A kaleidoscopic history of the thrice-holy city, written from the inside by Idinopulos (Religion/Miami Univ.; The Erosion of Faith, 1971). One of the best features of Idinopulos's account is the breadth of his perspective: He has provided, in effect, three histories in one volume, relating (in separate sections) the disparate experiences and expectations brought to Jerusalem by the three great religions that at various times have claimed—and still claim—the city as their own. Thus, the zeal of Jewish nationalism, rooted in David's ill-fated attempt to establish a Jewish kingdom, is contrasted with both the Christian ambivalence toward the place that witnessed Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, and the doomed pragmatism of Islam, which sought unsuccessfully to amalgamate Judaism and Christianity into a new monotheism of its own devising. The sorry spectacle of the Crusades, jihads, and persecutions that have marred Jerusalem's history throughout the ages is related without prejudice or apology for any party, and the final section of the book, which unfolds the history of modern Zionism and the Intifada, provides fresh perspectives on a crisis that, to many observers, shows no hopeful signs of resolution. One might question Idinopulos's overreliance on a small number of historians whom he quotes authoritatively throughout the book, but this is balanced somewhat by an ample bibliography and generous annotations. The illustrations and maps are carefully chosen and helpful. A splendidly told tale, which succeeds against great odds in providing a clear, balanced, and lively history of one of the most complicated cities in the world.
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-929587-66-9
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Ivan Dee/Rowman & Littlefield
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 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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