First published 1997
Rudolf Nureyev steps off the stage and into the private moments that reveal his true character. The legendary dancer demands perfection from everyone around him, yet throws tantrums when things don't go his way. He counts every penny despite his fame and fortune, haggling over small expenses while living extravagantly. His moods shift without warning, leaving friends and colleagues guessing what will set him off next. Those closest to him endure his demanding behavior and childish outbursts because beneath the difficult exterior lies something that inspires deep loyalty. The man who captivated audiences worldwide struggles with the same petty concerns and emotional needs as anyone else. His friends see past his flaws to the vulnerable person hiding behind the public persona. This portrait captures the contradiction at the heart of artistic genius.
Genres: biography, art, 20th-century, memoir, 21st-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: celebrity, character-study, flawed-protagonist
Period: 20th-Century, 21st-Century
160 pages · Hardcover · Robert Hale