African Rhythm American Dance; a Biography of Katherine Dunham
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1974. First Edition. Octavo. (21 cm. x 14 cm.) 213 pp. Photo illustrated dust jacket. Full orange cloth. Titles in green on spine. Library sticker affixed to bottom of dust jacket spine. Some light tape residue on cloth and jacket flaps. Top of text block with orange stain. Library stamps from Mt. Pleasant Public Library including deaccession stamp to front and rear free endpaper. Top, bottom and side of text block stamped "Mt. Pleasant Library". Text with a few pencil highlights throughout. Overall, a bright and clean copy. Very Good. Item #201
A biography of pioneering dancer, Katherine Dunham. Influenced by the religious rituals and dance traditions brought by slaves from Africa to the Americas and to the Caribbean, Dunham worked ceaselessly to legitimize the art form. Working as an anthropologist in the 1930s, Dunham travelled to the Caribbean to study the music, songs and dance techniques of those from the African diaspora including the influence of Shango and the voodoo initiations of Haiti. Dunham would ultimately create her own dance company, and introduce to a classic ballet centered world, the art, strength and roots of the African Dance Experience. Although this book was written for young teens, biographer, Terry Harnan, was most renowned as an editor and reporter for "Look" and "Life" magazines. Despite this copy being exlibris, this book about the "Queen Mother of Black Dance" are scarce in good condition.
Price: $75.00