Review Of "George Balanchine: The Ballet Maker" By R. Gottlieb

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

5-1-2005

Published In

Choice

Abstract

As editor in chief of Simon and Schuster, Alfred A. Knopf, and The New Yorker, Gottlieb has edited numerous books during his career, many of them on dance-related topics. Released in the "Eminent Lives" series ("brief biographies by distinguished authors on canonical figures"), this book is a gem. Gottlieb served on the board of the New York City Ballet (Balanchine's company) and was involved in numerous aspects of that company's life and growth. He brings his understanding of the interior workings of the company and his more than 50 years of watching Balanchine's work to bear in this book. Arranged chronologically, the chapters follow Balanchine's remarkable choreographic output and along the way distill salient events, dances, and people in his life. Though economically written, the book captures nuances of Balanchine's life and work, presenting them as no previous book on the great choreographer has. Enhancing the book are 30 black-and-white photographs, a list of significant dances by Balanchine, a short article written by Balanchine in 1965, and a useful guide to additional sources on Balanchine's life and work. Summing Up: Essential. All dance and arts collections; all levels.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of Choice Reviews. The review has been reproduced in full in the abstract field.

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