A comprehensive report on the largest planet (and "the largest true planet possible"), including considerable background on the history, methods and findings of solar system astronomy and copious comparative tables on the size, orbits, position, etc. of all the planets. Asimov explains Jupiter's unusual brightness and shape, considers the planet's satellites and their part in discoveries about Jupiter, moons in general, and even of the speed of light. Jupiter's gravitational influence on the sun and on other planets and its effect on the asteroids and comets is surveyed and the author ends with views of Jupiter and its atmosphere as seen by a possible space traveler of the future, then an exploration of puzzles still to be solved — some perhaps by the Pioneer 10 probe slated to fly by Jupiter on December 3 of this year. There is much raw data here for student reports, and for more serious readers a solid astronomical context as well.
Pub Date: April 11, 1973
ISBN: 0688517285
Page Count: -
Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1973
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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