Fonteyn Biography Recommendation?

[hackleton]

I have just read and re-read Julie Kavanagh's biogs of Ashton and her
new one of Nureyev. Despite being a ballet ignoramus, I love these
great books.

If I wanted something as serious and human / humane about Margot
Fonteyn, what of the many publications should I read? I have heard of
a Meredith Daneman biography --- is it good?

I am less interested in purely photographic records; the human side
(and the tech side, despite my ignorance) of the dance.

Polite replies to this group welcomed!

[hackleton]

Post by hackleton
I have just read and re-read Julie Kavanagh's biogs of Ashton and her
new one of Nureyev.  Despite being a ballet ignoramus, I love these
great books.
If I wanted something as serious and human / humane about Margot
Fonteyn, what of the many publications should I read?  I have heard of
a Meredith Daneman biography --- is it good?
I am less interested in purely photographic records; the human side
(and the tech side, despite my ignorance) of the dance ---

I meant to continue -- IS WHAT I AM MOST INTERESTED IN!.

Post by hackleton
Polite replies to this group welcomed!

[Trog Woolley]

Post by hackleton
I have just read and re-read Julie Kavanagh's biogs of Ashton and her
new one of Nureyev. Despite being a ballet ignoramus, I love these
great books.
If I wanted something as serious and human / humane about Margot
Fonteyn, what of the many publications should I read? I have heard of
a Meredith Daneman biography --- is it good?
I am less interested in purely photographic records; the human side
(and the tech side, despite my ignorance) of the dance.
Polite replies to this group welcomed!

I haven't read the Daneman biography; unlike you I'm more interested
in photos than words. Of it,

The New Yorker said:
"Daneman's biography is probably the closest examination that could
be made of the notoriously reticent English ballerina...Daneman tells
us the hard parts..."

and Publishers Weekly said:
"Both critically sophisticated and dramatically compelling, this is a
must-read for balletomanes as well as biography aficionados."

High praise indeed, so it might be worth a look.

[hackleton]

Post by Trog Woolley
I haven't read the Daneman biography; unlike you I'm more interested
in photos than words.  Of it,
"Daneman's biography is probably the closest examination that could
be made of the notoriously reticent English ballerina...Daneman tells
us the hard parts..."
"Both critically sophisticated and dramatically compelling, this is a
must-read for balletomanes as well as biography aficionados."
High praise indeed, so it might be worth a look.

Thanks very much for your prompt and helpful reply --- Daneman sounds
like my choice ----.

[n***@webtv.net]

You should view the 2 - 3 hr documentary Margot, frequently shown on
Ovation TV ( on DirecTV )

[hackleton]

You should view the 2 - 3  hr documentary Margot, frequently shown on
Ovation TV ( on DirecTV )

I will look for it; thank you.

Now, in reply to my own earlier enquiry: I bought the Meredith
Daneman biog of Fonteyn --- it is fabulous, of the same top quality as
Julie Kavanagh's biogs of Frederick Ashton and Rudolf Nureyev. Very
moving, very insightful, gives a full all-sides portrait of that
fascinating, difficult, sad, and utterly brilliant woman. Several
sources cite that amazing "sea change" that comes over the greatest
performers: at almost 50 years old, Margot waited in the wings,
haggard, tired, in pain; and as her cue was heard, stood up, and on
the instant she stepped out, she had become a joyous healthy 16-year-
old.

The book's paperback edition has been "remaindered" in North America,
and I got it for $1 plus postage! A fantastic book, worth the full
publisher's price.