From John Adams to Dan Quayle, the vice-presidency seems the best refutation of the theory of evolution. Or so, at least, does it appear in this brisk if superficial history from syndicated- columnist Witcover (coauthor, Whose Broad Stripes and Bright Stars?, 1989; Wake Us When It's Over, 1985, etc.). Three-quarters of this account covers the post-Truman years, partly because of Witcover's belief that the vice-presidency became a much more perilous office in the nuclear age, partly because he apparently finds contemporary affairs more congenial than distant history. Notwithstanding attempts through the 12th and 25th Amendments to correct potential dangers in selecting a running mate, and notwithstanding heavier policy involvement by Walter Mondale, George Bush, and Quayle, ticket-balancing considerations and sheer human folly, the author finds, have subverted the Founding Fathers' hope that the vice-president would be the second most qualified person to lead the republic. Witcover shows how party presidential nominees—including those once a heartbeat away from the Oval Office themselves—have played games with running mates: either ``surprise the electorate'' (the selection of Quayle and Spiro Agnew) or, when elected, ``humiliate the V.P.'' (the fate of Nixon, LBJ, and Humphrey). The author makes the telling point that, unlike the Alexander Throttlebottoms who languished in the office during the 19th century, five of the last nine presidents have served as vice-president. Yet, given the history of the office, Witcover's call for greater consideration of running mates is entirely predictable, as is his hand-wringing over Quayle. More welcome are the nuggets of inside information he serves up, such as why Gerald Ford picked Nelson Rockefeller as V.P. over party- favorite Bush (even then, Witcover says, many believed that Bush lacked ``the vision thing''). Horror, farce, and tragedy—in one vivid, if not particularly enlightening, package.
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-517-58480-8
Page Count: 480
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1991
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
