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OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

Name: OVERNIGHT SUCCESS
Author: Vance H. Trimble
ISBN: 0-517-58510-3

FEDERAL EXPRESS AND FREDERICK SMITH, ITS RENEGADE CREATOR

by Vance H. Trimble ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1993

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A Pulitzer-winning journalist's hard-hitting take on Frederick W. Smith, the offbeat entrepreneur who launched and still runs Federal Express. While Trimble (The Astonishing Mr. Scripps, p. 105, etc.) had no cooperation from his subject or FedEx, he still manages to offer a detailed portrait of a businessman whose drive might give pause to yesteryear's robber barons. The son of a founder of a bus line that became part of the Greyhound system, Smith enjoyed a privileged boyhood in Memphis. After graduating from Yale, he earned a commission as a USMC officer and served with distinction in Vietnam; after discharge, the veteran joined his stepfather in a deficit-ridden aviation-supply venture based in Little Rock. By 1970, Smith became convinced that air-ground fleets operating within hub-and-spoke networks could profitably provide corporate America with overnight, door-to-door delivery of small packages or documents. Although the concept now seems obvious, it was a tough sell initially. At one point during the early 1970's, in fact, Smith falsified papers that enabled him to dip into the family trust for collateral to keep cash-strapped FedEx flying. Tried on criminal charges, he was acquitted about the time his fledgling firm broke into the black. Although some miscalculations (notably, the acquisition of Flying Tiger and the since-aborted introduction of ZapMail), plus stepped-up competition (from, among others, UPS), have cut into margins, the transnational company continues to prosper. Meanwhile, its founder (who's 48) looks for new worlds to conquer. In addition to logging Smith's business accomplishments, Trimble dishes out a full measure of dirt about his subject's checkered personal record. Covered, for example, are the twice-wed Smith's involvement in two fatal auto accidents and his estrangement from family members who once feared for their inheritances. A thorough evaluation of a capitalist whose often stormy career commands respect and attention. (Sixteen pages of b&w photographs—not seen.)

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1993

ISBN: 0-517-58510-3

Page Count: 400

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1992

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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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

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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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.