Cambodian Dancers - Ancient and Modern

Since the dawn of recorded history, Khmer royalty nurtured a sacred dance style unique to their Asian kingdom, yet instantly recognizable throughout the world. In 1913, George Groslier published the first Western study of this ancient art. For nearly a century Danseuses cambodgiennes anciennes et modernes has stood as the first significant historic account of Cambodia’s royal dance tradition. This edition presents the first English translation of his pivotal work, beautifully typeset with all the author’s original drawings. It also includes the first personal account of Groslier’s life by biographer Kent Davis, family photos, extensive background materials, a bibliography and index. The first French child born in Cambodia in 1887, Groslier went to Paris to train as a painter before returning to Asia to become an archaeologist, historian, educator and novelist. A lifelong champion of Khmer arts, Groslier founded the National Museum of Cambodia and the School of Fine Arts. After a life of adventure, contemplation, and instruction — traveling the Mekong, mapping the ruins of Cambodia’s lost temples, sparking a revival of traditional Cambodian arts, and helping apprehend a young art thief named André Malraux — Groslier was tortured and killed by the Japanese army in 1945. This book was the first in a series of works that he wrote about his beloved birthplace. Time would tame his prose but never his enthusiasm, which here leaps off the page.

For nearly a century, Groslier’s 1913 book, Danseuses cambodgiennes anciennes et modernes, has been regarded as the most significant historic account of Cambodia’s royal dancers.

This new edition presents the first complete English translation of this pivotal work, beautifully typeset with all Groslier’s original drawings. The work is supplemented by an original biography of the author, extensive appendices and index.