Erudition and wit characterize these travels into the past with an Italian publisher, writer, gourmand, and lover of women. In free-form essays, Buzzi holds forth on subjects as diverse as the flavors of Russian vodka (there are many); the madness of Joan of Aragon, whose bosom smelled fragrantly of ripe peaches; and Chekhov's endearments for his wife, Olga, which included such notables as ``my little cockroach'' and ``my little bitch.'' He captures the sights and smells of pre-revolutionary Russia, the turn of a beautiful foot being held up for the admiration of all at a restaurant in Djakarta, the labyrinth of the underground public toilets in Lipari, an island off the coast of Sicily. Buzzi brings a breadth of knowledge to these moments that is reminiscent of Nabokov, to whom he makes occasional obeisance. And he has fine comic timing, as when he remarks casually that ``consumption was the [Russian] national disease'' or explains, without apology, that for gastronomes ``the word `pepper' must always be preceded by `freshly ground.' But we must admit that there also exists pepper ground some time ago.'' And nobody who reads Buzzi's subtly understated description of the Sun King's tooth extraction will be likely to forget it. (It seems that, having also lost part of his majestic palate, ``during meals bits of food often came out of his nose, which etiquette did not permit his fellow diners to notice.'') Buzzi's writings are as diffuse as they are charming, and shorter than the reader, once engaged, would like. Hopefully, this volume will represent but one of many of his writings to become available in English translation.
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-679-44810-1
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1995
BOOK REVIEW
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
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
