This series biography tells the story of Alvin Ailey's interesting and accomplished life in a straightforward, unbiased way. The first half includes background information about what was going on in the world at different points in Ailey's development; things like the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement shaped Alvin Ailey as a person and an artist. The second half of the book focuses on the work of his American Dance Theater company. Many individuals were instrumental to Ailey's growth and success as a dancer and choreographer. Their lives and influence are also detailed here, along with developments in the dance world, making this a thorough and well-rounded account of the life and work of this gifted artist. ( )