In 1965, the so-widely-respected (aber hier so-awkwardly-translated) German author Gunter Grass hit the campaign trail in support of Social Democrat Willy Brandt's bid for the Chancellorship. In the speeches and subsequent commentary now collected, he attacks the fat-bodied, fat-headed ruling Christian Democrats for encouraging the public to worship the "Golden Calf known as the Economic Miracle," while excusing the continued prominence of former Nazis in government. At the same time, Grass criticizes young radicals and writers on the Left for substituting "rhythmic stamping and... loud cries of 'Ho Chi Minh'" for work toward pragmatic reforms attainable through "solid, colorless Social Democracy." But what reforms? And how attained? Grass, a moralist rather than a political thinker, rarely spells out the ends or the means. Nor does he probe the appeal of any of the movements — from radical Left to radical Right — which he opposes here. The American reader who turns to this volume for an understanding of German political life will consequently be disappointed, as Grass' German followers may have been, if they sought inspiration from this novelist. Fittingly, this middle-of-the-road statement of faith bears a laudatory introduction from Michael Harrington, another worthy Old Leftist somewhat out of touch with contemporary unheavals.
Pub Date: May 21, 1969
ISBN: 0156847167
Page Count: -
Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World
Review Posted Online: Sept. 24, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1969
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
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
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