Educational, entertaining information on navigating the world of wines.
Informative, easily digested how-to guide to enjoying modern wines.
Men’s Journal wine columnist Steinberger (Au Revoir to All That: Food, Wine and the End of France, 2009) offers historical, practical and enjoyable advice on the current wine landscape. From the five elements that create a fine wine to the five must-have books on wine (other than this one) to lists of the best brands of reds and whites, the author’s assistance flows readily from the page to readers. He examines the Parker method of critiquing wine and offers his own methodology so readers can learn how to judge for themselves what constitutes a good bottle. Do you need guidance on how to store wine, what wines pair well with what food, or the definitions of "corked" or "spoofulated"? Steinberger delivers the answers. Unafraid to state his opinions on sauvignon blanc or California chardonnay, the author backs his dislike with solid reasons and then proceeds to offer readers better alternatives to his hated wines. His knowledge is not limited to northern European or California wines, as he examines the differences among 10 rising stars in the wine world. Aware that money might play a factor in one's ability to purchase a good Burgundy, riesling or Vouvray, Steinberger provides a list of "Fifty of the World's Great $25 and Under Wines," which itself makes the book worthy of shelf space. The author’s enthusiasm for wine is infectious, and his desire to lead readers to the best of the best is irresistible. With his lists in hand, those new to the world of viticulture and vintners, as well as practiced oenophiles, will gain invaluable assistance as they peruse the multitude of available possibilities.
Educational, entertaining information on navigating the world of wines.Pub Date: Dec. 3, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-393-08271-5
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Norton
Review Posted Online: Nov. 17, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2013
BOOK REVIEW
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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