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HETEROSEXUALITY

Name: HETEROSEXUALITY
Author: William H. Masters
ISBN: 0-06-019041-8

by William H. Masters & Virginia E. Johnson & Robert C. Kolodny ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 30, 1994

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Another encyclopedic tome from the renowned sex experts, loaded with research findings, practical advice, and statistics but little that's new, different, or controversial. This single volume, with its numerous illustrations, tables, and lists, covers just about everything imaginable on heterosexuality, starting with love and intimacy, for which the authors include three scholarly theories of love, nine run-of-the- mill tips on maintaining love, and some cautionary advice on excessive intimacy; followed by sensuality, which has a five-step exercise program and a ten-item list of no-no's; and sexual response, which features not only ten practical pointers but a simple magazine-style self-assessment quiz. A similar pattern is followed in chapters on ejaculatory disorders, impotence, and female sexual dysfunctions. The chapter on compulsive sexual behaviors does have four case studies, albeit of a rather mild nature (``The Underwear Bandit,'' ``Telephone Sex,'' etc.). Meanwhile, the discussions of conception, contraception, and abortion are up-to-date, including information on Norplant, approved by the FDA in 1990, and RU486, not yet approved in the States. Infertility gets cursory treatment, but this section does refer readers to sources for further information and counseling. Much of the material on AIDS, which is treated separately from other sexuality transmitted diseases, is taken from the authors' 1992 revision of Human Sexuality. Their views on adolescent sexuality will dismay the religious right, but others may find them realistic and helpful, and their comments on aging and sex are both reassuring and practical (e.g., ``Use it or lose it''). Finally, extramarital affairs get the standard treatment: a mix of research findings, quotes, and statistics; no practical tips here, though. As sensible, reliable, and familiar as a comfortable old pair of walking shoes—and about as exciting.

Pub Date: March 30, 1994

ISBN: 0-06-019041-8

Page Count: 464

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1994

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.