by Jr. Neely ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1993
Smoothly written and solidly researched biography by Pulitzer- winning historian Neely (Saint Louis University; The Fate of Liberty, 1991, etc.—not reviewed) that focuses particularly on the moral dilemmas and accomplishments of Lincoln during his presidency and years in public office. Opting to view his subject strictly as an adult rather than in his formative years, Neely also presents a public rather than a private Lincoln, accenting the political abilities that took him first to the Illinois legislature as a Whig in 1834. An expansionist in favor of economic growth and of building his state's infrastructure, Lincoln gave little thought then to the issue of slavery that would come to dominate his career. But after a term in the House of Representatives and a period of diminished political activity, he joined the new Republican Party to run strongly against Stephen Douglas, painting him as a co-conspirator in an imaginary plot to expand slavery to all territories and states (and showing competence in devious methods of voter manipulation as well). Elected President in 1860, Lincoln quickly took charge as commander-in-chief, making up for his lack of military expertise by keeping a firm hand on his generals while pressing them to take the initiative when appropriate. A believer in the colonization of freed slaves rather than racial equality, he nevertheless pushed forward with his Emancipation Proclamation as an essential first step, while at the same time adopting measures temporarily limiting civil liberties in order to draft enough soldiers to win the war. A challenging perspective on one of America's cherished heroes, depicting Lincoln as a consummate politician, more determined than scrupulous, without diminishing the magnitude of his achievements. (One hundred illustrations)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-674-51125-5
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Harvard Univ.
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1993
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
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
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
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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