Metacritic Books

George Balanchine
by Robert Gottlieb

ISBN: 0060750707
Harper Collins, 224 pages, $19.95
Nonfiction Biographies & Memoirs
Released 11/01/2004

Gottlieb's biography chronicles the life and work of mid-20th century America's preeminent choreographer, who among other achievements, headed the New York City Ballet for many years.

Overall Metascore

This is an average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

83 / 100

Critic Reviews

Outstanding Entertainment Weekly Joan Keener
Paints a superb portrait of the aloof, polite, deeply romantic Russian native who composed scores of now-canonical works ''without apparent hitch or hesitation.''
Outstanding Library Journal Barbara Hoffert
This is an eminent summation of what was indeed an "eminent life." [1 Nov. 2004, p. 87]
Outstanding Los Angeles Times Mindy Aloff
This book sounds much like the way he spoke about Balanchine in the halls of the New Yorker, where I was a contributor during the late '80s and early '90s. Its integrity is unquestionable. [24 Oct. 2004, R6]
Outstanding Publishers Weekly
This loving tribute captures Balanchine's legacy: his energy, confidence, lack of pretension and, most important, his joy in creation. [11 Oct. 2004, p. 72]
Outstanding Washington Post Laura Jacobs
The Ballet Maker is a graceful little book, a twirl into the world of George Balanchine.
Favorable Booklist Donna Seaman
[Gottlieb's] insider's view infuses his involving, meticulous biography with expertise and abiding respect. [1 Nov. 2004, p. 459]
Favorable San Francisco Chronicle Rachel Howard
This is a book of eyewitness elegance rather than evangelical passion, full of satisfying connections for those who have read the existing Balanchine biographies.
Favorable The New York Times Book Review Benedict Nightingale
I'd recommend Gottlieb's book for its authority, completeness and articulate excellence.
Favorable The New Yorker
In this brief yet energetic biography, [Gottlieb] moves briskly through an extraordinarily eventful life.
Favorable New York Review Of Books Toni Bentley
Gottlieb's book is well informed and makes a perfect introduction to the man.
Favorable Kirkus Reviews
Another brief biography published to coincide with the centennial of the legendary choreographer's birth, gaining color and immediacy from the author's behind-the-scenes knowledge of the New York City Ballet. [1 Nov. 2004, p. 1037]
Mixed The New York Times Jennifer Dunning
His tone is authoritative and urbane, though his recitation of Balanchine's midperiod history is sometimes dry.

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