When the second edition of this book appeared in 1974 (it was first published in 1969), Henry Kissinger had only recently become Secretary of State. This new edition contains many of the major policy speeches he delivered in the fob lowing two years, concluding with a July 1976 talk. The selections from this period, which take up most of the book, include addresses covering all major regions of the world; in content they range from general conceptual themes to specific policy proposals. Many speeches are now tinged with irony—the same Henry Kissinger who ordered wiretaps on his staff addresses the American Bar Association on international law—while others, such as the "year of Europe" speech and the UN address outlining proposals for aiding Third World economic growth, are testimonials to lost opportunities and unfulfilled promises. Kissinger's emphasis upon great power leadership in world affairs emerges clearly, as does the fragility of his foreign policy edifice; the speech on the meaning of "détente" appears anachronistic now. The significance of these speeches for an understanding of Kissinger's tenure may change with time, but at the moment, just six months after his departure, they already form an illuminating counterpoint to his actions.
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1974
ISBN: 0393055256
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Norton
Review Posted Online: Oct. 12, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1977
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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