Bentley (Martin Niemoller, 1984), a former Anglican priest, makes use here of hitherto unpublished material in the Albert Schweitzer Archive in Alsace to paint a disquieting portrait of a very puzzling man. In this psychobiography, Bentley seems particularly—even peculiarly—interested in the people and events that formed his subject. Much is made of Schweitzer's boyhood, both that it was ``deeply miserable,'' as Bentley puts it, and that Schweitzer went to great pains to cover up this fact. This typifies Schweitzer's shadowy makeup: although he had an ``almost clinical, even arrogant intelligence,'' he took refuge in ``romantic irrationalism''; though opposed to racism, his hospital in the African jungle was run exclusively by whites. Bentley pores over Schweitzer's obsessions, especially Bach and the historical Jesus, seeing in each evidence of his subject's paradoxical outlook. The author places great emphasis on Schweitzer's mentors, devoting several pages to digressions on now-forgotten figures. Thankfully, he also brings his expertise to bear on Schweitzer's views on the historical Jesus, suggesting that this work, once seen as an invincible monument to Protestant liberalism, now takes its place as another chapter in the history of ideas. Perhaps Schweitzer—who won the Nobel Peace Prize, revolutionized New Testament and Bach studies, played the organ like a maestro, developed a theology based on reverence for all life, and put his Christian beliefs to the test by setting up a hospital in the heart of Africa—looms too large for any one biographer. But Bentley manages to sketch the complexities, no small feat in itself. An admirable if flawed addition, then, to Schweitzer studies. (Eight pages of b&w photographs—not seen.)
Pub Date: March 25, 1992
ISBN: 0-06-016364-X
Page Count: 224
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1992
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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