Description
1978 First edition. Hardcover has some minor wear along the sides, scuffs and marks. No dust jacket. Spine has some wear on the top and bottom. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.
This first edition of “The Dancer” by Leland Cooley is a fascinating glimpse into the world of dance and the artistic struggles of the mid-20th century. Published in 1978, it captures the zeitgeist of a pivotal era in American culture, when the arts were both celebrated and challenged. Cooley’s novel follows the journey of a young dancer navigating the competitive and often cutthroat world of professional ballet, offering a rare insider’s perspective on the physical and emotional demands of the craft.
Beyond its literary merits, this copy holds particular interest for collectors due to its well-preserved condition despite lacking a dust jacket. The clean pages and secure binding suggest it was cherished by a previous owner, perhaps a fellow dancer or enthusiast drawn to Cooley’s authentic portrayal of the dance world. Cooley himself was a respected figure in the arts, and his works offer a valuable window into the cultural landscape of the time. For readers and collectors alike, this first edition presents an opportunity to immerse oneself in a captivating story while appreciating its historical and artistic significance.