Nijinsky

Nijinsky chronicles the life of legendary ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, from his early years at the Imperial Ballet School through his meteoric rise with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. The biography draws on extensive research, personal papers, and firsthand accounts from those who knew the dancer. The book covers Nijinsky's major performances and artistic contributions, including his groundbreaking choreography for works like L'Après-midi d'un Faune and Le Sacre du Printemps. Buckle examines Nijinsky's relationships with key figures in the ballet world, particularly his complex partnership with Sergei Diaghilev. Richard Buckle reconstructs the cultural landscape of early 20th century European ballet, detailing the artistic innovations and social forces that shaped Nijinsky's career. The narrative tracks the dancer's personal life alongside his professional achievements. The biography presents Nijinsky as a transformative figure in dance history while exploring themes of genius, artistic expression, and the intersection of life and art. Through Nijinsky's story, the book examines broader questions about the nature of creativity and the price of artistic greatness.

Readers consistently note this as the most comprehensive biography of Nijinsky, praising Buckle's extensive research and use of primary sources. Many highlight his incorporation of Nijinsky's personal diaries and letters, plus interviews with family members and colleagues. Readers appreciated: - Detailed accounts of Ballet Russes productions - Coverage of Nijinsky's relationships with Diaghilev and others - Balanced treatment of his mental illness - Period photographs and documentation Common criticisms: - Dense writing style that can be hard to follow - Too much focus on peripheral characters - Occasional speculation presented as fact - Limited analysis of dance techniques Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (248 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) Notable reader quote: "Buckle manages to capture both Nijinsky's genius and tragedy without sensationalizing either. The research is impeccable but never dry." - Goodreads reviewer Many readers suggest pairing this with Nijinsky's own diary for a complete picture.

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✧ Buckle spent 11 years researching and writing this biography, gaining unprecedented access to Nijinsky's personal diaries and interviewing many who knew the legendary dancer personally ✧ The book reveals that Nijinsky's famous "leap" could reach a height of 6 feet, and he appeared to pause mid-air, creating an illusion that defied gravity ✧ While writing the biography, Buckle worked closely with Romola Nijinsky, the dancer's widow, but later had a falling out with her over certain revelations in the book ✧ Though published in 1971, this remains the most comprehensive biography of Nijinsky and was the first to openly discuss his relationship with Diaghilev and his struggles with mental illness ✧ The author Richard Buckle was himself a distinguished dance critic who founded the Ballet Annual in 1947 and wrote for the Sunday Times for over 30 years, bringing unique insight to his subject matter