Richard Buckle

Richard Buckle (1916-2001) was a prominent British dance critic, author, and exhibition curator who specialized in ballet history and criticism. He is best known for founding the magazine Ballet and serving as its editor from 1939 to 1949. His major biographical works include "Nijinsky" (1971) and "Diaghilev" (1979), both considered essential texts in dance scholarship. Buckle's writing style combined meticulous research with engaging narrative, making complex dance history accessible to general readers while maintaining scholarly integrity. Throughout his career, Buckle curated several influential exhibitions about dance at major institutions, including retrospectives on Diaghilev's Ballets Russes at the Edinburgh Festival and the Victoria and Albert Museum. His work as a critic for The Observer and other publications helped shape public understanding of ballet in mid-twentieth century Britain. Beyond his written work, Buckle maintained close relationships with many leading figures in dance, including Frederick Ashton and Margot Fonteyn. These connections informed his writing and contributed to his detailed understanding of ballet's development during a crucial period of its history.

Readers value Buckle's detailed research and intimate knowledge of ballet history, particularly in his biographies of Nijinsky and Diaghilev. His personal connections to key dance figures lend authenticity to his accounts. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex ballet history - Inclusion of first-hand accounts and primary sources - Balance between academic depth and readable style - Thorough documentation of ballet's development in the 20th century What readers disliked: - Dense writing can be challenging for casual readers - Some passages focus too heavily on social context rather than dance - Occasional bias when discussing personal acquaintances - Limited availability of his works in print Ratings: Goodreads: "Nijinsky" - 4.1/5 (127 ratings) "Diaghilev" - 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: "Nijinsky" - 4.5/5 (12 reviews) "Diaghilev" - 4.7/5 (8 reviews) Several readers note his works remain relevant reference materials for dance students and historians, though newer biographical works have emerged since publication.

Nijinsky (1971) Comprehensive biography of ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, covering his life, career, and descent into mental illness.

Diaghilev (1979) Detailed chronicle of Sergei Diaghilev's life and his creation of the Ballets Russes, including his relationships with dancers and composers.

In Search of Diaghilev (1955) Collection of interviews, research, and personal accounts relating to Sergei Diaghilev and the early 20th century ballet world.

In the Wake of Diaghilev (1982) Analysis of the lasting influence of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes on modern dance and theatrical production.

The Art of Nijinsky (1951) Study of Nijinsky's artistic contributions to dance, including his choreography and performance style.

U and Non-U Revisited (1978) Examination of British class distinctions through language usage, building on Nancy Mitford's original concept.

Jacob Epstein, Sculptor (1963) Biography of the modernist sculptor Jacob Epstein, documenting his life and artistic development.

Cyril Beaumont wrote extensively about ballet history and published detailed biographies of dancers and choreographers in the early-to-mid 20th century. His writing style combines historical documentation with firsthand knowledge of the ballet world, similar to Buckle's approach.

Jennifer Homans produced comprehensive works on ballet history with a focus on cultural context and societal impacts. Her research methods and attention to historical detail parallel Buckle's thorough documentation style.

Lynn Garafola specializes in ballet and dance history with particular emphasis on Diaghilev's Ballets Russes era. Her academic approach to dance writing and extensive use of primary sources mirrors Buckle's historical methodology.

Marian Smith focuses on 19th-century ballet and opera, examining the intersection of music and dance. Her analytical approach to historical dance documentation reflects Buckle's interest in the technical and contextual aspects of ballet history.

John Percival wrote about 20th-century ballet with an insider's perspective as a critic and historian. His work combines reviews, interviews, and historical analysis in a way that echoes Buckle's comprehensive coverage of the ballet world.