Nijinsky
A Life of Genius and Madness
Published on 16. October 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
608 pages
978-1-60598-514-5 (ISBN)
Description
Vaslav Nijinsky was unique as a dancer, interpretive artist, and choreographic pioneer. His breathtaking performances with the Ballet Russe from 1909 to 1913 took Western Europe by storm. His avant-garde choreography for The Afternoon of the Faune and The Rite of Spring provoked riots when performed and are now regarded as the foundation of modern dance.
Through his liaison with the great impresario Diaghilev, he worked with the artistic elite of the time. During the fabulous Diaghilev years he lived in an atmosphere of perpetual hysteria, glamor, and intrigue. Then, in 1913, he married a Hungarian aristocrat, Romola de Pulszky, and was abruptly dismissed from the Ballet Russe. Five years later, he was declared insane. The fabulous career as the greatest dancer who ever lived was over.
Drawing on countless people who knew and worked with Nijinsky, Richard Buckle has written the definitive biography of the legendary dancer.
Through his liaison with the great impresario Diaghilev, he worked with the artistic elite of the time. During the fabulous Diaghilev years he lived in an atmosphere of perpetual hysteria, glamor, and intrigue. Then, in 1913, he married a Hungarian aristocrat, Romola de Pulszky, and was abruptly dismissed from the Ballet Russe. Five years later, he was declared insane. The fabulous career as the greatest dancer who ever lived was over.
Drawing on countless people who knew and worked with Nijinsky, Richard Buckle has written the definitive biography of the legendary dancer.
Reviews / Votes
"This will be the definitive biography for decades." -- The Times Literary Supplement "Buckle has chosen the legendary dancer as his focus in a study encompassing the whole Diaghilev empire. We find an unobstructed view of this otherwise opaque man." -- Kirkus Reviews "This book is the equivalent to a last opportunity to attend the golden age of the Russian Ballet. Buckle makes those golden pre-war summers live again." -- Sacheverell SitwellMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 221 mm
Width: 141 mm
Thickness: 48 mm
Weight
643 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-60598-514-5 (9781605985145)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Richard Buckle was one of the leading authorities on Diaghilev and the Ballet Russe. He was the ballet critic of the London Observer and the Sunday Times in London and was a pallbearer at Nijinsky's funeral in 1950. Richard died in 2001.