Covering the work of Marius Petipa (Ballet Master and principal choreographer of the Imperial Ballet) and the development of the Imperial Russian Ballet, Svetlov includes such important figures as Fokine, Isadora Duncan and other modern dancers, up to Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. He also reflects on the reaction of French critics to the art of Russian ballet masters which they saw for the first time in Diaghilev's 'Russian Seasons'.

The book is richly decorated by Bakst, in his instantly recognisable Art Nouveau style, and beautifully illustrated with reproductions of designs for costumes and scenery by Benois, Golovin, Korovin and Roerich

First edition, 4to, an additional 66 pages of illustrations tipped in. Pages untrimmed, illustrations and decorations, many by Bakst, some in colour. Original pale-green cloth boards, with gilt illustrative decorations to front and spine, spine faded.

Magriel p.113; Niles & Leslie p.504; cf. Beaumont p168 & Derra de Moroda 2453 (French edition).