The Gentleman Dancing-Master

For readers fascinated by the intersection of art and power, this volume offers a compelling deep dive into the world of Mr Isaac, the preeminent dancer and choreographer who shaped the cultural life of the English royal court. The book meticulously reconstructs his career from the reign of Charles II through Queen Anne, exploring his roles as a performer, teacher, and creator of the era's most prestigious court dances. It goes beyond biography to place his work within the complex social and political dynamics of the Restoration and early eighteenth century, providing a rich historical context for his artistic contributions.

What truly distinguishes this work is its dual focus on historical narrative and practical reconstruction, featuring detailed facsimiles and analysis of Isaac's surviving dance notations. This approach makes the art form tangible, allowing readers to understand not just the man, but the very steps and structures that captivated a court. History enthusiasts, dance scholars, and anyone curious about the performative nature of royal life will find a wealth of original insight here, bringing a lost world of baroque spectacle and political theater vividly to life.