A potted revisionist biography of Gaddafi, by Tremlett (Dylan Thomas, 1992). The author's qualifications for this work don't spring out: He speaks neither Arabic nor Italian; has consulted books only in English; and, contrary to the publisher's claim that he ``has been granted extraordinary access to...Gaddafi...and spent months in Libya doing research,'' it would appear from his preface that he spent only a week in Libya and never met its leader. Tremlett's lack of familiarity with Libya is indicated by long quotations from other books, even on subjects like the country's physical appearance. He does offer a short history of Libya; some personal anecdotes; and a repetitious account of the few facts known about Gaddafi. There's also a generally uncritical summation of views on the Libyan leader held by friends and admirers; long extracts from the Green Book, Gaddafi's volume of philosophy; and an inconclusive assessment of Libya's involvement in terrorism, with Tremlett suggesting that most of the major atrocities charged to Libya (the bombing of a Berlin disco; the downing of Pan Am Flight 103) should more properly be laid against Syria or Palestinian terrorists. The general ignorance in the West about Libya and its leader makes some of this detail helpful, and Gaddafi's thought, his actions to redistribute wealth, and his outright condemnation of discrimination against women have previously received too little attention. Tremlett also offers an insightful description of Libya's government—run by 2600 committees in ``a state of constant but thoroughly enjoyable muddle,'' which contributes to a ``diffusion of power [that] means that no one can establish a power base in Libya to challenge [Gaddafi's] authority.'' But the author's conclusions seem questionable—as when he states that Libyans ``are [a]...happy people'' and ``feel free,'' yet notes that ``all Libyans are forbidden to speak to foreigners'' and to criticize Gaddafi's rule. Of some use but, overall, not a book to inspire full confidence as a source. (Photos)
Pub Date: Dec. 3, 1993
ISBN: 0-88184-934-0
Page Count: 320
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1993
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
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
© 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.
