The account of a "rather small underwater expedition" (the author and his companion, Mike Wilson) in 1954-55 to the Great Barrier Reef of the eastern seaboard of Australia is a bit of all right, even in heavy competition. For the scientist-science — fiction writer has a way with him , and, although everything is quite serious, there always is a funny side so that the land, water and underwater happenings are lively and highly individual. From his introduction to the "new fashioned people" of the country, to the remarkable experiences in railroading, driving and touring the 1200 miles of the Reef, Clarke is all eyes and ears for his new adventuring. There are some trial runs of equipment before reaching Heron Island; there is always weather for an enemy; and there are all the inhabitants of the depths to delight, amaze and surprise him. There is quite a stay on Thursday Island where the pearl divers of the Torres Straits astound them; there are accidents, isolated and in series; and, of course, there are — octopus, shark, turtle, barracuda, stonefish, etc., etc. — to be photographed. It's a joy of a book even for those who have reached the saturation point. A chapter on photographic techniques for the experts.
Pub Date: May 1, 1965
ISBN: 0743435079
Page Count: 308
Publisher: Harper & Row
Review Posted Online: Sept. 20, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1965
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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