Amis disclaims all responsibility for dipsomaniacs (a special case) but this should be everyone else's indispensable guide to alcoholic bliss. Amis feels that the smallest detail is worth bothering with; infinite pains must be taken. In a tone that goes from reverential hush to lecture-podium pomp he unfolds his "treatise," footnoted with commentaries from Isaiah, Shakespeare, Byron and others who've held strong opinions — "Freedom and Whisky gang thegither!" (Robert Burns). Equipment, stock on hand, recipes, etiquette, etc. are discussed at some length with Amis making no effort to repress his prejudices ("The Wine-Resenter's Short Handy Guide" — wine unlike hard booze is just too damn much trouble and there's no snob like a wine snob). As for the morning-after ravages: "A few writers can be taken as metaphorically illuminating the world of the hangover while ostensibly dealing with something else. Parts of Dostoevsky can be read in this way." But he tenders advice on "countermeasures" bravely, both for the P.H. (Physical Hangover) and the "incomparably more dreadful" M.H. (Metaphysical Hangover). All in all, a great comfort. Cheers! Mr. Amis.
Pub Date: Oct. 24, 1973
ISBN: 0151689954
Page Count: 109
Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
Review Posted Online: March 19, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 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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