They all had glamour, from the Swedish Nightingale to the naked lady Book

A phenomenal book. Fifteen years of incredible archival research has created - I believe - the definitive biography of Leon Theremin (Lev Sergeyevich Termen). Glinsky has enacted a profound work of scholarship here, working the archive but also opening and understanding the (large) gaps and silences in the Theremin narrative.

The Theremin biography is also a history of the twentieth century, modernity and the Soviet Union. All parts of this history are integrated, including an outstanding Foreword by Robert Moog (we are not worthy).

The Theremin - the instrument rather than the man - has always embodied modernity for me. Using electricity to play air - to play space. It is part of this world - but always sounds beyond it. This book provides the grounding for this remarkable instrument and shows how a man managed (or didn't) politics, invention, creativity, fame, decline and fame again.

A privilege to read.