One of only 100 copies - not only signed by Anthony, but inscribed by Haskell too
Publication: Bles, London, 1937.
Fine example of this classic record of the Ballets Russes, with the signatures of both authors, which is unusual.
£1,250
In stock
First edition of this lovely book – this copy from the limited edition of 100 copies (No. 42) signed by Gordon Anthony and inscribed “with all good wishes” by his co-author Arnold Haskell, a British dance critic and later director of the Royal Ballet School.
“A record, a souvenir, and an eloquent tribute to the foremost dancers of our day” (Haskell, preface), containing nearly a hundred superb photographic studies of the 1930s ballet luminaries, some in rare roles and poses, including Leonide Massine, Tamara Toumanova, Anton Dolin, Alicia Markova, Ninette de Valois—Anthony’s sister, a former dancer with Ballets Russes and a founder of The Royal Ballet. The plates are arranged by the dancers’ companies: the De Basil Ballet, René Blum’s company (the inheritors of the Diaghilev Ballet Russes), the Ballet Jooss, and the Vic Wells Ballet, each accompanied by notes on the history of these companies and brief biographies of the dancers portrayed.
An attractive, fresh example of this extensive visual record of the Ballets Russes.
Item number
3193
Folio (32 x 26.5 cm). 241 pp. incl. half-title and title, with 96 black and white photographs tipped-in.
Binding
Publisher’s red calf spine over ivory buckram boards, spine with gilt lettering and blind-stamped fillets, top edge gilt, patterned endpapers, publisher’s red cloth slipcase.
Condition
A few small scuffs and stains on spine, light staining on boards, slipcase a bit stained, scratched, and worn at edges; minimal soiling on title and bottom base of frontispiece.
Fine example of the first edition. Barbier, a great art-deco artist and illustrator, celebrates here one of the star dancers of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes - a beautiful production in appealing condition.
Scarce gathering of Yorke's beautiful and rare publication and both Barbier's 'albums', all bound at the time in a fine blue calf signed binding - a fine volume indeed.
If you would like more information on this item, or if you have a similar item you would like to know more about, please contact us via the short form here.
