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Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham- A Biography Hardcover – August 20, 1991

by Agnes De Mille (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
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The author, a celebrated choreographer and a friend of Martha Graham for more than sixty years, traces Graham's life and career and discusses her training as a student, her early successes, and her development of a new language of dance
Previous page
  1. Print length
    509 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Random House
  4. Publication date
    August 20, 1991
  5. ISBN-10
    0394556437
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0394556437
  7. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Eye-opening, riveting, enlightening, uplifting--Martha Graham's life and times seen through the discerning, appreciative eye of Agnes de Mille. This is an earthier, more human Graham than in her own Blood Memory (p. 839); it is also a more detailed look at the era. Graham's vision was so focused that she was unaware of, or thought unimportant, the surroundings, players, intrigues; she was also extremely private. De Mille can and does give us the fuller picture. De Mille met Graham in the early Denishawn days in California; their lives and careers intertwined ever after with varying degrees of intensity. They were friends, worked with many of the same people, and kept a critical eye on each other's work. Graham's strength and will were apparent certainly by her teens; her genius was apparent early, too. De Mille follows the development of that gift, and along the way explores in depth Graham's contemporaries, technique, and the dance world generally. This is meaty, detailed stuff, and all in de Mille's wonderful voice. On Doris Humphrey: ``...she analyzed everything. It was not enough that a fall or lean could be lovely. She had to explain why...Her own dancing seemed to have little personality, while Martha's was electrifying.'' On the relationship between a choreographer's physique and his work, and Graham's in particular: she claimed that she always choregraphed falls on the left because the heart is on the left. ``Maybe so,'' says de Mille, ``but to this dancer it seems that it really was because her left leg and thigh were stronger and more stretched out.'' De Mille drops a number of bombshells here, particularly in her discussions of Graham's emotional life. She had stormy, sometimes physically abusive (by both parties) relationships in her life. De Mille describes the two most intense crises: Graham's failed marriage to Erick Hawkins; and her forced retirement as a dancer, in 1968, at age 72. This latter precipitated a physical collapse that de Mille names convincingly as being alcoholic. ``Martha got well, in her own way, in her own time, and without alcohol. Martha rose from the dead, and verily, she was changed now.'' A loving, respectful, but always cleareyed account of the human Graham. A must for fans of Graham's, de Mille's, dance- -indeed, anyone wanting a clear picture of a creative era that is fast drawing to a close. (Thirty-two pp. of b&w photos--not seen.) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House; First Edition (August 20, 1991)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 509 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0394556437
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0394556437
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
31 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

L. Hershberger
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read on Martha Graham... and I've read many
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2014
Verified Purchase
Agnes is a great storyteller, and she knew Martha personally. She doesn't hide the rough edges, but reveals a fascinating human who changed the dance world in one lifetime.

It would be a good read if it were fiction. It's much better because it's real.

If you are interested in the history of dance, or strong women, or the up and down sides of genius in the arts... read this. If you want a dramatic story about sticking to your guns in spite of societal disdain/misunderstanding, read this. If you like biographies... read this.

My favorite dance biography of all. And that's my favorite non-how-to book of all.
10 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars All I expected
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
Was q replacement gift and most appreciated
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NY Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Book looked like it was found in a trash can after a big storm
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Received a beat up book with the cover being held on with scotch tape.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars A recommended book, for Curious people, about Martha Graham
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2002
Agnes De Mille, has an objective view of Martha Graham, and at the same time, a very close relationship with the Artist. Her description on Martha's moods, are eloquent, and astute, as if you were Agnes De Mille herself, witnessing the intricate life of this Genius, Martha Graham.
The beggining of the book, might be a bit long if you are not a Dancer, but once it gets to the point, it is a very exciting book, you must own it.
Enjoy your readding...
5 people found this helpful
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Rosalie S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2017
Verified Purchase
Watching this is a beautiful experience. Anyone interested in dance will enjoy it. I will buy more about this dancer.
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Grace Millard
5.0 out of 5 stars Quality exceeded my expectations
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2019
Verified Purchase
Excellent quality, prompt delivery
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
All is fine with the book and cheap. Thank you very much.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Interessante libro che fa capire il contributo della grande innovatrice
Reviewed in Italy on November 24, 2021
Verified Purchase
Il libro è arrivato in ottime condizioni e nei tempi previsti. Come da descrizione, illustra in modo diffuso il contributo di Martha Graham allo sviluppo della danza moderna e le sue interazioni con gli altri innovatori che costituivano il tessuto culturale dell'epoca. Il libro contiene anche fotografie curiose che costituiscono una documentazione visiva storica. Molto interssante.
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Sara Schermerhorn
5.0 out of 5 stars Martha for all artists
Reviewed in Canada on March 31, 2019
Verified Purchase
This book is great! A psychological and spiritual portrait of a brilliant artist who created a huge body of work out of her own creative genius. This book is rich in Martha Graham's history. The book covers all aspects of a creative working life that was influenced by political, spiritual, psychological and social interests. Martha Graham was a remarkable talent who left behind a dance legacy that will probably not be forgotten. A truly interesting biography that offers much for artists working in any field.
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