[Ballets Russes] Beaumont, Cyril. (1891–1976) [Sevier, Michel]. La boutique fantasque - SIGNED. London: C. W. Beaumont. 1919. First edition. Rare volume from the "Impressions of the Russian Ballet" series, one of only 40 deluxe copies printed on japan vellum, with hand-coloured illustrations throughout. 16 pp. 8° (250 x 180mm). Original pink wrappers, with printed label on the upper cover. Wrappers somewhat soiled and dinged, otherwise fine within. Signed and inscribed beneath the limitation by Beaumont to H. D. Browne.


A scarce copy of this remarkable privately published volume from the influential British dance historian and critic, who from 1910 to 1965 owned and operated a world-famous dance bookshop in Charing Cross Road. Beaumont's meticulous attention to detail make his publications valuable documents of the productions as he "repeatedly viewed the ballets to ensure accurate descriptions and had his illustrators look closely at the actual sets and costumes to ensure correct documentation."(ODNB)


"La Boutique fantasque" is a ballet conceived and choreographed by Léonide Massine to music by Ottorino Respighit based on piano pieces of Rossini. It was premiered by Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in a production designed by André Derain at the Alhambra Theatre in London on June 5, 1919.