Cambodian Dancers - Ancient and Modern

Summary:

Author (s):: George Groslier (Author),
Kent Davis (Editor),
Pedro Rodrguez (Translator)
Release:: 2011
Category:: Books
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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.

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George Groslier (1887-1945), historian,curator and author wasthe motivating force behind much of the revivalof interest in traditional Cambodian arts and crafts. He dedicated his life and career to Cambodia, accumulating many titles and honors along the way. He was a champion of the arts, a man of science, photographer and painter,a novelist and writer, and an ethnologist who infused all of his works with passion and sensitivity.

Groslier was born in Cambodia on February 4, 1887. He died in Cambodia, the country he loved, under torture as a Japanese prisoner on June 18, 1945. His genius lives on through his works. Read More >

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“Danseuses cambodgiennes anciennes et modernes has been remembered by scholars for nearly a century as the only attempt in any language to document the life and performance of the Cambodian dancer in the royal court, a role she has played for over a thousand years.
“As 19th and early 20th century monarchies faded into the background, Groslier’s text influenced modern Cambodian views of their own world, and whatever limitations of romanticism or access may be attributed to Groslier, the re-appearance of his work is an important touchstone for the contemporary renaissance and re-construction of Khmer culture.”

Professor Paul Cravath, PhD
University of Hawaii
Author: Earth in Flower – The Divine Mystery of the Cambodian Dance Drama[/tab]

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It is my pleasure to introduce new generations of readers to this classic account of Cambodia’s royal dance tradition. H.R.H. Princess Norodom Buppha Devi You returned here as if marked by destiny, the most restless artist we had ever encountered to devote himself to Cambodian dancers and their secrets.

Charles Gravelle – 1913

The first commentary in any language—Asian or European—on one of the world’s most refined performing arts.

Dr. Paul Cravath – Earth in Flower

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