9302932.891 Westbroek, Peter LIFE AS A GEOLOGICAL FORCE: The Gaia movement continues as Westbroek (Prof. Geology and Biochemistry, University of Leiden, Netherlands) makes a convincing case for integrating the biological and geological sciences, acknowledging life's historical and potential role in the evolution of Earth. A unique, complex and constantly changing interplay between biological and geological forces is taking place on this planet, claims Westbroek, in which living organisms affect the fate of the earth as profoundly as the earth's physical transformations affect life. Hardly front-page news in this era of ecosystems and increasingly 'unified' scientific vantage points, but a supposition largely ignored until recently in an atmosphere of extreme scientific specialization. The effects of living organisms on such geological phenomena as plate tectonics and climate are profound, as are the cultural extensions of our own biological existence— bulldozers, pollution, conservation and so on. In tracing the development of such cause-effect relationships, Westbroek proves both informative and entertaining, particularly when describing how, through trial and error over the centuries, men altered the geological history of Holland's landscape; how marram grass participates in the 'rock cycle'; and how a sealed, impressively balanced biosphere in the author's study compares to the planet Earth spinning in its cocoon-like atmosphere. The authors' closing remarks on man's potential to turn the entire earth into a cultural domain, 'a kind of park, a giant laboratory, or a great work of art'—in other words, an enormous Holland—may give some readers pause, but in general this offers a cornucopia of fascinating details.
Pub Date: May 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-393-02932-8
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Norton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1991
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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