLES OF AMERICAN HISTORY
by Arthur M. Schlesinger

- BOOK REVIEW
ROBERT KENNEDY AND HIS TIMES
by Arthur M. Schlesinger

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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.