A persuasive and much-needed humanistic response to the fevered rhetoric surrounding the information superhighway, virtual reality, and other digital technologies. Expertly using the very words of the leaders and promoters of the digital revolution—people such as MIT professor Michael Heim, Wired executive editor Kevin Kelly, ``Grateful Dead lyricist- turned-computer-cowboy'' John Perry Barlow, and researcher Nicole Stenger, members of the self-styled ``digerati''—Slouka (English and Popular Culture/Univ. of California, San Diego) portrays them as a new breed of apocalyptic utopians whose interest in digital technologies stems from a desire to reject the quotidian messiness of real life in favor of computer-generated simulations. He highlights the almost gnostic loathing of the material world that lies behind much of the digerati's enthusiasm and argues that elitism and a strain of totalitarian arrogance make the wired movement dangerous. Slouka counters these utopian visions with examples of the banality that actually predominates on the Net and argues that real-world problems in places like Bosnia and Somalia will hardly be addressed by the digital revolution. At times the author's rhetoric seems as extreme as that of his opponents, and he tends to include only evidence that supports his arguments (largely ignoring, for example, the majority of online enthusiasts who don't buy into the hype). But just when it appears that Slouka is overstating his case he'll pull out a quote in which the digerati express their hopes for utopia using such phrases as ``the ballast of materiality'' that indicate he may not be exaggerating much at all. It's certainly difficult to disagree with his contention that some focus on human needs and more engagement with the natural world should balance the digital rhetoric. Slouka's impassioned, intelligent essay makes an important contribution to the cultural assessment of cyberspace. (Author tour)
Pub Date: Aug. 16, 1995
ISBN: 0-465-00486-5
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Basic Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1995
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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