Jerome Robbins, By Himself: Selections From His Letters, Journals, Drawings, Photographs, And An Unfinished Memoir

"Jerome Robbins was a singular figure in 20th century American artistic history – he was phenomenally successful as both a director and choreographer for Broadway shows and, concurrently, as a choreographer for ballet. Amanda Vaill, who authored the Robbins biography, Somewhere, has edited this substantial volume of the artist’s letters, journal entries, photos, drawings, fictional work and excerpts from an unpublished memoir to give a deeper insight into the man, his creativity, his neuroses and his lifelong loneliness. Of particular interest are letters to his collaborators on West Side Story, to get them to trim and streamline the show, and Fiddler on the Roof, asking for better songs. There are long, revealing letters to friends and lovers (both men and women). And excerpts from Robbins’ unproduced Poppa Piece explore his Jewish identity, his guilt over naming names when he was called before HUAC, and his difficult relationship with his father. This is an essential volume, for lovers of both Broadway and ballet."