Bloomsbury Ballerina: Lydia Lopokova, Imperial Dancer and Mrs John Maynard Keynes

Bloomsbury Ballerina: Lydia Lopokova, Imperial Dancer and Mrs John Maynard Keynes

by JudithMackrell (Author)

Synopsis

The story of the splendidly unpredictable Russian dancer who ruffled the feathers of the Bloomsbury set and became the wife of John Maynard Keynes Born in 1891 in St Petersburg, Lydia Lopokova lived a long and remarkable life. Her vivacious personality and the sheer force of her charm propelled her to the top of Diaghilev's Ballet Russes. Through a combination of luck, determination and talent, Lydia became a star in Paris, a vaudeville favourite in America, the toast of Britain and then married the world-renowned economist, and formerly homosexual, John Maynard Keynes. Lydia's story links ballet and the Bloomsbury group, war, revolution and the economic policies of the super-powers. She was an immensely captivating, eccentric and irreverent personality: a bolter, a true bohemian and, eventually, an utterly devoted wife.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 496
Publisher: W&N
Published: 02 Apr 2009

ISBN 10: 0753825783
ISBN 13: 9780753825785
Book Overview: The story of the splendidly unpredictable Russian dancer who ruffled the feathers of the Bloomsbury set and became the wife of John Maynard Keynes
Prizes: Shortlisted for Sheridan Morley Prize for Best Theatre Biography 2009 and Costa Biography Award 2008.

Media Reviews
Judith Mackrell has used her resources to rescue the ballerina from an undeserved obscurity * CONTEMPORARY REVIEW *
In this lovingly crafted biography, Judith Mackrell restores to life a colourful bohemian character... a warm memorial to an almost-forgotten star * OBSERVER *
Mackrell captures the fizz of Lopokova's personality, her lovability, and makes her come alive. -- Alison Light * LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS *
a superb new biography...Mackrell, with her insider's knowledge of ballet and theatre, lovingly recreates Lydia's many worlds * GAY & LESBIAN REVIEW *
Thorough and absorbing * GOOD BOOK GUIDE *
Author Bio
Judith Mackrell is a writer and Dance critic for the Guardian. She was the ghostwriter for Darcey Bussell's 'Life in Dance'. She lives in London with her husband and two sons.