This is an up to date survey touching on every aspect of science's attack upon the question, "What is Life?" Written by one of the masters of scientific writing for the layman, it is a model of logical arrangement and natural integration of information that can stand as an example for all writers trying to "explain" scientific process and ideas. Its ease of comprehension is remarkable, yet the author's clarity is not dependent upon oversimplification. He has divided the complex story into four parts, and proceeding from the most familiar to the least, on an historical basis, he tells first of the development of species, then the cell, the molecule, and finally discusses the origin of Life. Interweaving facts from taxonomy, evolution, genetics, bacteriology, biochemistry, etc., he is always clear, never hesitating to define if necessary or detour to explain. Here the reader is told of the newest boundaries in the search, from what kind of life exists on Mars to the surprising facts about nucleic acid. An important book for all libraries having the slightest interest in providing the best in scientific explanation to the general reader—adult or teen age.
Pub Date: Oct. 27, 1960
ISBN: 0451037782
Page Count: -
Publisher: Abelard-Schuman
Review Posted Online: Sept. 13, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1960
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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