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GADAFFI

Name: GADAFFI
Author: George Tremlett
ISBN: 0-88184-934-0

THE DESERT MYSTIC

by George Tremlett ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 3, 1993

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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

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
DAVID BOWIE
by George Tremlett

- BOOK REVIEW
DYLAN THOMAS
by George Tremlett

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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.