Where most books on the immigrant experience tend to concentrate on the accomplishments of notable individuals, Meltzer consistently relates the course of American Jewry to its European roots. Individuals do play a large part in the earlier stages of his narrative — up through the Civil War which was accompanied by a rise in anti-Semitism despite the pro-Union activities of many prominent Jews. However, with the arrival of large numbers of Eastern European Jews (whose heritage Meltzer has examined in his recent, somewhat more mature, World of Our Fathers), his scope broadens. Here, following a brief history of the pogroms, are sketches of the Lower East Side community — the sweatshop and the rise of unionism, the public schools which routinely "Americanized" at the same time as they satisfied the hunger for learning, the Yiddish theatre and the all-important socializing role of the Jewish Daily Forward. These are only glimpses, but telling ones of an era when the "pent-up energy" of many oppressed generations began to free itself. And, combined here with Meltzer's attempt to promote better understanding between blacks and Jews, they make an easy to read introduction, on a far higher plane of social sensitivity than most series-spawned celebrations of the melting pot. Strong, sensitive charcoal drawings by Harvey Dinnerstein.
Pub Date: Dec. 13, 1975
ISBN: 0385059469
Page Count: 114
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1975
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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