While some of this material appeared in the Herald Tribune and in Life, the presentation here is so integrated, so focussed to the central theme, that one feels only a sense of use of the same sources, methods of interviewing, and coverage. It is an exciting and a courageous book- an important book for anyone who is concerned (and aren't we all?) with the pattern of what Robert Payne calls "Red Storm Over Asia" in his book of that title (see P. 83 for report). It is a heartening book, too, for it disabuses the reader of some illusions, catch phrases, assumptions about Asia and Asiatics, and leaves a sense of intelligence at work, of aspirations, faith, integrity, determination. Michener has covered all major trouble areas, with the exception of China, and in most of the places visited, he talked- and listened- to people, not to officials, not to voices of authority, but largely to the natives who feel that the future is in their hands. The white man is through. For the time being. What we do before pulling out determines when and how we can come back. The enmity towards the white man is much of it our own fault. Michener does not feel that it is so deeply integrated that it can permanently offset the earlier contributions we had made. England has proved that in the way she withdrew from India, in the way she is handling her one remaining bit of colonial empire, Malaya, and in the crown colony of Hongkong; France and the Netherlands quite the reverse. Korea has perhaps not saved but postponed the swalowing up of southeast Asia- and though the devastation is being counted against us today, the basic principle is not wholly ignored. In variety of viewpoints, in coordination and commentary and summation, Michener shares a rich and challenging experience, and makes of each episode a gem of narration and characterization. Creative journalism, which goes to the heart of the matter.
Pub Date: Oct. 29, 1951
ISBN: 1125203625
Page Count: -
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: Sept. 30, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1951
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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