Steps in Time

Fred Astaire was one of the leading entertainers of the twentieth century, working as a singer, actor and choreographer. Best known as a dancer, he developed a charming, graceful and sophisticated style that seemed to ignore the pull of gravity. In this memoir, he tells his own story.

The book begins with his first appearances in vaudeville at the age of six and follows his career as the star of many of Hollywood's most popular musicals. It portrays the golden age of entertainment and the stars who ruled it, as seen by Astaire, who was widely liked and admired by his contemporaries. Ballet figures George Balanchine and Rudolf Nureyev both named him the greatest dancer of the century.

The volume includes more than forty photographs from Astaire's personal collection. It covers his life, his era, his films and, above all, his screen appearances and his lasting friendship with Ginger Rogers, his most celebrated dancing partner.