A steely-eyed look at the ways in which American print and TV newscasters handled (and apparently mishandled) the Palestinian demonstrations that, starting in December 1987, rocked the occupied zones of Israel and Lebanon for more than a year. Writing from a background of 23 years of reporting in the Mideast, including 14 years as NPR's Israel correspondent, Lederman provides not only the details of the Intifada but a clear and cogent wrap-up of the convoluted background of the Palestinian- Israeli confrontation. Happily, the author eschews the political and professional pieties of his colleagues. He finds, for example, that TV coverage of the crisis was almost without fail shallow and frequently self-serving. Lederman is particularly incensed by the medium's attempt to shape American foreign policy, as it did, he charges, when covering George Shultz's 1988 peacemaking efforts. He describes Israeli authorities as consistently arrogant and xenophobic, suspicious and quick to take offense when criticisms are leveled at their policies and actions—and then goes on to depict Yasir Arafat's PLO as disorganized and opportunistic, more interested in publicity than in real achievements and more caring about expatriate Palestinians than those living in the occupied areas. An epilogue briefly discusses media coverage of the Gulf War; CNN gets high marks for its objectivity and depth. Stimulating, straight-from-the-shoulder analysis.
Pub Date: Feb. 12, 1992
ISBN: 0-8050-1602-3
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1991
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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