Shawn, Ted. (1891–1972) [Andrews, Jerome]. The American Ballet, signed and inscribed by Shawn and heavily annotated and hand-illustrated by dancer/choreographer Jerome Andrews. . NY: Henry Holt and Co. . 1926. First edition. A marvelous copy of Shawn's 1926 book, bearing the "Denis-Shawn School of Dancing" bookplate of Jerome Andrews and heavily annotated and hand-illustrated by him. He has hand-titled all of the photographs in the volume, naming the performers and dances, and also has heavily annotated the text, including with dozens of drawing from life. The drawings, in pen and pencil, are clearly done at live performances/rehearsals and Andrews has written the dates of performances beside many of these, all executed in the margins and free pages.  The book was later (1963) signed by Shawn to Robert Edwards "with many memoires on this reunion after so many years." Together with: file of Newspaper clippings on Jacob's Pillow, 1920-80's; 1934 program for Ted Shawn and his Male Dancers; a marvelous original woodblock print of Jerome Andrews executed by fellow Shawn dancer, George Steares; a superb color drawing by Jerome Andrews. An exceptionally rare copy of this important volume, hand illustrated by one of the lead dancers in Shawn's historic company.



Ted Shawn was a key figure in the founding period of modern dance. With his wife, Ruth St. Denis, he founded and performed in the "Denishawn" company, mentoring among other famous dancers, the great Martha Graham.