Denby, Edwin

Denby, Edwin

(1870–1929) lawyer; born in Evansville, Ind. His tenure as secretary of the navy (1921–24) was tainted by his alleged involvement in the Teapot Dome scandal. Although not impeached, he resigned his office after encountering widespread criticism.

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Denby, Edwin

(1903–83) dance critic, poet; born in China. Son of the American consul in Shanghai, he was educated at Harvard and the University of Vienna where he studied dance. Although he regarded himself as a poet, he earned his living as a dance critic, writing for Modern Music (1936–42) and the New York Herald Tribune (1942–45). Thereafter he was a freelance writer for such magazines as Dance Magazine and Nation, and was known for his striking metaphors and exacting reviews. An early supporter of Balanchine's choreography, he wrote Looking at the Dance (1949) and Dancers, Buildings and People in the Street (1965). He also published four volumes of poetry including Collected Poems (1975). In failing health, he committed suicide when he was 80.

The Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography, by John S. Bowman. Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995. Reproduced with permission.