The sorry tale of a clash between two jeans-makers, which, while lacking an obvious moral, affords object lessons on what can happen when vengeful capitalists go berserk. Byron (The Fanciest Dive, 1986, etc.) provides a savvy rundown on the origins and sordid details of the perdurable battle that has pitted the three Nakash brothers (who own Jordache) against four Marciano brothers (the founders of Guess). There's no summarizing the labyrinthine and shamefully expensive hostilities, but the fates of the feuding families of ÇmigrÇ Jews became inextricably intertwined when Manhattan-based Jordache, an already successful enterprise, acquired half the equity in its cash-strapped L.A. counterpart for $4.7 million during the early 1980's. Shortly thereafter, however, Guess became a marketplace hit on its own by dint of suggestive ads and sexy products. With big money rolling in, the Marcianos concluded they had been cheated and sued for the return of their shares. To hedge the court bet, the plaintiffs also sicked the I.R.S. on Jordache, whose offices were duly raided by gun-toting government agents. Responding in kind, the vindictive Nakashes not only took legal action but also hired a shady private detective whose law-enforcement connections enabled him to instigate both IRS and congressional probes targeting Guess. With accusations of criminal misconduct flying from all quarters, G-men were forced to investigate charges of corruption within their own ranks—which had expanded to encompass customs, immigration, and tax operatives as well as prosecutors. Although in 1990 the basic case was settled after a fashion, the bicoastal conflict remains alive and kicking thanks to ongoing litigation. Even with no end in sight, the dirty business raises disturbing issues, including that of the relative ease with which well-heeled commercial interests induced putative public servants to pursue industry rivals. A first-rate and stylish account of corporate chicanery and reprisal that's as engrossing as it is nauseating. (Eight pages of b&w photographs—not seen.)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-671-69475-8
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1992
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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