Mr. Buckley is, like Plato, a man of disappointed political hopes with a distaste for both the demos and the incumbent oligarchy, and a talent for exposing the sophistries of his opponents based on his own sophistical skill. In this sequel to The Jeweler's Eye (1968) he employs his bag of tricks with relative tameness. Among the routine outrages, calculated perversities and patrician poses displayed in the 1968—69 columns and articles, there are a few truly repulsive remarks (apropos of the lot of the Negro in America: "We need St. Paul. . . reminding us that true justice is reserved for another world") and a great many scores at more and less easy targets: Johnson's '68 State of the Union Message, Ethel Kennedy's grape boycott, Eisenhower's memoirs, the character, political sentiments, and oeuvre of Gore Vidal. The book sustains Buckley's well-deserved reputation for shallowness. But he is no shallower than most American pundits, and far more entertaining (despite his undertone of self-congratulation for being literate). This collection suggests two further secrets of his success: he makes one feel it would be vulgar to dismiss him on the basis of his more detestable political views, and his impieties are after all reassuring.
Pub Date: June 1, 1970
ISBN: 042502024X
Page Count: -
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: Oct. 13, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1970
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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