In this generously illustrated book, world-renowned Yale art historian Robert Farris Thompson gives us the definitive account of tango, " fabulous dance of the past hundred yearsand the most beautiful, in the opinion of Martha Graham.

Thompson traces tangos evolution in the nineteenth century under European, Andalusian-Gaucho, and African influences through its representations by Hollywood and dramatizations in dance halls throughout the world. He shows us tango not only as brilliant choreography but also as text, music, art, and philosophy of life. Passionately argued and unparalleled in its research, its synthesis, and its depth of understanding, is a monumental achievement.