Alexander Technique Booklist

Alexander, F.M.

Articles and Lectures Compiled by Jean M.O.Fischer
Mouritz, London, 1995.

The origins and development of the F.M. Alexander Technique between 1894 and 1910 can be traced in these papers. Starting with his observations on the art of elocution, they show how Alexander changed the emphasis from breathing to "motive power," the correct mental attitude and, ultimately, conscious control.

Constructive Conscious Control of the Individual
STAT Books, London, 1997.

First published in 1924. The author discusses sensory appreciation in its relation to evolutionary development, and human beings' needs and happiness. Approaches to learning and learning to do were also incorporated.

Man's Supreme Inheritance
Mouritz, London, 1996.

First published in 1910. Alexander proposed an evolutionary explanation for the general deterioration in health and well-being of modern man.

The Use of the Self
Gollancz, London, 1996.

The shortest and perhaps most readable of Alexander's books, first issued in 1932. Contains the seminal chapter, 'Evolution of a Technique.'

The Universal Constant in Living
Mouritz, London, 2000.

First published in 1941, it was the fourth and last book. It contains his most mature and consummate thoughts on the technique. Alexander explains how his technique meets the urgent need for wholeness in approach and action.

Balk, Malcolm & Shields, Andrew

The Art of Running with the Alexander Technique
Ashgrove, UK, 2000.

How to achieve and maintain fitness and how to overcome self-imposed limitations to enjoyable and successful running.

Barlow, Dr Wilfred

The Alexander Principle
Gollancz, London, 1973.

Barlow trained with F.M. Alexander while studying medicine. Seen from a medical perspective, with scientific references and useful diagrams, this was a highly influential book.


Binkley, Godard

The Expanding Self
STAT Books, London, 1993.

In diary form, Binkley, an American, records his encounters with Alexander in his later years. Binkley trained to become a teacher of the technique. Candid and fascinating.

Brown, R.

Authorised Summaries of F.M. Alexander's Four Books
STAT Books, London, 1992.

A handy reference, but no substitute for the real thing.

Caplan, Deborah

Back Trouble
Triad Publishing Co., Florida, 1987.

Brilliant combination of text and illustrations that deals with that seeming universal malady. Small wonder this is one of the most popular of books on the subject.

Carrington, Walter

Thinking Aloud, edited by Jerry Sontag
Mornum Time Press, San Francisco, 1994.

Trained by Alexander from 1936 to 1939, working as his assistant and then carrying on the teacher training course after Alexander's death in 1955, Carrington talks about the Technique simply and perceptively. A joy, especially for trainees and dedicated pupils.

The Act of Living, edited by Jerry Sontag
Mornum Time Press, San Francisco, 1999.

More avuncular wisdom from this master teacher, gleaned from Carrington's daily talks to his trainees. The core of the book lies in the quotation by Professor George Coghill: "We are not concerned with Life, but with Living, not with Being but with Becoming."

Carrington, Walter and Carey, Sean

Explaining the Alexander Technique:
The writings of F. Matthias Alexander
The Sheldrake Press, London, 1992.

Illuminating and revelatory, this series of interviews covers a vast terrain.

Chance, Jeremy

Principles of the Alexander Technique
Thorsons, London, 1998.

Witty and highly readable demystification of the Technique with well chosen illustrations. Good introductory reading.

Dart, Raymond A.

Skill and Poise
STAT Books, London, 1996.

The celebrated anthropologist confirms and affirms Alexander's discovery.

De Alcantara, Pedro

Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1997.

Should be in every library – and in every musician's briefcase. Even non-musical readers will find much of importance in this book.

The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life
Crowood Press, 1999.

Exceptional introductory text bolstered by good
illustrations and testimonials.

Garlick, Dr David

The Lost Sixth Sense: A Medical Scientist Looks at the Alexander Technique
University of New South Wales, Australia, 1997.

Brief but compelling examination of our lost kinaesthetic awareness and how the Technique may restore it.

Gelb, Michael

Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique
Aurum Press, UK, 1981.

The author examines the basic principles governing the technique and shows how it can be applied to every kind of learning experience from children's education and the acquiring of basic skills to the most advanced needs of professionals, athletes, and entertainers. Remains at the top of the list of popular books on the subject.

Jones, Frank Pierce

Freedom to Change: The Development and Science of the Alexander Technique
Mouritz, London, 1997.

Jones was one of Alexander's most prominent and eloquent admirers from the field of science. Collected Writings on the Alexander Technique Alexander Technique Archives Inc., USA, 1998. In plain language, Jones highlights the importance to us all of Alexander's discoveries.

Langford, Elizabeth

Mind and Muscle: An Owner's Handbook
Garant, UK, 1998.

Written in everyday language, it gives the facts about the intimate links between thoughts, emotions, and muscles behaviour, and shows in detail just what principles really underpin good functioning. Well illustrated and informed by Langford's considerable experience of teaching the technique.

McCallion, Michael

The Voice Book
Faber & Faber, UK, 1988.

An attempt to answer most of the questions which professional voice users ask about the voice. A practical manual for voice users of all kinds.


Macdonald, Glynn

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Alexander Technique
Element Books, UK, 1998.

A practical programme for health, poise, and
fitness. Comprehensive and beautifully illustrated.


Macdonald, Patrick

The Alexander Technique As I see It
Rahula Books, Brighton UK, 1989.

Not a complete book, but fragments from the notes of this highly influential master teacher.

Machover, I., Drake. A., & Drake. J.

The Alexander Technique Birth Book
Sterling Publishing, New York, London, 1993

Reissued as Pregnancy and Birth the Alexander Way
Robinson Publishing Ltd., London, 1995.

Clear, easy to follow explanations with excellent illustrations.

Maisel, Edward

The Resurrection of the Body
Dell Publishing Co. New York, 1969.

One of the earliest commentaries on the technique. Maisel's overview of Alexander's life is superbly written.

Novis Publications

Two long awaited book releases from NOVIS PUBLICATIONS

TAKING TIME
Six interviews with first generation teachers of the Alexander Technique on Alexander teacher training interviews with: Peggy Williams, Walter and Dilys Carrington, Marjory Barlow, Elisabeth Walker,Anthony Spawforth, Erika Whittaker Paperback, 170 mm x 240 mm, 148 pages Price 175 DKK (approximately AUD 40)

NEVER ASK WHY
The life-adventure of Kitty (Catherine Merrick) Wielopolska (1900-1988) Her experience with the Alexander Work, schizophrenia and the psychic state as told to Joe Armstrong Paperback 145 x 210 mm, 160 pages, 5 illustrations Price: 205 DKK (approximately AUD 47)
Interview with first generation teacher Kitty Wielopolska, one of America's most beloved and influential teachers. Order through This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel/fax +45 86 19 74 34.

Further information on www.novis.dk
NOVIS PUBLICATIONS, Ny Munkegade 12, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Roberts, T.D.M.

Understanding Balance: The Mechanics of Posture and Locomotion
Chapman and Hall, London, 1995.

The amount of muscular effort needed to support the body is at a minimum in a "well-balanced" posture. Departures from this "ideal" call for extra effort to provide additional security by activating flexors and extensors simultaneously, thus stiffening certain joints. Dr Roberts points out that the postural mechanisms work, and that the essence of their working is to prevent punishing collisions between our heads and the planet.

Shaw, Steven, & D'Angour, Armand

The Art of Swimming: a new direction using the Alexander Technique
Ashgrove Publishing, UK, 2001.

Aims to suggest new ways relating to water and to offer a productive re-orientation of the whole notion of swimming. Swimmers at all levels could use this book to further their individual exploration and understanding of water.

Sontag, Jerry [editor]

Curiosity Recaptured: Exploring Ways We Think and Move
Mornum Time Press, USA, 1996.

Superb cluster of essays on the Alexander Technique. Subjects range from dance, acting, and the pleasures of playing a flute to childbirth, cycling, and overcoming the fear of falling while walking. The essays demonstrate our ability to change ingrained patterns of movement and thought.



**Alexander Journals**

The Alexander Journal

Published by STAT, 129 Camden Mews, London NW1 9AH


www.stat.org.uk


Direction Journal

Direction Australia Head Office
PO Box 770 Spit Junction, NSW 2088


www.directionjournal.com


**Alexander Videos**

The Head Leads and the Body Follows
Rafaele Joudry

An excellent introductory video is The Head Leads and the Body Follows. Made in Australia with the combined talents of AUSTAT member Rafaele Joudry and filmmaker Chris Eade, this twenty-minute film documents F.M. Alexander's voyage of discovery, clearly describes the principles of the technique, and shows teachers working with pupils from all walks of life.


Rafaele's video can be purchased from:
Sound Therapy International Pty Ltd
PO Box A2237
Sydney South NSW 1235
tel +61 2 9665 1777