A succinct and sometimes understated look at one of America's ``longest-running Klan prosecutions,'' told by an experienced hate- crimes investigator. Stanton (a fourth-generation southerner) details his activity in the ``Klanwatch Project''—a ``clearinghouse'' out to bust Klan conspiracies. Much of the book focuses on the efforts of Morris Dees, a young attorney who defended one of the assaulted protestors in the now-infamous Decatur, Alabama, incident in which Klansmen attacked those demonstrating on behalf of a retarded black man accused of raping a white woman. While trying to get the Klan, Stanton and Dees confronted the harsh ``racial realities of Alabama politics,'' or ``what was euphemistically known as the Southern way of life.'' Among the obstacles were indifferent, sometimes hostile, law enforcement officials, leniency in the courts, and the prevalence of ``all-white'' juries. Stanton's narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Klan's resurgence during the late 70's and 80's. He also introduces some of the far right's more frightening celebrities, including lynching enthusiasts, Aryan paramilitary instructors, and idealogues who mix quasi-Nazi teachings with Christian scripture. Yet Stanton's most poignant figures stem from the morally ambivalent mainstream as they betray ``an undercurrent of vigilantism'' beneath their genteel surface. Stanton resorts to too much tedious verbatim trial dialogue but rebounds with a chilling description of the moment when a murder victim's mother and the Klansman who killed him confront each other. However, he forfeits a fine opportunity to probe the minds of the villains whose inner workings obviously fascinate him. An adequately documented advocate's perspective that is more a detailed synopsis than an in-depth study. (For a more involving and thorough parallel account, see Morris Dees's A Season for Justice, p. 450.)
Pub Date: June 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-8021-1327-3
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Grove
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1991
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
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
