Books

First edition of the work that popularized the importance of dramatic motivation in European ballet and became the authoritative work on ballet d'action. Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810) is credited with turning ballet from an operatic interlude into an independent art form. He developed his expertise at the courts of Frederick II, Maria Theresa, and Marie Antoinette, for whom he worked as ballet master of the Paris Opera. In the course of his career, he choreographed over 150 ballets. He collaborated with Garrick, Mozart, and Voltaire, who wrote of the Lettres that "you shed a great deal of light on all the arts. Your style is as elegant as your ballets have imagination" (quoted in Chazin-Bennahum, p. 94). Two issues of the first edition were issued, simultaneously, in Stuttgart and Lyon. This, the Stuttgart issue, omits the "Avec approbation et privilege du roi" on the title page, and does not include the approbation leaf inserted in the Lyon issue. Octavo (166 x 103 mm). Contemporary mottled calf, smooth spine ruled and with floral decoration in gilt, and with brown morocco label, covers with triple-rule panel in gilt, marbled endpapers, edges gilt, blue silk bookmarker. Engraved coat of arms of Charles Eugene, Duke of Württemberg, to p. [3]. Woodcut vignette to title page, head- and tailpieces, and initials. Light bumping and rubbing, slight cracking to inner hinges, minor browning and foxing to endpapers and content margins: a very good copy. Malkin 84. Judith Chazin-Bennahum, "Jean-Georges Noverre: dance and reform", in Marion Kant, ed, The Cambridge Companion to Ballet, 2007, pp. 87-97.

One of the most important works in the history of ballet, providing insight into the art form's aesthetics and principles.