Diaghilev’s Empire: How the Ballets Russes Enthralled the World

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‘Deliciously entertaining.’ Financial Times

‘Scintillating . . . fizzes with balletic energy.’ Daily Mail

‘Gripping . . . bursting with extraordinary characters and anecdotes.’ Sunday Telegraph

‘An extraordinary tale, enthrallingly told.’ Gramophone

Such was the credo of the ruthlessly manipulative and resourceful Serge Diaghilev – the Russian impresario who created the modern art form of ballet. Commissioning such legendary names as Nijinsky, Fokine, Stravinsky and Picasso, he produced a series of radically original works that had a revolutionary impact throughout the Western world. Off stage there was scandal and sensation, collaboration and competition, tempestuous affairs and a wild carousel of mayhem.

The Ballet Russes left a matchless artistic legacy, ending with the abrupt death of Diaghilev in 1929. But the achievements of its heroic prime would continue to set the standards for the next era.