A disquieting examination of the post-Watergate political culture's obsession with personal scandal and of the paralyzing effect of this tendency on government. Garment, a former Wall Street Journal columnist, views the media, zealous investigative groups, and political opposition groups as operating together as a ``scandal machine'' that deters capable citizens from serving in government, creates cynicism and a ``culture of mistrust,'' and consumes considerable expense and energy. While some misconduct is truly reprehensible, she argues, much becomes the subject of scandal only because of increased exposure, enhanced ethical standards, and changed rules. Garment analyzes several of the major scandals of the post-Watergate era: Abscam, the Iran-contra investigations, the fall of House Speaker Jim Wright, and the ``Keating Five'' hearings. While these scandals largely had substance, Garment argues persuasively that the scandal culture has made it ``easy to make a highly visible scandal out of even the most grotesque charges.'' She proposes that Americans attempt to distinguish between important and trivial scandals, and that they not regard behavior as scandalous when it ``is not really an abuse of the public trust.'' An intelligent and balanced call to put political scandal into perspective.
Pub Date: Oct. 2, 1991
ISBN: 0-821-91942-4
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Times/Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 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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