A History of Dancing

1906, a rare first printing of Reginald St Johnston's history

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition. Hardback, bound in the original red cloth, titled in gilt to spine and upper board. Page edges untrimmed. 23.5 × 15cm, 197pp.

A rare first edition. Reginald St Johnston's history gives a panoramic view of dance's journey across the ages, from its mystical origins in ancient mythologies to its role in societal rituals and celebrations. The eloquent narrative, including anecdotes and insights, illuminates the art of dance as a mirror to humanity's cultural ethos. Whether tracing the graceful steps in the courts of Europe or exploring the vibrant dances of indigenous cultures, this book stands as a testament to dance's enduring allure and its capacity to express the profoundest aspects of human experience.

Chapters: 1. The Muse of Dancing in Ancient Mythology, and her Alliance with the Kindred Arts, 2. Dancing as a Religious Ceremony, 3. Ancient Forms of Dancing in Greece, Italy, and the East, 4. Some Early Forms of English Dancing, 5. Allegorical Dances among Primitive Nations, 6. Quaint Dances in Civilized Countries, 7. The Ballet, its Origin and Development, 8. The Stage Dancing of Today, 9. Dancing as a Social Pastime, 10. A Short History of the World's Dancers. The book is illustrated with four plates: 1. A Group of Modern Dancers, 2. Dance of Joy at the Overthrow of Doubting Castle (from an Early copy of The Pilgrim's Progress), 3. A Dance in Otaheite (from a first edition Capt. Cook's Voyages), and 4. Signor Vestris (from the London Magazine, April 1781).

Condition

A good copy. The spine is faded and there is light marking to the boards. The untrimmed page edges are tanned, and there is spotted foxing throughout the book. Some pages uncut (ie they have not been opened at the top edge, therefore unread). However, the book remains in strong readable condition.