An able primer on the role of the Supreme Court in American life, and on the merits—and shortcomings—of American democracy.
An informative, behind-the-scenes view of daily life at the tallest bench in the land.
One of the most ingenious points of American democracy, writes Justice O’Connor (Lazy B, 2001), is its according “dual sovereignty” to the national and state governments; it is also one of its thorniest aspects, a source of constant conflict. Hence, the Supreme Court, which, since the days of John Marshall, has reserved for itself the power to determine whether a given law falls within the bounds of the Constitution. Justice O’Connor looks at a few of the signal cases the Court has heard in the last half-century, such as Brown v. Board of Education; profiles predecessors and colleagues like Thurgood Marshall and Warren Burger; holds forth on practical problems, e.g., jury duty (“It is incumbent upon those who oversee their jury systems to make sure that jury service, for whatever length of time, is bearable”); and exalts the better angels of American democracy, however fragile, witness the principle “that certain fundamental rights, to which every citizen is entitled, mist be placed outside the reach of political exigency.” Throughout, Justice O’Connor writes with lively humor; considering the mounds of paper that cross her desk: for instance, “The Court is a more reliable backstop for the health of the paper industry than any protectionist legislation Congress might pass.” Humor aside, and despite her conservative leanings, she also writes with a sharp sense of appreciation for dissenting views, and she is keenly appreciative of the growing role of women in political decision-making, arguing that “society as a whole can benefit immeasurably from a climate in which all persons, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to earn respect, responsibility, advancement, and remuneration based on ability.”
An able primer on the role of the Supreme Court in American life, and on the merits—and shortcomings—of American democracy.Pub Date: April 15, 2003
ISBN: 0-375-50925-9
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2003
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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