Against the odds, perhaps, this collection of columns by the National Review's house economics analyst and prominent outsiders has considerable impact as a lively, thought-provoking defense of positions near or dear to the hearts and minds of political conservatives. Informed by an abiding mistrust of the major media's arguable leftward tilt, the author and his guest commentators (Martin Anderson, William Niakanen, Paul Craig Roberts, et al.) raise merry hell with the liberal agenda. They blast away at a host of people and ideas: the assumption that the 1980s benefited only America's affluent, federal regulation, government spending, protectionists, quotas, taxation (notably, capital-gains levies), tort law, and overly zealous environmentalists. Addressed as well are such issues as whether homelessness has much to do with the domestic housing stock, income distribution, the realities of foreign investment, job creation, violent crime, health care costs, and welfare versus workfare. By no means are Rubenstein and his kindred spirits anti- everything. Indeed, they have kind words (as well as statistical support) for free markets, laissez-faire capitalism, supply-side economics, junk bonds, individual (as opposed to collective or group) rights, Ronald Reagan's presidency, family values, the Republican Party, and other causes that can trigger knee-jerk reactions from partisan Democrats. Based on these sprightly, acute critiques, Rubenstein & Co. have earned a happier fate than preaching to the converted. The text has a foreword by Jack Kemp.
Pub Date: April 15, 1994
ISBN: 0-9627841-1-7
Page Count: 432
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1994
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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