A ringing defense of TV as a forum for art, information, and education, and as a candidate in the more-cultured-than-thou sweepstakes. Bianculli is a TV critic for The New York Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and NPR. The quiz that launches the book, comparing knowledge of the classics with knowledge of TV programs, will leave many readers feeling sheepish. Isn't it embarrassing to know who shot J.R. and not know who killed Achilles? And that, of course, is Bianculli's point. Since the early 50's and the advent of I Love Lucy, he contends, TV has become America's cultural reference point, a common language—teleliteracy—that often bridges class and ethnic barriers. Citing Plato, who trashed poetry as a diversion ``not to be taken seriously,'' Bianculli likens TV to other media—music, the novel, radio, film—once scorned because they appealed to the masses. But programs like Dennis Potter's The Singing Detective, CNN's coverage of the Gulf War, PBS's The Civil War, children's programs like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, and even sitcoms like Taxi and Cheers are offered in evidence that TV can broaden its audience's view of the world and sharpen its critical skills. Shared experiences like TV's coverage of JFK's assassination and of the Challenger disaster create a national memory, Bianculli says, adding that making TV the scapegoat for poorly educated children avoids looking at the true root causes, like underfunding. And there's much more, both positive and not, in this carefully researched, brightly written book. Admitting that TV has yet to reach its potential, Bianculli finds enough meat in current programming to relieve the guilt of all of us who watch the not-so-boob tube more than we care to admit. (Ten b&w photographs—not seen.)
Pub Date: June 26, 1992
ISBN: 0-8264-0535-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Continuum
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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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