Ohlgren translates into contemporary English and annotates the original medieval tales of England’s romantic rogues, who have become folk heroes to later generations. In his commentary, Ohlgren (English and Medieval Studies/Purdue Univ.) locates common themes and typical plots from amid this folkloric outlay. For example, in his essay “A Gest of Robyn Hode— (i.e., Robin Hood), Ohlgren cites the differences in the original that set it apart from the various versions derived subsequently from it: Robin was first presented as a Yorkshire yeoman (a middle-class citizen), rather than as the Earl of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire. The original —Robyn— led a gang of criminals in a game of highway robbery, extortion, deer poaching, and murder; nonetheless, his band won the hearts of the people by doing in corrupt and overbearing officials while somehow still remaining the king’s loyal subjects. The other tales here follow similar paths. In “Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace,— we have the centuries-old story of the great Scottish hero who was also, for the English, a sought-after scoundrel—Ohlgren tells us of his charismatic military leadership, his skill with weaponry, his deep grievances and battles with the enemy, and his revenge waged over the murder of his true love. —Eustace the Monk” follows the adventures of a French knight, monk, and sailor who leaves his abbey to bring his father’s murderer to justice, then escapes a corrupt judicial system. These chronicles reflect societies where peasants are oppressed by their lords, giving rise inevitably to a class of “good bandits” seeking vindication and operating undercover in remote areas, such as forests, often in times of war or other unrest. These do-gooder bad guys were elusive, clever, loyal, courageous, and masters of deception and disguise. Their lore continues to give us a vicarious sense of renegade justice. A trove for buffs of literature and history who are moved by the morality of the upstart. (25 b&w illustrations, not seen)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1998
ISBN: 0-7509-1862-4
Page Count: 352
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1998
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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