The period- 1812-1822- was marked by the diplomatic wizardry of Metternich, Talleyrand and Castlereagh, who reached their apotheosis at the Congress of Vienna; Napoleonic rule and the French Revolution had ended; the great powers of Europe, Russia, Prussia, Austria, France England- were in a turmoil of realignments, and with each seeking a stabilization to its own best advantage. Kissinger has analyzed the varied aspects of this crisis, showing the goals, purposes, methods, ideals which actuated the great powers, the precise political gains at stake, and the personal motivations of the rulers, leaders and their emissaries. The reconstruction performed by Kissinger astonishes the reader by its insight, perception and capacity to clarify the baffling incongruities of diplomatic tactics. The captious may say the style is plodding and perhaps unduly calculating but for the student of history and politics, this book will be truly a feast.
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 1957
ISBN: 125800111X
Page Count: 372
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1957
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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