Balanchine: A Biography: With a New Epilogue [Paperback]

Bernard Taper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 1996

Written with wit, insight, and candor, Balanchine is a book that will delight lovers of biography as well as those with a special interest in dance. For this edition the author has added a thoughtful yet dramatic account of the working out of Balanchine's legacy, from the making of his controversial will to the present day. The author explores the intriguing legal, financial, and institutional subplots that unfolded after the death of the greatest choreographer of the century, but the central plot of his epilogue is the aesthetic issue: In the absence of their creator, can the ballets retain their wondrous vitality? Taper illuminates the fascinating transmission of Balanchine's masterworks from one generation to another, an unprecented legacy in the history of ballet, that most evanescent of the arts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Balanchine emerges a unique compendium of fact, quotation, and interview. . . . Future biographers will have a difficult time matching Taper's compassion, coherence, and class." -- Allan Ulrich, San Francisco Examiner

About the Author

Bernard Taper is Emeritus Professor of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 458 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 2nd edition (November 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520206398
• ISBN-13: 978-0520206397
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #915,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite books!!, May 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Balanchine: A Biography (Paperback)

Taper's Balanchine biography is one of the best books I have ever read! It combines the biographical information with personal accounts and stories that really give you the feeling of getting to know the amazing George Balanchine. Some may have read other books, like Gelsey Kirkland's "Dancing on my Grave", that give a bad impression of Mr. Balanchine, but I promise if you read this book, you will have a change of heart. Although no biography can be completely free of bias, this author describes Mr. Balanchine in a truly honest and real way. I really do feel like I know Mr. Balanchine and I promise that if you read this incredible book, you will too

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tough but Good Read, March 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Balanchine: A Biography: With a New Epilogue (Paperback)

This is no easy, inspirational biography. It really goes in depth. But you finish thinking you understand this enigmatic man about as well as possible.

If you like or are curious about Balanchine, READ THIS BOOK!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Balanchine's biography!, April 23, 2001

By 

Lu Lu "lulu" (Argentina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Balanchine: A Biography: With a New Epilogue (Paperback)

I've so happy I bought this book, it's a pleasure to read. I'm a long time ballet fan, but I would stronly recommend this book for anyone who is interested about ballet, you can learn so much reading it!