A collection of recent articles concerning topical economic issues and a life as a public economist that is sometimes informative, occasionally humorous, and never profound. Stein, a senior fellow of the American Enterprise Institute and usually identified as a conservative, feels an ``inability to swallow whole the doctrine of any party or sect,'' and demonstrates in lucid and engaging prose ``the rationality of the commitment to being uncommitted.'' Surveying the changes in US capitalism since the Great Depression, he concludes that the free market's survival and triumph over communism is rooted in its ability to adapt continually to changing circumstances. Stein admires Roosevelt for his direct approach to problems and disregard of political orthodoxies. President Nixon (Stein was on the Council of Economic Advisors from 1969 to 1974) is depicted as having been politically flexible, with a greater commitment to socially progressive policies than is widely recognized. Stein criticizes much current economic debate as politically charged and short on facts. Despite varied chapters ranging from light journalism and satire to more serious essays for professional publications, many for The American Enterprise, a uniform series of concerns emerges: inflation, the structural deficit, the urban underclass, and the distribution of income. The politically agnostic Stein, it turns out, does have some prescriptions, though some remain vague: Strive toward a balanced federal budget by cutting entitlements and raising taxes, invest in the urban underclass, and if economists are to participate in formulating effective options, they should study the effect public policy has on character and values. But Stein's analyses lack depth and context; he fails, for instance, to consider the impact of the world economy on America's economic growth and decline. Stein's avoidance of political orthodoxy is refreshing and his writing illuminating on economic policies. However, a generally superficial treatment of economics often undercuts his analyses and conclusions.
Pub Date: Jan. 30, 1995
ISBN: 0-8447-3876-X
Page Count: 275
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 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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