American Society for the Alexander Technique - Books
AmSAT
American Society for the Alexander Technique

 

 

 

 

Books and Resources on the F.M. Alexander Technique
AmSAT Books is a book service of the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT). The descriptions of the items in this catalog have been primarily written for teachers of the Alexander Technique.

Telephone. 1-800-473-0620 or, outside of the U.S., 937.586.3732.


CONTENTS

Search the Book Database (Back to the Top)

Insert Title information below and click on 'Title Search' Insert Author information below and click on 'Author Search' Insert Description information below and click on 'Description Search'

F. Matthias Alexander's Books (Back to the Top)

"Man’s Supreme Inheritance"
"by F. Matthias Alexander"
Order No. "AL101" $36.00

"This edition consists of Alexander’s authorized 1946 edition with additional material from earlier editions. It contains prefaces by Alexander, John Dewey and a foreword by Walter Carrington. The appendices contain reviews (and extracts from reviews) of the early editions. Also included is a comparison table of the 1910 and the 1918 editions and notes on changes between the 1918 and 1946 editions. [xxxviii + 250 pages, pb, 12 b/w photos, index, 231 x 154 mm, Oct 1996 (1918), Mouritz, imported]"


"Man’s Supreme Inheritance"
"by F. Matthias Alexander"
Order No. "AL101A" $6.50

"A softcover version of the 1910 edition of F.M. Alexander’s work printed in 1988 by Centerline Press that features a prologue entitled “On Becoming More Human” by Richard M. Gummere Jr. (Contains typographical errors, hence discount.) [95 pages, pb, Centerline]"


"Constructive Conscious Control of the Individual"
"by F. Matthias Alexander"
Order No. "AL102" $40.00

"This edition consists of Alexander’s authorized 1946 edition. It contains two prefaces by Alexander, an introduction by John Dewey, and a new foreword by Walter Carrington. Ten appendices contain reviews of the first edition. The introductory notes by Jean M. O. Fischer discusses Alexander's concept of sensory appreciation and the chapter ""Illustration"". The notes also provide a printing history and a table of changes between the 1923 and the 1946 editions. Several of the illustrations have not been published before. This also the first edition ever of ""Constructive Conscious Control"" to feature an index. [239+xli pages, pb, 10 b/w photos, index, 234 x 153 mm, Aug 2004, Mourtiz, imported]"


"The Use of the Self"
"by F. Matthias Alexander"
Order No. "AL103" $16.00

"With an introduction by Wilfred Barlow, and an introduction by Professor John Dewey reprinted from the 1939 edition. Includes two prefaces by F. M. Alexander. Relates how, after the loss of his voice, Alexander pioneered a method of improving the “use” of his body musculature in all positions and movements and cured his vocal problems without medical aid. Describes the incorrect “use of the self”: how people stand, sit and move in a manner which may cause suffering. [128 pages, pb, 2001 (1932), Orion Books Ltd., imported.]"


"The Universal Constant in Living"
"by F. Matthias Alexander"
Order No. "AL104" $60.00

"This edition consists of the complete text of Alexander’s last (1946) edition with additional material from earlier editions and comprehensive notes. Reviews of the first edition are added to the original appendices and one appendix contains material which was omitted from the first edition. Additional photographs. 207 endnotes. Index. [416 pages, hb, ill., 234 x 153 mm]"


"Articles and Lectures"
"by F. Matthias Alexander; edited by J. M. O. Fischer"
Order No. "AL105" $56.00

"A compilation of articles, published letters and lectures on the Technique. It contains 16 articles and letters written before Man’s Supreme Inheritance (1910); six letters published between 1924 and 1948; three lectures (of which two are reported almost verbatim) given between 1925 and 1949; “teaching aphorisms” - observations and instructions from lessons; a foreword and a chapter for an unfinished book, “Alexander and the Doctors”; and an autobiographical sketch covering Alexander’s first 35 years. Each paper is preceded by an introduction which gives the historical context. Additional material includes a foreword by Walter Carrington, 90 pages of notes with references, five facsimiles, a chronology of Alexander’s writings and two appendices [xxvvii+372 pages, hb, 22 b/w photos, index, 240 x 156 mm, July 1995, Mouritz, imported]"


"Authorised Summaries of F. M. Alexander’s Four Books"
"by Ron Brown"
Order No. "BR201" $30.00

"These summaries were made in the late 1940s by a journalist and pupil of the Technique, Ron Brown. They were to be included in a book which unfortunately was never finished. As the summaries were read and approved by Alexander they can be regarded as providing an accurate chapter-by-chapter summary of all his books. Sometimes this condensed form omits stages in Alexander’s arguments, and by themselves the conclusions appear dogmatic. However, most of the time the abbreviated, forthright approach clarifies many points, crystallizes the reasoning behind the arguments, and brings out the full force of Alexander’s practice and theory. [148 pages, pb, illustrated, 156x234mm, 1992, STAT Books, imported]"


"Alexander Technique - The Essential Writings of F. Matthias Alexander"
"edited by Edward Maisel"
Order No. "MA301" $10.00

"Formerly titled as The Resurrection of the Body, Edward Maisel has selected from Alexander’s four books to give a condensed exposition of the development of the Technique, its applications and its consequences. The appendix contains among other things the three introductions to Alexander’s books by Professor John Dewey. The long introduction by Maisel is an account of Alexander and the history of the Technique. [204 pages, pb edition 1990, (first published 1969), Carol Publishing Group]"


F. M. Alexander Technique in General (Back to the Top)

"F. Matthias Alexander: Aphorisms"
"illustrated by Birgit Meyer-Woycke"
Order No. "AL106" $11.00

"This pocket book contains 121 of Alexander’s teaching aphorisms – quotations from his lessons in the1930s. All but two have previously been published in Articles and Lectures and E. Maisel’s collection. This edition contains 49 abstract ink illustrations – meditations on the aphorisms. Foreword by Mary Holland. Detailed index. [96 pages, hb, ill., 118 x 156 mm, 2000, Mouritz, imported]"


"The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life"
"by Pedro de Alcantara"
Order No. "AL202" $32.00

"The first chapter covers the basic principles of the Technique; following chapters are on lessons, the teacher, performing arts, sports and exercise, and emotions (discussing, among other things, inhibition and the expression of feelings, detachment, the discomfort of change, relationships, psychotherapies). The author writes from his own experiences with humor and provides several case histories from pupils and teachers. The unity of mind and body and the principle of non-doing pervade this introductory book; it is erudite, intelligent, and pertinent to pupils and teachers alike. [128 pages, pb, illustrated, 235 x 166 mm, index, 1999]"


"The Alexander Technique: How to Use Your Body Without Stress"
"by Wilfred Barlow, M.D."
Order No. "BA401 " $14.00

"Dr. Barlow trained with Alexander from1938-45 and subsequently worked with Alexander until 1949. He utilizes his experiences as both a teacher of the Technique and a consultant rheumatologist, to introduce the Technique from a medical viewpoint: how use affects our health. The many illustrations of people’s posture and X-rays of heads and necks show examples of misuse. This edition has been revised, updated and reset, and contains a new foreword. (Originally published in 1973 in Great Britain as “The Alexander Principle”.) [254 pages, pb, illustrated, 1990 (1973), Inner Traditions International]"


"More Talk of Alexander"
"edited by Dr. Wilfred Barlow"
Order No. "BA402" $46.00

"Wilfred Barlow (1915-1991) qualified as a doctor in 1941 and as a teacher of the Technique in 1945. For this book he has carefully selected 36 articles on many and varied facets of the Technique including education, psychology, theology, art, science, and medicine. Some of these articles first appeared in the Alexander Journal in the 1960s and some are edited articles of Barlow’s own research into the Technique with additional information. Barlow has also included articles critical of the Technique: his report on the libel action which Alexander brought and won in South Africa, Dr. Skynner’s impression of his first twelve lessons, and Dr. Barlow’s own recommendations for the qualities pupils should seek in a teacher of the Technique. This edition has been revised and reset. [340+xii pages, pb, illustrated, Mouritz, 2005 (1978), imported]"


"Breath in Action: The Art of Breath in Vocal and Holistic Practice "
"Jane Boston and Rena Cook"
Order No. "BO201" $19.00

"Breath in Action: The Art of Breath in Vocal and Holistic Practice, edited by Jane Boston & Rena Cook Breath in Action looks at the significance of breath to human life - not just the simple fact that if we stop breathing, we die, but also the more subtle ways in which our breath interacts with our voice and our being. Written by experts in vocal and holistic practice, the book is divided into four sections: Breath and the Body; Breath and the Mind; Breath and Holistic Practice; Breath and Performance. It offers the latest theories from a variety of disciplines on how we can be taught to breath better so as to communicate better, act or sing better, feel better, live better. Combining theory with practice, many of the chapters also offer clearly laid out breathing exercises and techniques. Interdisciplinary in its focus, Breath in Action adds to specialist knowledge in the performance field, whilst also offering enlightening information for those interested in therapeutic and healing processes, movement, and voice and speech sciences. 2009, 246 mm x 173mm/256pp,ISBN:978-1-84310-942-6 "


"The Alexander Technique: A Practical Introduction"
"by Richard Brennan"
Order No. "BR101" $26.00

"A revised edition of The Alexander Technique Workbook. This book is an easy-to-read introduction with minimum Alexander jargon. It explains the history of the Technique as well as basic Alexander principles and vocabulary. Each chapter contains several procedures and awareness exercises which illustrate the points made and which are designed to help the reader observe and improve one's use. The book covers in detail primary control, inhibition, direction, faulty sensory perception and the semi-supine. There is also a section in what you can expect on a lesson and six actual case histories. This book is designed to be used by new students in conjunction with a course of Alexander lessons. [150 pages, line-drawings illustrations, large pb, 1998, Element USA]"


"The Alexander Technique Manual: Take Control of Your Posture and Your Life"
"by Richard Brennan"
Order No. "BR102" $28.00

"Formerly subtitled A Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Breathing, Posture and Well-Being. This book has chapters on inhibition, directions, semi-supine, sports (riding, cycling, running, tennis, pool, golf, soccer), pregnancy and childbirth, what to expect from lessons, case histories, etc. The book is illustrated throughout, often with large color photos demonstrating right and wrong ways of performing a variety of activities (walking, riding, playing an instrument, as well as the subjects mentioned above). A handsome coffee-table introductory book to the Technique. [144 pages, pb, color ills., index, 280x215mm, 2004 (1996), Connections Book Publishing, Ltd., imported]"


"The F. Matthias Alexander Technique: A Means of Understanding Man"
"by Walter H.M. Carrington "
Order No. "CA301" $5.00

"An introduction to the Alexander Technique, explaining in depth its three main aspects: reasoned inhibition, conscious direction and the primary control. The author points out how each stage of the Technique can be subject to empirical verification. The author argues that it is in the sphere of education that the Technique will find its most important application. [16 pages, bklt, 1970 (1963), Sheildrake Press, imported] "


"The Primary Control: Some Personal Views"
"by Rivka Cohen"
Order No. "CO101 " $3.00

"This article is a description of the author’s understanding of the primary control and the principles that help to improve its use."


"How to Learn the Alexander Technique: A Manual for Students"
"by Barbara Conable"
Order No. "CO201 " $23.00

"This book focuses on one aspect of faulty sensory appreciation in its explanation and description of wrong and right body maps. The idea of “body mapping” is that simple, anatomical knowledge, i.e. knowing what is where, will help movement. It is perhaps suitable only for people who are having lessons, as the act of inhibiting and directing is given a scant description. A chapter for teachers explains how to help pupils with “body mapping”. It also contains sections for practitioners of various disciplines, e.g. musicians, actors, singers, dancers. [xiv + 154 pages, pb, illustrated, 279 x 206mm, 3rd ed. 1995 (1992), Andover Press]"


"Guided Lessons for Students of the Alexander Technique"
"by Nancy Heisel Dawley"
Order No. "DA201" $25.00

"Pausing, noticing, inhibiting, directing, and allowing are the core mental attentions for daily activities between Alexander Technique lessons. Guided Lessons is a big volume, spiral bound at the top so that pages can be flipped back for easy studying of the current page. Beyond our five senses “is the sense of body movement and position, named kinesthesia.” Without kinesthesia, we are unable to recognize and correct misuse of the body. The Alexander Technique brings kinesthesia again to awareness. Each page is a simple, well-constructed set of directions for freeing the neck, for letting the back lengthen and widen, for removing stress from both mind and body, for performing daily activities with more ease. Photographs and drawings bring into sharp focus the lessons. [72 pages, ill., self-standing spiral, 280 x 216 mm, 2001]"


"The Control of Tension: A New Field for Prevention"
"by Theodore Dimon Jr."
Order No. "DI103" $8.00

"This paper examines the Technique as it relates to tension and stress. The author argues that relaxation and stress reduction methods treat symptoms but do not address their causes, and that the Technique’s psycho-physical approach to health is more complete. This approach is illustrated with the case history of a violinist suffering from a shoulder problem and two case histories dealing with stress. Included is a summary of the basic components of Alexander’s concept of use, the fight-flight theory of stress related to the Technique, and a critique of medical and therapeutic techniques. [40 pages, bklt, A5, 1998, Day Street Press]- CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK"


"The Undivided Self: Alexander Technique and the Control of Stress"
"by Theodore Dimon Jr."
Order No. "DI104" $17.00

"Based on Alexander’s discovery of “use,” the author argues that a unified concept of mind and body, in contrast to other mind/body theories, points the way to a truly educational approach to health based on conscious prevention and control. The book begins with the author’s narrative account of how he arrived at his theory, and concludes with a review of mind/body techniques. Foreword by Walter Carrington. [220 pages, pb, illustrated with drawings and diagrams, 1999, North Atlantic Books]"


"Elements of Skill: A Conscious Approach to Learning"
"by Theodore Dimon Jr."
Order No. "DI106" $14.00

"The Elements of Skill advances a new approach to learning based on the awareness and control of action. Dimon argues that the most important element in skilled performance is neither practice nor mechanical drilling but an understanding of one's habitual ways of doing and thinking. He clearly describes principles that can help children and adults alike overcome learning difficulties by breaking skills down into manageable elements and removing harmful habits. Useful to teachers and parents, The Elements of Skill presents a new thesis on learning based on the functioning mind and body as ""the central instrumentality upon which all learning depends."" [approx. 220 pages, pb, black-and-white photos, 5 X 8, 2003, North Atlantic Books]"


"Body Learning"
"by Michael Gelb"
Order No. "GE101" $15.00

"Besides being a thorough introduction to the seven operational ideas (principles) of the Technique, it is also a personal account of the changes which can take place as a result of practicing the Technique. The author relates how the Technique can be applied to activities like aikido, writing, running, swimming, juggling and giving speeches. It also contains a brief history of how the Technique has been applied in schools and of the author’s work in the classroom. The 34 additional pages in the new edition cover the semi-supine procedure, answers to commonly-asked questions and the relevance of the Technique to organizational change. [180 pages, pb, illustrated, index, 1994 (1981), Henry Holt & Co.]"


"The Alexander Technique: A Complete Course in How to Hold and Use Your Body for Maximum Energy"
"by John Gray"
Order No. "GR101" $17.00

"Not an ordinary introductory book but rather a workbook for those who are having (or have had) lessons in the Technique. It emphasizes the essential, basic procedures in learning the Technique. With its practical approach it contains many chapters on working on oneself: lying down, sitting and standing, working against a wall, monkey, hands on the back of a chair, whispered “Ah”, etc. The text is easy to read, written as a teacher would speak through a lesson, and contains advice for teachers too. It is illustrated throughout with many photographs and diagrams of poor and good use. [176 pages, pb, illustrated, 229 x 178 mm, 1990]"


"Well Tuned Body"
"by Penny Ingham and Colin Shelbourn"
Order No. "IN101a" $12.00

"(formerly titled The Busy Body) This witty introductory publication can be used as a companion book for students undergoing lessons with a teacher or as recommended reading for corporate workshop participants. The author specializes in problems arising in the workplace. Principles of the Alexander Technique are presented in simple, concise experiential format. It is extensively illustrated by a noted cartoonist and student of the Technique whose work appears in leading British newspapers and periodicals. [187 pages, pb, 5 x7.75” b&w line drawings, 2002, Summersdale, imported]"


"Mind and Muscle: An Owner’s Handbook"
"by Elizabeth Langford"
Order No. "LA101" $28.00

"The author describes our basic framework (muscle, joints, structure etc.), how it works, and what choices we have in its use. The reader is encouraged through suggested experiments to discover a better use for herself. The book introduces the Technique in non-technical language, without use of traditional terminology, and relying instead on anatomy, physiology and self-observation. Subjects covered include body-image, emotional states, breathing, chairs, RSI, exercises, habit, and fear. It also provides a short, ""traditional"" introduction to the Technique. [217 pages, pb, illustrated, 170 x 240 mm, 1999]"


"Mind and Muscle and Music "
"Elizabeth Langford"
Order No. "LA104" $35.00

"Mind, and Muscle and Music, by Elisabeth Langford is designed specifically to be read in conjunction with Mind and Muscle. Many references first guide the reader to explanations to be found in the earlier book-explanations that are then expanded here from the musician’s point of view. this is a book for musicians, whether professional or amateur, for music teachers, for music students at all levels, and for Alexander teachers who work with musicians. (227 pages, pb. 2008, Alexandertechniek Centrum vzw) "


"Dare to Be Wrong: The Teaching of Judith Leibowitz"
"edited by Kathryn Miranda"
Order No. "LE101" $26.00

"A series of talks by Judith Leibowitz, one of the foremost teachers of the Alexander Technique who taught at the Juilliard School in New York. [162 pages, hb, 2007, Mornum Time Press]"


"The Alexander Technique"
"by Shmuel Nelken"
Order No. "NE101" $16.00

"This booklet introduces the Technique by retracing Alexander’s process of discovery (in “Evolution of a Technique”). The style and manner of presentation is that of an informal introductory lecture, drawing on personal experience for examples. Translated from Hebrew. [55 pages, bklt, b/w photos, 225 x 157mm, 1996, Shmuel Nelken Publications, imported]"


"Body, Breath and Being"
"Carolyn Nicholls"
Order No. "NI201" $20.00

"Body, Breath and Being A New Guide to the Alexander Technique, by Carolyn Nicholls. Includes free CD of detailed instructions and advice. Ideal for Beginner & Expert, includes over 100 full color photos & diagrams, practical experiments in every chapter. The book explores the AT through experiences of those who have studied and benefited from it. [D&B Publishing, UK. 2008. ISBN 190446842X, pbk, 192pp.] "


"Fitness Without Stress: A Guide to the Alexander Technique"
"by Robert M. Rickover"
Order No. "RI101" $11.00

"The author starts by exposing the fitness myth, (that fitness is synonymous with health), and goes on to describe what real fitness is and how the Technique can help people achieve it. It contains several case histories, covers what happens in a lesson, plus how to find teachers, and it gives examples of how some people use the Technique in yoga, massage, osteopathy, aikido, physical therapy and pregnancy. Reduced price because cover shows slight wear. [131 pages, hb,1988, Metamorphous] "


"Three Introductory Articles to the Alexander Technique"
"by Eleanor Rosenthal"
Order No. "RO301" $5.00

"This set contains: “The Alexander Technique - What It Is and How it Works” reprinted from Medical Problems of Performing Artist (1987), “Alexander Technique - Notes on a Teaching Method” reprinted from Contact Quarterly (1981) and “Where Mind and Body Meet” reprinted from Callboard (for the theater, 1990). Photocopying of these articles - unchanged, with copyright notice - is allowed, if done by teachers for the purpose of free distribution. [14 pages in total, 8.5” x 11”, 1981, 87 and 90, Eleanor Rosenthal Publications]"


"The Congress Papers: Exploring the Principles: from the 7th International Congress of the F.M. Alexander Technique 16-22 August 2004, Oxford, England"
"edited by Anne Oppenheimer"
Order No. "ST101" $47.00

"This volume brings together 49 papers from the 7th International Congress: reports from lectures, workshops, panel presentations and discussion groups. These papers by authors such as Beret Arcaya, Michael Bloch, Walter Carrington, Jane Heirich and Elizabeth Langford present both practical and theoretical aspects of teaching and practicing the technique. [432 pages, pb, 2005, STAT Books, imported]"


"How You Stand, How You Move, How You Live"
"by Missy Vineyard"
Order No. "VI101" $19.00

"Missy Vineyard has developed an innovative and creative approach to teaching the basic mind-body skills that are the foundation of the Alexander Technique. She has a rare talent for explaining key ideas in simple, everyday language. Missy tells engaging stories about herself and her students to illustrate her points, then she presents a sequence of `self-exercises' that teach the thinking at the heart of the Alexander Technique. By breaking down the learning process into small steps and avoiding jargon, she makes it easy to understand the interaction between mind and body.[322 pages, pb, b&w ill., 2007, Marlowe & Company]"


"The Alexander Technique: A Tool for Transforamtion"
"by Helene Weisbach"
Order No. "WE101" $4.00

"“Not Bodywork!?!” begins the first of four sections of this summary of Alexander’s discoveries and the principles of the Technique, with major concepts highlighted. Included are quotations from Marjory Barlow, John Dewey, and Aldous Huxley, with collected bibliographical references. [article reprint, 4 pages in total, 8.5” X 11”, Helene Weisbach Publications]"




Teaching the Alexander Technique (Back to the Top)

"Directing and Ordering: A Discussion of Working on Yourself and Working on Breathing and Vocal Production"
"by Joe Armstrong"
Order No. "AR101" $8.00

"The author lists the reasons for working on one’s self isolated from other activities. Two ways of consciously sending messages to the self are discussed in detail - a verbal “ordering” and a non-verbal “directing” - and under what circumstances each has proved most useful. He draws on his many years of experimentation with the two approaches and also quotes senior teachers on the subject. The second article describes how to maintain an uninterrupted flow of breathing, both at rest and during a vocal demand. The author approaches the whispered “ah” with some preliminary “exercises” designed to ease the opening of the jaw by graduated amounts which can “ultimately arrive at ‘ah’ formation easily and freely” [44 pages, blklt, May 1994, STAT Books, imported]"

 

"Thinking Aloud: Talks on Teaching the Alexander Technique"
"by Walter Carrington"
Order No. "CA305" $26.00

"This book contains 25 extemporaneous talks given by Carrington to this students in his training course for the purpose of clarifying particular aspects of the practice and teaching of the Technique. They have been selected and edited by Jerry Sontag from transcribed copies of his talks in the period 1966-90. Some of the titles are: “The Importance of a Teacher’s Use,” “Lengthening in Stature,” “Teaching Directions to Beginners,” “Lengthening and Widening,” “Knees Going Forward and Away,” “Hands on the Back of the Chair,” “Directing the Neck and Head,” “Whispering Ahs,” “Teaching the First Lesson,” “Breathing,” “Generating the Energy to Go Up” and “The Demand of the Constant.” Accessible, concentrated, distilled knowledge of 50 years’ teaching experience. [160 pages, hb, July 1994, Mornum Time Press]"

 

"The Act of Living: Talks on the Alexander Technique"
"by Walter Carrington"
Order No. "CA308" $26.00

"This may be regarded as the second volume of Thinking Aloud. It contains talks given to trainees on many aspects of teaching and living the Technique. Some of the 29 talks are titled: “Thinking to Do,” “General Functioning,” “The Primary Wish,” “Forward and Up,” “Knees Forward and Away,” “The Length and the Width,” “Walking,” “Yin and Yang,” “Establishing a Total Pattern,” “Responsibility,” “Gravitation,” and “Saying and Meaning No.” It also contains a foreword by the ""postural"" physiologist Tristan Roberts, an introduction by Glynn Macdonald, and biographies. [188 pages, hb, 148 x 223 mm, Oct. 1999]"

 

"Explaining the Alexander Technique: The Writings of F. Matthias Alexander"
"Walter Carrington in Conversation with Sean Carey"
Order No. "CA30A" $26.00

"Alexander’s writings are used as a springboard to discuss not only what Alexander meant by certain passages and what he did not mean, but also to answer critics of Alexander and his books. The value of some present-day approaches to teaching is discussed and Mr. Carrington draws on his experiences in evaluating them which he does forthrightly. Alexander’s writings are put in their historical context - sometimes with anecdotes - in order to explain the development of the Technique and Alexander’s approach. Covers many topics from anatomy to zen, e.g. hands on the back of a chair, the nature of the primary control and the role of words in giving directions. [164 pages, pb, illustrated, 1992, Sean Carey Publications, imported]"

 

"Alexander Technique and the Voice: Understanding the Whispered “Ah”"
"by Theodore Dimon Jr."
Order No. "DI101" $7.00

"Breathing, voice use, and the whispered “ah” are introduced for people who are already familiar with the Technique. The anatomy of breathing and voice production is explained as are the reasons for practicing the whispered “ah”. Controlled exhalation, the smile, and some hints as to the correct sound of the “ah” are also described. [24 pages, bklt, b/w line-drawings, A5 size, 1996, Day Street Press]"

 

"Beginning From the Beginning: The Growth of Understanding and Skill"
"edited by Marian Goldberg"
Order No. "GO101" $32.00

"This is a conversation between Joan and Alex Murray and Kevin Ahern and Marian Goldberg from 1994 in which the Murrays discuss their meeting with Dart, and how they developed the Dart procedures and used it in their teaching. They make connections to Alexander’s continual development of his style of teaching throughout his life. The many photographs of adults and babies demonstrate the Dart procedures well. Illustrated are, for example, crawling and creeping, rolling over, sitting back from crawling, hands on the back of the chair, tipping a chair, “fetal lengthening,” “fetal squat,” and taking a leg on the table. Prior knowledge of Dart’s papers and his procedures is advisable. [vi+ 106 pages, 172 b/w photos, ringbound, 279 x 216mm, Nov. 1996, Alexander Technique Center Washington]"

 

"Directed Activities: A Diary of Practical Procedures for Students and Teachers of the F. M. Alexander Technique as Taught at the Constructive Teaching Centre (1989–1992)"
"by Gerard Grennell"
Order No. "GR201" $44.00

"A directed activity (or ""game"") is the Technique applied to a simple, usually small, movement which is intended to encourage length and expansion of the whole organism. This is a facsimile of the diary which Grennell kept during his training with the Carringtons. Each page describes one activity with line drawings and handwritten text. Among the activities described are Alexander’s procedures as well as activities such as walking, writing, taking a pupil’s head, lifting a chair, going up stairs, taking a pupil’s arm and hand, and freeing the ankles. The foreword describes the means whereby the activities were practiced at the Carringtons. [xii+148 pages, hb, no jacket, illustrated, index, all text is in a “handwritten” style, 268 x 190 mm, May 2002, Mouritz, imported]"

 

"Only Connect: Reflections on Teaching the Alexander Technique"
"by Elizabeth Langford"
Order No. "LA102" $38.00

"This book includes some of Elizabeth Langford's reflections that fall outside the scope of her first book, Mind and Muscle. Only Connect contains a collection of articles and letters of which some material is new, some has been published elsewhere. Part I consists of Langford's thoughts about communicating about the Alexander Technique to different groups. Part II is more concerned with communication between Alexander teachers. Includes a foreword by Walter Carrington. [195 pages, pb, 2004, Alexandertechniek Centrum vzw, imported]"

 

"The Alexander Technique As I See It"
"by Patrick Macdonald"
Order No. "MA101" $25.00

"Patrick Macdonald, who trained with Alexander from 1932-35, wrote most of this unfinished manuscript in the late 1950’s. To preserve his characteristic style it has not been edited but is presented here as he wrote it. It contains “Notebook jottings” on various aspects of the Technique, a summary of how Alexander developed the Technique and case histories illustrating particular problems. The chapter “Teaching the Technique” is written for teachers and includes descriptions of how to take a pupil’s leg on the table and how to get a pupil’s head to go forward and up. “Appreciation of the Technique” contains passages from Alexander and some of his better known pupils. [124 pages, pb, 1989, International Specialized Book Service]"

 



Performing Arts and the Alexander Technique (Back to the Top)

"Indirect Procedures: A Musician’s Guide to the Alexander Technique"
"by Pedro de Alcantara"
Order no. "AL201" $40.00

"Published by Oxford University Press, this is a serious contribution to the literature of introductory books. It is a comprehensive introduction for musicians or, indeed, anyone who plays or sings, whether they are considering or having lessons. All concepts are covered without undue simplification and - unlike some other introductory books - without compromising the unity of mind and body. Alexander’s terms are incorporated with ease. It discusses technique, practice, stage-fright, and frequently encountered difficulties, with clarity and sometimes wit. Appropriate quotes by musicians on technique support the argument for Alexander Technique. It suggests how to apply the Technique to playing and describes some musical exercises for this purpose. Lessons are described with substantial explanations of the procedures for breathing, monkey, lunge, “hands on the back of the chair” and the whispered “ah”. Although teachers may not find it quibble-free they may well find many of the explanations and illustrations of interest. [xiv+313 pages, 23 illustrations, 258 x 136 mm, index, 1997, Oxford University Press]"

 

"What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body"
"by Barbara Conable"
Order no. "CO202" $23.00

"This illustrated book is designed to prevent injury and pain in music making, by supporting the musician in the acquisition of an accurate and adequate Body Map; including the mapping of one’s neck as a means to freeing it, and the mapping of one’s spine so that its natural lengthening and gathering is recovered and cultivated. The book has a humorous tone, and is widely used in music studios for high school and college music students. [100 pages, pb, illustrated, 1998, Andover Press]"

 

"The Alexander Technique: A Basis for Oboe Playing"
"by Andrea Fedele"
Order no. "FE101" $27.00

"This DMA dissertation focuses on ways in which the Alexander Technique can be integrated into playing and teaching the oboe more efficiently and effectively. Information about F.M. Alexander is given for readers unfamiliar with the Technique, including a description of the development and principles of his Technique and what to expect in a lesson. The author conducted a survey of and several interviews with oboists from the U.S. and England, and documents these in the thesis. She gives examples of the application of the Technique to posture, use of the hands and arms, technique, tension, breathing and support, embouchure and the jaw, articulation, practicing, endurance, and stage fright. Though the author makes references to oboe playing, most of the ideas are relevant for other musicians as well. [280 pages, spiral bound, 2003, Andrea Fedele]"

 

"How the Alexander Technique Informs the Teaching of Singing: The Personal Experience of and Analysis by a Singing Teacher"
"by Sandra Head"
Order no. "HE101" $11.00

"This essay (towards the degree of Master of Education) is primarily written for singers who are not familiar with the Technique. It introduces the Technique and its main vocabulary and provides a review of Alexander literature (including academic research, surveys and case studies) related to singing. The author describes her own introduction to the Technique and its effects on her singing and teaching, with frequent quotes from her diary. [55 pages, typewritten, spiralbound, A4, November 1996, Sandra Head Publications]"

 

"Voice and the Alexander Technique: Active Explorations for Speaking and Singing"
"by Jane Ruby Heirich; illustrated by Jaye Schlesinger"
Order no. "HE201" $40.00

"In this book, designed for both teachers and students of the speaking and singing voice, Jane Heirich addresses some common problem areas of the voice-teaching world: breath management, voice projection, resonance building, breaks in the vocal range, and the relevance of overall poise to vocal output. This step-by-step approach, which integrates the centuries-old Italian bel canto singing tradition and the FM Alexander Technique, allows new skills to develop for both beginning and experienced students/performers. With a foreword by Joan Morris. Includes instructional CD. [171 pages, hb, 2005, Mornum Time Press]"

 

"A Technique for Musicians"
"by Frank Pierce Jones"
Order no. "JO101" $3.00

"This pamphlet consists of two articles. In “The Organization of Awareness” he sees the Technique as a method for organizing awareness so that a performance can be well learned without becoming stereotyped. It is a description of how the Technique works in terms of stimulus and response patterns and includes a brief description of the “startle pattern”. In “Awareness, Freedom & Muscular Control” the author discusses a typical case of misdirected energy where a musician develops over-relaxed hands and arms at the expense of excessive tension around the spine. [15 pages, bklt, 1968, AmSAT Books]"

 

"Just Play Naturally"
"by Vivien Mackie in conversation with Joe Armstrong"
Order no. "MA201" $18.00

"This is the account of English cellist/Alexander teacher Vivien Mackie’s intensive, three-year study in the 1950’s with the great Pablo Casals and her discovery of the resonance between his teaching and the principles of the Alexander Technique. It brings to life the remarkable teaching and music making of Casals, and it conveys an inspiring understanding of the Alexander Technique in application to music making and to life in general. [165 pages, pb, 2 illustrations, Duende Editions]"

 

"The Voice Book "
"by Michael McCallion"
Order no. "MC101" $29.00

"The author has worked as a director, taught voice at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and voice and communication skills to business companies. This book sums up his experiences. It starts with a chapter on the Technique, followed by one on breathing, and on exploring one’s vocal misuse. The second half of the book deals with the mechanical principles of speech, relating the forming of speech sounds to the use of the breath, the tuning of the voice and the good use of the self. [revised edition, 1998, 272 pages, illustrated.]"

 

"The Actor and the Alexander Technique"
"by Kelly McEvenue"
Order no. "MC301" $16.00

"Kelly McEvenue guides the reader through the main principles of the Alexander Technique and shows how to put them into practice when warming up, rehearsing, and performing on stage. Through a series of easy-to-follow exercises—combined with first-hand accounts from professional actors—we learn how the Alexander Technique can help arrest unwanted physical habits, improve stamina and liberate the voice. [xi+148 pages, pb, 2002 (2001), Palgrave]"

 

"Teaching Breathing: Results of a Survey"
"edited by Ruth Rootberg"
Order no. "RO201" $19.00

"This monograph is an in-depth discussion of the practices of 13 voice teachers whose background is primarily theater voice. It is based on response to over 100 questions. Among the themes addressed are: validation for teaching breathing; principles of breathing as it relates to voice in daily life and performance; language used to support the learning process; methodology, including the role of movement in voice instruction. One contributor is a certified Alexander Teacher, and nine others mention the Alexander Technique as instrumental to their teaching. Contributors are: Christine Adaire, Barbara Adrian, Eric Armstrong, Michael Barnes, Marina Gilman, Jane Heirich, Mary Howland, Ellen Margolis, Marth Munro, Lise Olson, Natalie Stewart, Phil Timberlake, and Lynn Watson. Marth Munro is also Assistant Editor. Because of the broad range of experience of the writers and the scope of the questions, this book is useful to the beginning and advanced voice teacher or speech pathologist alike. Alexander Teachers will find it extremely helpful as a guide to the language and thinking processes their voice and acting students bring with them into the teaching room. [181 + x pages, spiral bound, 8 _ x 11, 2002, Amherst, privately printed] For a preview, go to http://www.movingvoices.us/ "

 


Sports and the Alexander Technique (Back to the Top)

"Master the Art of Running: Raising Your Performance with the Alexander Technique"
"by Malcolm Balk and Andrew Shields"
Order no. "BA202" $15.00

"For millions of regular runners, and for many of those new to the sport, physical and mental barriers can stop progress far short of full potential. Too often, an activity which should be pleasurable and fulfilling instead leads to frustration and injury. Master The Art of Running is based on the proven principals of the Alexander Technique. Malcolm Balk and Andrew Shields show the reader how to achieve and maintain fitness without injury and how to overcome self-imposed limitations to enjoyable and successful running. Includes a variety of personal accounts and more than 40 carefully selected photographs. Chapters include: Developing Awareness, Thinking into Movement, Building the Foundations, Thinking into Training, Thinking into Competition, and Injuries—How to Avoid Them. [160 pages, pb, color photos, 2006, Collins & Brown]"

"Master the Art of Working Out: Raising Your Performance with the Alexander Technique"
"by Malcolm Balk and Andrew Shields"
Order no. "BA203" $15.00

"‘Master the Art of Working Out’ offers a radically new approach to fitness training. Using the principles of the Alexander Technique, which places the fundamentals of coordination, balance and posture above everything else, the authors teach us how to make exercise more thoughtful and more stimulating by looking at working out as an art rather than just a means to an end. All aspects of gym-based exercise are covered--resistance training, using machines and free weights, fitness classes, flexibility, cardiovascular and core training--with the emphasis at all times on total awareness of the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of what you are doing, so you can better understand your body and, in turn, work out with greater ease, efficiency and grace.--Cover. [160 pages, pb, color photos, 2007, Collins & Brown]"

"The Art of Swimming"
"by Steven Shaw and Armand D’Angour"
Order no. "SH101" $25.00

"This book shows how the Alexander Technique can be applied to swimming. This is an introductory book that never loses sight of the psycho-physical nature of the Technique. The benefits of swimming are discussed in relation to fitness (current conceptions of which are questioned). The principles of orientation, balance, buoyancy, and breathing in swimming are explained and illustrated. Much advice, including some practical exercises, is given on how to deal with fears and other restricting attitudes towards swimming. Breast stroke, front and back crawl are discussed and stroke guides are given. [165 pages, b/w photos & drawings, index, 234 x 153mm, 1996, Shaw Method Ltd., imported]"

"Master the Art of Swimming: Raising Your Performance with the Alexander Technique"
"by Steven Shaw"
Order no. "SH104" $15.00

"The Shaw method applies the principles of the Alexander Technique to swimming. ""Master the Art of Swimming"" will transform your experience of being in the water, rather than prescribing how fast or far you should swim. The strokes are broken into a step-by-step progression and these steps are illustrated. Core skills are individually introduced, then the main stokes are shown--breaststroke, backstroke, crawl and butterfly--in ways which promote optimal alignment with minimal effort and strain. The movements can be practiced individually or with a partner, in a pool or on dry land. [176 pages, pb, color photos, 2006, Collins & Brown]"

"Centered Riding"
"by Sally Swift"
Order no. "SW101" $24.00

"A riding instructor for half a century, Sally Swift describes her teaching philosophy which stresses body awareness, the value of ""soft eyes"", proper breathing, centering and balance. Using vivid, highly imaginative images, plus illustrations of human and equine anatomy, Centered Riding enables every equestrian, from beginner to world class, to reassess habitual responses, ride in natural positions, and break through frustrating plateaus. [198 pages, hb, b/w ill., 1985, St. Martin's Press]"

"Centered Riding 2: Further Exploration"
"by Sally Swift"
Order no. "SW102" $26.00

"This book complements Sally Swift's previous book Centered Riding by offering new concepts and fresh imagery. In addition to these new riding techniques, Swift also concentrates more on the horse than she did in the earlier book, and explains in detail how through the use of Centered Riding you can improve your horse's musculature and way of going, and consequently, his comfort and performance. [264 pages, hb, color ill., 2002, Trafalgar Square Publishing]"

"BodySense - Revolutionize Your Riding with the Alexander Technique"
"by Sally A. Tottle"
Order no. "TO101" $25.00

"This book introduces and discusses the Technique as applied to riding. It explains the fundamental terms and describes the lying-down procedure. It shows how to discover one's sitting bones and joints (and the importance thereof) and the significance of the use of the back. It also discusses balance, riding styles, the independent seat, training of the horse, communication with the horse, and BodySense techniques for competition. [120 pages, hb, illustrated, index, 254 x 177mm, 1998]"

Science and the Alexander Technique (Back to the Top)

"Postural Management of Scoliosis in the Adolescent and Adult: Based on the Alexander Technique"
"by Deborah Caplan, M.A., R.P.T."
Order no. "CA102" $3.00

"[7 pages, bklt, b/w photos, 1980, published by the American Center for the Alexander Technique (ACAT). Printed and distributed by AmSAT Books. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Center for the Alexander Technique and its programs such as the Deborah Caplan/Alma Frank Scholarship Fund.]"

 

"A Reprint from The Journals of Gerontology"
"by Ronald J. Dennis"
Order no. "DE101" $3.00

"This is a reprint of an article entitled “Functional Reach Improvement in Normal Older Women after Alexander Technique Instruction.” The study investigates the relationship between functional reach and Alexander Technique instruction. It concludes that Alexander Technique instruction may be effective in improving balance and thereby reducing the incidence of falls in normal older women."

 

"Anatomy of the Moving Body: A Basic Course in Bones, Muscles and Joints"
"by Theodore Dimon Jr."
Order no. "DI105" $24.00

"This 31 lesson course was written for the author’s teacher training course. The purpose is to present a basic text covering all the muscles, bones, and joints relating to movement. The writing style is conversational and the vocabulary is kept as non-technical as possible. Although the Technique is not introduced, issues related to the Technique, such as “forward and up,” are mentioned. The b/w pencil drawings are kept simple; there are only a few muscles shown on each drawing. Index. [259 + xvii pages, pb, illustrated, 2001, 2008, North Atlantic Books] NOW SELLING THE SECOND EDITION."

 

"Freedom to Change: The Development and Science of the Alexander Technique"
"by Frank Pierce Jones"
Order no. "JO102 " $28.00

"Frank Pierce Jones trained with F. M. Alexander from 1941 to 1944. Drawing on his long association with F. M. Alexander and his brother A. R. Alexander, Jones introduces the Technique by relating Alexander’s story in biographical form. Jones presents the most important results from 25 years of research into the Technique. He describes some of the underlying mechanisms at work in the Technique and describes how the conscious mind activates anti-gravity reflexes. In ""Notes on Teaching"" Jones summarizes his teaching experiences and sets out principles for good teaching practice. Throughout the book he emphasizes the importance of an ""expanded field of attention."" First published as Body Awareness in Action in 1976, this edition contains a new foreword by Theodore Dimon Jr., four color plates and a new appendix (16 pages) which contains Jones’ outline for a fifteenth chapter plus sketches and observations from his notebook. [xvii+212 pages, pb, 26 b/w illustrations, 4 col. plates, 202x135mm, index, 1997 (first published 1976), Mouritz, imported]"

 

"Frank Pierce Jones: Collected Writings on the Alexander Technique"
"edited by Theodore Dimon Jr. and Richard Brown"
Order no. "JO103" $21.00

"A compilation of 40 scientific and humanistic papers on the Technique - most have been published only in scientific journals and some have not previously been published. Some of the papers are “Problems of Tension and Fatigue,” “Kinesthetic Perception and the Postural Reflexes,” “Posture as a Function of Time,” “Startle as a Paradigm of Malposture,” “Altered States of Consciousness”, and “Head Balance as Postural Mechanism in Man.” Each paper is introduced by Theodore Dimon Jr., the introduction contains many biographical details, and the foreword is by Alexander Murray. [376+xx pages, pb, illustrated, 1998, Alexander Technique Archives, Inc.]"

 

"The Scientific and Humanistic Contributions of Frank Pierce Jones on the F. Matthias Alexander Technique"
"by Richard A. Brown Ph.D "
Order no. "JO104" $7.00

 

"Scientific Research & Its Role in Teaching the Alexander Technique"
"by Chris Stevens"
Order no. "ST201" $8.00

"The F. M. Alexander Annual Memorial Lecture 1988 given by Chris Stevens. The lecture focuses on the different kinds of research and what Alexander Technique teachers can learn from them."

 


History of F. M. Alexander and the Technique (Back to the Top)

"The Life of Frederick Matthias Alexander"
"Michael Bloch"
Order no. "BL101a" $22.00

"Alexander’s life story is exciting by any standards: from Tasmania to London, from elocution to an extraordinary innovative and effective method for health and self-development. This is a scholarly, well-researched and excellently written biography by a long-time pupil and professional biographer. In telling the story of the life and work of Alexander, Bloch conveys a sense of Alexander's personality and provides a psychological insight into the man behind the Technique. Bloch is not a teacher and so limits his comments on the Technique to a critical examination of Alexander's writings (he is not impressed) and contemporary reports by Alexander's pupils. Bloch’s attitude is respectful but not reverential. In the epilogue he examines whether Alexander qualifies as a ‘guru.’ This is a modern and highly readable biography which will appeal to teachers and pupils alike and which makes Alexander less enigmatic. (276 pages, ppb, June 2004, Little Brown)"

"F. Matthias Alexander 1869-1955. A Biographical Outline"
"edited by Walter Carrington"
Order no. "BR202" $3.00

"This pamphlet was edited (from a manuscript by Ron Brown) by Walter Carrington who trained with Alexander in 1936-39 and worked with him from 1946 to 1955. It includes a list of some of Alexander’s famous pupils. [8 pages, bklt, A5, 1979, Sheildrake Press, imported]"

"Man’s Future as an Individual"
"by Walter H. M. Carrington"
Order no. "CA302" $5.00

"The Centenary Memorial Lecture is the author’s assessment of Alexander and his work. It contains a history of Alexander’s life, dwells on his individualism, faults and virtues. Also contains many amusing anecdotes from Alexander’s life and ends with a brief consideration of his work. [12 pages, bklt, A5, 1969, Sheildrake Press, imported]"

"Frederick Matthias Alexander: A Family History"
"by J. A. Evans"
Order no. "EV101" $53.00

"This is not so much about the Technique as about its originator, his origins as a descendant of convicts transported to Tasmania, and his life spent developing, practicing, and teaching his methods; first in Australia, then in England and America. The author provides a fascinating and entertaining picture of his background, family and early career, before explaining his appearance on the world stage. This volume makes use of original documents, personal and family papers and the archives of senior Alexander teachers. [286 pages, hb, ill., 2001, Phillimore, imported]"

"The Philosopher’s Stone"
"edited by Jean M. O. Fischer"
Order no. "FI101" $31.00

"These contemporary diaries of lessons with Alexander consist of: “The Philosopher’s Stone” - a review from 1919 of Alexander’s Man’s Supreme Inheritance, by the American historian James Harvey Robinson. It introduces Alexander and his technique. “Diary of My Lessons in the Alexander Technique” by Eva Webb describes one lesson with Alexander and several with his assistant teachers, such as Irene Stewart, in 1947. “The Diaries of Frank and Grace Hand” record their lessons with Alexander in 1942 in New York. “Recording of a Miracle” by Mrs. Buchanan, edited by Louise Morgan, is from the early 1950s. The first part of “The Journal of Sir George Trevelyan” introduces Alexander and his technique. The second part form 1936-37 records Alexander’s instructions to his teachers. “How I came to have Lessons with F. M. Alexander” by Anthony Ludovici does not describe actual lessons. [110/xvii pages, hb, 19 b/w illustrations on plates, 1998, Mourtiz, imported]"

"Up From Down Under"
"by Rosslyn McLeod"
Order no. "MC501" $24.00

"Subtitled The Australian Origins of Frederick Matthias Alexander and the Alexander Technique, this is a biography of Alexander until 1904 when he left for London. It covers the story of his grandparents’ being sent as convicts to Tasmania, the living conditions there, and Alexander’s successful career, first with the Mt. Bischoff Tin Mining Co. and later as a reciter in Tasmania, New Zealand. New details, reviews, and advertisements by and about Alexander are presented for the first time. It includes a list of poems Alexander recited and one of his favorite poems, Kissing Cup’s Race. It contains no new material on the Technique itself. [104+viii pages, pb, illustrated, 2nd ed. January 1995 (1994), Rosslyn McLeod, imported]"

"Frederick Matthias Alexander 1869-1955: The Origins and History of the Alexander Technique: A Medical Historical Analysis of F. M. Alexander’s Life, Work, Technique and Writings"
"by Jeroen Frans Staring"
Order no. "ST301" $72.00

"A provocative history of the Alexander Technique, originally written as a thesis, this book describes Alexander’s ancestors, life, work and legacy. Includes introduction, six chapters (270 pages), postscript, list of Alexander’s publications, Dutch summary, English summary, 178 pages of notes, 152 page bibliography, and index. [671 pages, hb, ill., 2005, Integraal, imported]"


Memoirs and Conversations (Back to the Top)

"An Examined Life: Marjory Barlow and the Alexander Technique"
"In conversation with Trevor Allan Davies"
Order No. "BA301" $29.00

"Marjory Barlow, niece of F. M. Alexander, began training with him as a teacher of his technique in 1933 at the age of eighteen. In conversations with friend and colleague Trevor Allan Davies, she speaks in depth about F.M. Alexander's character and genius; her experience of the struggles, triumphs and discoveries of his first training course; the strengths and weaknesses of the various “streams” of Alexander teaching, and the historical roots of the schisms and conflicts between them. She speaks with refreshing clarity and common sense about the practice of the Alexander teacher and about the nature of the Alexander pupil's task in applying these principles in daily life. Includes appendices with Marjory Barlow's two Memorial lectures, as well as stories and aphorisms collected by several teachers trained by her. [333 pages, hb, 2002, Mornum]"

"The Expanding Self - How the Alexander Technique Changed My Life"
"by Goddard Binkley"
Order No. "BI101" $34.00

"After having lessons in the Technique in New York, Binkley moved to London in 1950 to have lessons with F. M. Alexander and subsequently trained as a teacher (1953-57). Often referred to as “the Binkley diaries,” this is the most extensive and vivid record of how Alexander taught. Binkley re-edited his manuscript a few times over the next 30 years and included relevant paragraphs from Alexander’s books and autobiographical material, making the book a detailed and personal case history. It shows indirectly - by the attitude expressed in the diary entries - how profoundly and subtly the Technique works. [178+ xviii pages, hb, 11 b/w photos, index of names, 1993, STAT Books, imported]"

"Personally Speaking: Walter Carrington on the F. M. Alexander Technique"
"in discussion with Sean Carey"
Order No. "CA304" $27.00

"First published as Walter Carrington on the F. M. Alexander Technique in Discussion with Sean Carey in 1986. Walter Carrington conveys the historical context of the Technique; specifically, he describes the origins of some of the basic procedures. He relates how Alexander taught, and discusses developments in his 55-year teaching career, both in private lessons and in training courses. The use of hands in teaching is discussed in detail. The appendix contains Carrington’s diary of his first lessons with Alexander in 1935. Enlarged and revised edition. Index. [148+xii pages, pb., 196 x 126 mm, 2001 (1986)]"

"A Time to Remember"
"by Walter Carrington"
Order No. "CA307" $34.50

"Walter Carrington began his diary on his return to Ashley Place after the second World War. It records his life as an assistant teacher, both giving private lessons and working on Alexander’s training course. Carrington’s preface explains the background and the setting for the diary which covers the period of March to November 1946 with an additional entry from 1947. It catches the atmosphere of the time and provides some interesting Alexander quotations. The book includes a list of students in Alexander’s course from 1931-55, a facsimile of the prospectus, an introductory pamphlet to the Technique from 1951 and 30 pages of notes with additional information on events and people referred to in the diary. [xvi+112 pages, hb, 1 b/w photo,index, 224 x 144 mm, 1996, Sheildrake Press, imported]"

"Taking Time"
"edited by Chariclia Gounaris"
Order No. "GO201" $32.00

"Six interviews with first generation teachers of the Alexander Technique on Alexander teacher training. edited by Charicilia Gounaris. Interviews with Peggy Williams, Walter and Dilys Carrington, Marjory Barlow, Elisabeth Walker, Anthony Spawforth and Erika Whittaker. [148 pages, pb, 2000, Novis, imported]"

"Remembering Walter Carrington"
"compiled and edited by Elizabeth Langford"
Order No. "LA103" $35.00

"This is a compilation of over 100 contributions from Walter Carrington’s pupils. The heart of the book consists of pupils’ memories, to which are added a list of Carrington’s published works, the text of his three last lectures (two of them published here for the first time), hitherto unpublished information about his war service, an extract from a personal letter, and the tributes at his memorial service. Teachers, trainees, and private pupils can all enjoy and benefit from this book. [215 pages, pb, 2006, Alexandertechniek Centrum vzw, imported]"

"How are We Living Our Lives?"
"by Grethe Laub; compiled and edited by Chariclia Gouna
Order No. "LA201" $32.00

"Grethe Laub (1911-1996) was born in Denmark, and trained as a nursery school teacher at the Froebel Institute in Copenhagen between 1933-35. Thirty years later, between 1962-1965, she trained as a teacher of the Alexander Technique in London. As a person and teacher she was very much loved and appreciated in both of her professions and has been a source of inspiration for many. “How are we living our lives?” is an account of Grethe’s story, and of the highly significant experiences she gathered from both her professions, an account that gradually evolves from the personal to the general and greater theme of living and child education. The book contains valuable insights for both the pre-school teacher and the teacher of the Alexander Technique. [151 pages, pb, 2006, Novis, imported]"

"The Alexander Technique in Converstaion, by John Nicholls & Sean Carey"
"by John Nicholls and Sean Carey"
Order No. "NI102" $22.00

"More an interview than a conversation, nevertheless the informal style enables the authors to cover many areas of the Technique. Nicholls and Carey avoid getting lost in technicalities or lengthy arguments and in this way much information is made accessible to the lay reader; however, this is not an introduction to the Technique and is addressed mainly to teachers. It covers areas such as cure versus development, emotional reactions and feelings, natural good use versus conscious good use, practicalities of teaching, and the teacher-student relationship. Appendix contains Nicholls’ Memorial lecture: “The Alexander Technique in a Larger Context.” [122 pages, pb, illustrated, 1991, imported]"

"Connecting Links"
"by Irene Tasker"
Order No. "TA101" $4.00

"In this informal talk Irene Tasker tells the story of her first lessons with Alexander in 1913, her “apprenticeship” during which she helped Alexander with his pupils and with the editing of his books (with Miss Webb). She makes what amounts to a three page digression defending Alexander’s style of writing. She also relates her teaching of children at the school at Ashley Place and her experiences in South Africa. In conclusion she discusses the responsibilities a teacher has to Alexander’s work. [29 pages, bklt, 1967, AmSAT Books]"

"F. Matthias Alexander: The Man and His Work"
"by Lulie Westfeldt"
Order No. "WE301" $28.00

"This is a personal and critical account of Alexander and his teaching. The author relates her own case history (she had childhood polio) and describes her lessons with Alexander, training in the first course, performing in The Merchant of Venice, and teaching the Technique in New York. The Technique is described and several case histories are provided. This second edition contains fifteen new photographs and three appendices. [176+xvi pages, 245 illustrations, index 216 x 138 mm, 1998 (first published 1964), STAT Books, imported]"

"Never Ask Why: The Life-Adventure of Kitty Wielopolska: Her Experience with the Alexander Work, Schizophrenia and the Psychic State"
"As told to Joe Armstrong"
Order No. "WI101" $33.00

"This book is the memoir of Kitty Merrick Wielopolska, who trained with F. M. Alexander in the beginning of the 1930’s. It describes her self-recovery from schizophrenia and of her use of the Alexander Technique. It contains material from the fields of psychology, psychiatry and self-improvement, and both the specialist and lay person can benefit from reading it. [157 pages, pb, 2001, Novis, imported]"


The Alexander Technique and Related Subjects (Back to the Top)

"The Art of Effortless Living"
"by Ingrid Bacci, Ph.D."
Order no. "BA101" $16.00

"The Art of Effortless Living describes how we can rid ourselves of the belief that in order to achieve anything we must work hard and apply a lot of effort. Dr. Ingrid Bacci offers evidence that the most productive, creative and healthiest individuals are those who practice effortless living and she presents simple techniques for developing an effortless lifestyle: breathing exercises, meditation, visualization, bodywork, and tapping into unconscious guidance. [241 pages, pb, 2002 (2000), Penguin Putnam Inc.]"

 

"Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery Based on the Alexander Technique"
"by Deborah Caplan"
Order no. "CA101" $19.00

"The author was both a teacher of the Alexander Technique and a physical therapist, and she specialized in using the Technique to help people with back problems. The Technique is introduced, and such conditions as spinal disc problems, arthritis, muscle pain, scoliosis, pinched nerves and sciatica are discussed. Many photographs and drawings illustrate the preventative positions and gentle exercises which are recommended for people with pain or discomfort in any part of their spine. [201 pages, pb, illustrated 234 x 155mm, index, 1987]"

 

"Balance as a Function of Intelligence"
"by Walter H. M. Carrington"
Order no. "CA303" $5.00

"Our upright posture and its maintenance is discussed from an evolutionary point of view. The author argues that our unique upright stance has affected the functioning of the whole body. It is not realized to what extent we owe our intelligence to our upright posture, nor how much the use of our thinking affects our posture. [16 pages, bklt, 1970, Sheildrake Press, imported]"

 

"The Foundations of Human Well-Being and the Work of Professor Magnus and the F. Matthias Alexander Technique"
"by Walter Carrington"
Order no. "CA306" $19.00

"The first article (1941) is subtitled A Comparative Study of the Work of F. Matthias Alexander and Dr. G. E. Coghill on the Physiology of Human and Animal Behavior. Coghill makes a distinction between a “total pattern” and a “partial pattern” of an organism’s behavior, the partial pattern reacting within and subject to the total pattern of an organism’s response. Total pattern integrates partial patterns - reflex actions which, if not coordinated, could interfere with each other and lead to conflict. Alexander’s Technique, in contrast, is seen as a conscious way of coordinating partial patterns and thereby avoiding internal behavioral conflict - a prerequisite for well-being. The second article (c. 1950) describes Magnus’ work and its connection to Alexander’s work. Magnus investigated the factors controlling the changes of animal posture in relation to gravity and on the muscular tone which maintains posture. In particular he researched the factors concerning: 1) Reflex standing, 2) Normal distribution of tone, 3) Attitude, and 4) Righting function. Carrington summarizes his findings and considers the possible relationship between Magnus’ “central apparatus” and the primary control. [64 pages, pb, A5, August 1994, STAT Books, imported]"

 

"The Chair"
"by Galen Cranz"
Order no. "CR101" $18.00

"Galen Cranz - sociologist, architecture professor, and Alexander teacher - gives new meaning to the term “chair work.” The Chair describes the history and (faulty) thinking behind many ergonomic designs, and questions the cultural assumption that chair sitting is natural. Well written and even humorous, the ergonomic attempts to create a body-friendly chair reads like a dark comedy. She challenges the myth of lumbar support, explains why chair backs should be high enough to support both the shoulders and head, and advocates perching and lounging over traditional right-angle sitting. Practical as well as critical, she helps with the difficulties of selecting chairs for daily life by summarizing criteria for chair design-and-use in a handy one-page chart. Well illustrated with extensive bibliography. [288 pages, pb, 1998, W.W. Norton & Company]"

 

"Skill and Poise"
"by Raymond Dart"
Order no. "DA101" $61.00

"This book contains all the articles by Dart which directly relate to the Alexander Technique plus two articles on the subject of skill and poise. The former are “An Anatomist’s Tribute to F. Matthias Alexander” (1970), “Voluntary Musculature of the Human Body: The Double-Spiral Arrangement” (1950), “The Postural Aspect of Malocclusion” (1946) and “The Attainment of Poise” (1947). The latter are “The Significance of Skill” (1934) and “Weightlessness” (1961). The themes throughout are the importance of poise for learning and the embryological and neurological origin of the erect posture. Also included are “The Dart Procedures” by A. Murray (first developed in 1943). The book contains 37 figures (with line drawings) to illustrate the Dart Procedures and to provide some anatomical background information for some of Dart’s explanations. Glossary. [xiv+ 192 pages, hb, b/w illustrations, 234 x 156mm, index, Feb. 1996, STAT Books, imported]"

 

"The Practice of Presence"
"by Patty de Llosa"
Order no. "DE201" $16.00

"“The Practice of Presence” is about coming alive to this present moment, wherever we are, without changing our conditions. In “The Practice of Presence” the reader will find practical guidance on how to seek daily what we truly desire behind all the urgencies and obligations of our lives: contact with out own immediate inner truth. Here are the seminal ideas and experimental activities of five great spiritual paths as seen through the lens of a seeker's experience. T'ai Chi, prayer and meditation are well known. The Alexander Technique and Jungian studies are not usually thought of as spiritual, and the Gurdjieff teaching is relatively unknown. Each of these paths to wholeness is complementary to the others, calling on the body, mind and feeling in unique ways that can lead to a growing integration of all three. [316 pages, pb, March 2006, Morning Light Press]"

 

"A Brief History of Mind-Body Techniques"
"by Theodore Dimon Jr."
Order no. "DI102" $8.00

"This paper gives a concise and brief historical overview of mind-body methods. It traces the origins of current mind-body practices, including hypnosis, psychoanalysis, psychosomatic medicine, body-oriented psychotherapy, bodywork and massage, awareness techniques, developmental movement, and Asian medicine. The paper includes quotations from original sources and an extensive bibliography. [48 pages, bklt, 1998, Day Street Press]"

 

"The Anatomy Coloring Book"
"by Wynn Kapit and Lawrence M. Elson"
Order no. "KA101" $22.00

"Organized according to body systems, each of the 170 plates includes a color-key system where anatomical terminology is linked to detailed illustrations of the structures of the body. Table of Contents: Orientation to the Body; Cells and Tissues; Integumentary System; Skeletal and Articular Systems; Skeletal Muscular System; Nervous System; Central Nervous System; Central Nervous System: Cavities and Coverings; Peripheral Nervous System; Autonomic Nervous System; Special Senses; Cardiovascular System; Lymphatic System; Immune (Lymphoid) System; Respiratory System; Digestive System; Urinary System; Endocrine System; Reproductive System; Human Development. [xi+ 170 pages, pb, b&w illustrations (for coloring), bibliography & references, appendix A: Answer Key, appendix B: Innervation of Skeletal Muscles, glossary, index, 2002, Benjamin Cummings, 3rd edition]"

 

"Back Pain Solutions"
"by Bruce I. Kodish, Ph.D., P.T."
Order no. "KO101" $21.00

"This book explains the causes, treatment and prevention of activity-related back pain. It details a continuum of care which the author calls “posture-movement therapy and education.” Kodish, a physical therapist and Alexander Technique teacher, provides basic scientific background and an original body-mind model for understanding back and other musculoskeletal problems. This model leads to practical self-care guidelines for controlling pain and improving posture. The book is well-suited for pain sufferers as well as those who want to improve their posture and body mechanics/use. Physicians, therapists and educators will find some new and different ways of helping themselves and the people with whom they work. Alexander Technique teachers, in particular, will find some new ways of viewing their work from the perspective of posture-movement education. [317 pages, pb, illustrated, 2001]"

 

"The Alexander Technique Birth Book: A Guide to Better Pregnancy, Natural Childbirth and Parenthood"
"by Ilana Machover and Angela and Jonathan Drake"
Order no. "MA401" $35.00

"This richly illustrated, practical book shows women how to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth using the Alexander Technique. It shows how, by achieving an overall improvement in balance and movement, the mother’s experience can be transformed, with countless benefits to her own health and the baby’s development. The authors show how the Technique can be used to achieve a more natural birth, reducing the need for medical intervention. The authors also give useful advice on how to get back into shape after a birth, and how to nurture your child’s development. [204 pages, pb, ill., 2006 (1993), Mouritz, imported]"

 

"Constructive Awareness"
"by Daniel McGowan"
Order no. "MC401" $12.00

"Subtitled Alexander Technique and the Spiritual Quest, this book sets out to explain the benefits of the Technique (here called “Constructive Awareness”) for spiritual work. He emphasizes that spiritual work starts with being in oneself, here and now, and points out the dangers of physical misuse during meditation, breathing exercises, and hatha yoga. The principles of inhibition and directions are described using almost exclusively Alexander’s choice of words and style of phrasing. The spiritual philosophy adhered to is that of Paul Brunton’s whose key concepts include reincarnation, the “Overself” and mentalism. The author also discusses detachment and the way of inspired action (necessary when aspiring to the state of Sage or Master). [111 pages, 216x140mm, 1997, Larson Publications]"

 

"John Dewey and F.M. Alexander - I"
"edited by Alexander Murray"
Order no. "MU101" $4.00

"This booklet contains “The Work of F.M. Alexander as an Introduction to Dewey’s Philosophy of Education” by F. P. Jones, the three prefaces by John Dewey to books by Alexander, an extract from Dewey’s “Human Nature and Conduct” and one of his lectures, “Preoccupation with the Disconnected.” [27 pages, bklt, 1991, AmSAT Books]"

 

"John Dewey and F. Matthias Alexander - II"
"edited by Alexander Murray"
Order no. "MU102" $4.00

"This 1948 paper introduces the Technique and gives an outline of its theory before discussing how Dewey paid tribute to the Technique and lists ten points which influenced Dewey’s philosophy. It also contains a review of Man’s Supreme Inheritance by Randolph Bourne in 1918 with Dewey’s reply and an article by Dewey, “A Sick World” from 1923. [34 pages, bklt, 1991, AmSAT Books]"

 

"John Dewey and F. Matthias Alexander - III"
"edited by Alexander Murray"
Order no. "MU103" $4.00

"Contains six articles: “A Note on E. D. McCormack’s Frederick Matthias Alexander and John Dewey: A Neglected Influence” by Alexander Murray, an abstract of McCormack’s article, “The Philosopher and the Physiologist: The Case of John Dewey and F. Matthias Alexander” by Paul Grimley Kuntz, “John Dewey and the Alexander Technique” by Jo Ann Boydston, excerpts from Dewey’s Human Nature and Conduct and “Human Nature and Conduct and Alexander” by E. D. McCormack. [44 pages, bklt, 1992, AmSAT Books]"

 

"John Dewey and F. Matthias Alexander - IV"
"edited by Alexander Murray"
Order no. "MU104" $6.00

"Contains: “The Place of Habit and the Control of Action” by Don Mixon, “Body and Mind” by John Dewey, two extracts from Dewey’s Experience and Nature: “Nature, Life and Body-Mind” and “Existence, Ideas and Consciousness” and an extract from E. D. McCormack’s thesis Frederick Matthias Alexander and John Dewey: A Neglected Influence: “Aspects of Alexander’s Doctrines for Dewey’s Philosophy.” [92 pages, bklt, 1991, AmSAT Books] "

 

"The Alexander Technique in a Larger Context"
"by John Nicholls"
Order no. "NI101" $3.00

"This Memorial Lecture focuses on what the Technique has in common with many other groups and disciplines, e.g. Jung, Reich, Perls, Sensory Awareness Training, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, Eastern Religions, Meditation, Yoga, Martial Arts, Gurdjieff and Steiner. In particular there are seven themes which the Technique shares with many of these. [16 pages, bklt, two diagrams, typewritten pages, A5, 1986, AmSAT Books]"

 

"Everyday Magic"
"by Vivien Singer Schapera"
Order no. "SC102" $25.00

"Come with me, I want to tell you my story, all of it, from the beginning - the story of how I discovered everyday magic. These are the opening words of Everyday Magic, an inspirational case-study depicting Schapera’s spiritual progression from a childhood in apartheid-stricken South Africa to the discovery of her life’s path in the U.S. Schapera shares her experiences with the Alexander Technique, nutrition, crystals, shamanism, spirit guides, past-lives and many other healing modalities, and demonstrates their common message: magic is within your reach and mine, every day. [256 pages, hb, 2002, Four Winds Academy Press]"

 

"How to Lose Weight and Gain Money: A Program for Putting Your Life in Order"
"Vivien Schapera and Drew Logan"
Order no. "SC103" $15.00

"How to Lose Weight and Gain Money is a behavioral application of the Alexander Technique. The first exercise opens like an Alexander lesson, designed to increase the reader’s sense of self and restore the possibility of constructive conscious control. Chapter 2 is dedicated to identifying the origins and causes of habitual patterns and begins the process of building clear intention with regard to desired weight and money patterns. In chapter 3 the reader is asked to take stock of the results of their habitual patterns. Chapter 4 introduces the concept of direction. Two chapters, 5 & 7, are dedicated to ""How to Change"" providing an understanding of how change happens and providing resources for change, including the Alexander Technique. Two chapters, 6 & 8, delineate the means whereby for changing. The final chapter, entitled ""Keeping Life in Balance"" helps the reader ascertain his personal priorities and develop a means whereby for an intentional, balanced life. [185 pages, pb, 2004, Four Winds Press, LLC]"

 

"Curiosity Recaptured: Exploring Ways We Think and Move"
"edited by Jerry Sontag"
Order no. "SO101A" $16.00

"A collection of 14 essays; their common themes are the Technique and the author’s great experience on their chosen subjects. Some essays are: “The Chair Is Where the Body Meets the Environment” by Galen Cranz, “A Two Wheel Essay” (on cycling) by Barry Collins, “Before You Leap” by Anne Bluethenthal, “Meeting the Unexpected” by Mary Holland, “The Actor’s Consciousness and the Character’s Consciousness” by Phyllis G. Richmond, “The Alexander Technique in Childbirth” by Ilana Machover, “Born to Sing” by Ron Murdock, “Grabbing the Bird by the Tale” (on playing the flute) by Alex Murray, “Grief” by Vivien Schapera, “Together We Walk” (on walking) by Walton L. White, “Love-40” (on tennis) by Barbara Kent and “Beyond Words” by Walter Carrington. Foreword by Robertson Davies. [xiii + 228 pages, b/w art ills., pb, 1998 (1996), Mornum Time Press] -- for hardcover edition see order number SON01B"

 


Journals (Back to the Top)

"The Alexandrian - 13 Back Issues of the Journal from the American Center for the Alexander Technique"
"published by ACAT"
Order no. "AC101" $16.00

"A collection of 13 back issues of “The Alexandrian”, a journal from the early 1980’s. A wide range of articles on the Alexander Technique related to health, education, and teaching topics ranging from “The AT and the Diagnosis and Treatment of TMJ” to “The Relationship Between Eye Use and the AT” to “Fear of Singing.” Authors include J. Leibowitz, John Austin, G. Binkley, D. Caplan, J. Stransky, R. Rickover, R. Dennis, S. Knebelman, M. Andrews, Adam Nott, John Naylor, and Angela Caine among others. Includes: Vol. I, No. 1-4; Vol. II, No. 1-3; Vol. III, No. 1-3; Vol. IV, No. 1-3. [13 back issues, 4-6 pages per issue, published by the American Center for the Alexander Technique (ACAT). Printed and distributed by AmSAT Books. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Center for the Alexander Technique and its programs such as the Deborah Caplan/Alma Frank Scholarship Fund.]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 09"
"edited by Adam Nott"
Order no. "AJ09" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Eileen French: An Appreciation"" by Nina E. C. Coltart; ""On giving directions, doing, and non-doing"" by Patrick Macdonald, ""What F. M. Alexander said about right and Wrong""; ""Eavesdropping"" by Jean Clark; ""Stanislavsky and the Alexander Technique"" by Nicolette Lee, and ""The Alexander Technique and psychotherapy"" by John Naylor, ""Man's Presumptuous Brain"" by Ruth Borchard. Includes Editorial. [32 pages, bklt, Summer 1988, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 10"
"edited by Adam Nott"
Order no. "AJ10" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Finding Meaning in One's Work"" by Shmuel Nelken; ""On Categorising the Alexander Technique"" by Walter Carrington; ""Learning to Apply the Technique"" by Nicholas Brockbank; ""Greater Awareness in Pregnancy"" by Nicola Hanefeld; ""The Use and Abuse of Anatomy"" by Joel Carbonel; ""What We Can Expect from 1992"" by Stephen Jupp; ""Fixed Ideas about Being Free"" by Beauchamp Bagenal. Includes an old article by F.M. Alexander from 1906, book reviews, editorial. [42 pages, bklt, 1989, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 11"
"edited by Adam Nott"
Order no. "AJ11" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Why I Took up Alexander's Work"" by Sir George Trevelyan; ""A Pianist’s Adventure with the Alexander Technique"" by Nelly Ben-Or; ""What is inhibition"" by Nicholas Brockbank; ""Poem: The Alexander Technique"" by Jean de Heger; ""The Alexander Technique and Dance"" by Phyllis G. Richmond; ""Don't do it but do the don't"" by Jean M. O. Fischer; ""A Way to Spontaneous Living"" by Ruth Borchard; plus book reviews and letters, editorial. [44 pages, bklt, Spring 1991, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 12"
"edited by Adam Nott"
Order no. "AJ12" $11.00

"This issue contains: Memorial Lecture by Misha Magidov; extracts from Sir George Trevelyan’s ""A Personal View of the Alexander Technique"": the 1990 diary on training with Alexander; ""The Alexander Technique in the Kindergarten"" by Laura Harwood; ""'Alexander's Gloom': A case history"" by Linda Gillard; obituaries of Wilfred Barlow, Patrick Macdonald and Dick Walker, book reviews, editorial. [52 pages, Autumn 1992, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 13"
"edited by Adam Nott"
Order no. "AJ13" $11.00

"This issue contains: Erika Whittaker on training with Alexander; ""Aesthetic Re-education"" by Alexander Farkas; ""'This Alarming Cult'""; ""To a Child at the Piano"" by Alastair Reid; the 1992 Memorial Lecture by Sir George Trevelyan. Also contains an obituary of Inge Henderson, book reviews, editorial. [40 pages, Autumn 1993, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 14"
"edited by Adam Nott"
Order no. "AJ14" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""F. M. Alexander as I knew him"" by Walter Carrington; ""Alexander’s Discoveries and What We Have Made of Them"" by Adam Nott; ""The Use of the Self"" by Pedro de Alcantara; ""Odent in the Light of the Alexander Technique"" by Masoumeh Atabaki and Ilana Machover; ""Working with a Cancer Support Group"" by Penny Ingaham; ""A Radical View of Sitting"" by Nicholas Brockbank; and ""Movement versus rest"" by Marianne Marshall. Includes book reviews, obituary of Paul Collins, editorial. [48 pages, bklt, 1995, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 15"
"edited by Adam Nott"
Order no. "AJ15" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Our Journey to South Africa"" by Elisabeth Walker; ""The Essence of F. M.’s Teaching"" by Marjory Barlow; ""Nice Voice, Pity about the Words"" by Alexander Farkas; and ""Alexander and Montessori"" by Nicola Hanefeld. Includes obituaries of Don Burton and Sir George Trevelyan, book reviews, editorial. [48 pages, bklt, Autumn 1997, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 17"
"edited by Francesca Greenoak"
Order no. "AJ17" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Uncharted Waters"" by Steven Shaw; ""Invisible Women"" by Terry Fitzgerald; ""Robert Thayer’s Work on Mood and Arousal"" by Richard Casebow; ""Textural Note"" by Jean-Do Masoero and Francesca Greenoak; ""The Use of the Chair"" by Christl Moffat; ""Feet Up"" by students and teachers from the Alexander Re-education Centre; and ""Posture Tension and Technique"" by Niso Ticciati. Includes Forum, Reviews, Science and Medicine, Alexander Research, Who’s Who and Editorial. [48 pages, bklt, Summer 2001, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 18"
"edited by Francesca Greenoak"
Order no. "AJ18" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Memorial Lecture: The Adventures of Leg and his Companion Voice"" by Michael McCallion; ""The Primary Matter"" by Mike Cross; ""Textural Note: Inhibition"" by Ray Evans; ""The Alexander Technique and Riding"" by Lesley Finn-Kelcey; ""Reminiscences"" by V. Jagannathan; ""Reading the Sonnet"" by Lawrence Bruce; ""An Alexander Teacher on the Run"" by Malcolm Balk; ""Distillations from Workshops"" by Nelly Ben-Or; Also includes Editorial, Forum & Letters, Reviews, Science & Medicine, Who’s Who. [48 pages, bklt, Summer 2002, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 19"
"edited by Francesca Greenoak"
Order no. "AJ19" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Memorial lecture: Making the Link"" by John Hunter; ""The Application of the Alexander Technique to Piano Teaching"" by Rudolf Kratzert; ""Thoughts on Musicians and the Alexander Technique"" by Elizabeth Langford; ""Primum Mobile"" by Bobbie Gallagher; ""Helena’s First Lessons"" by Carolyn Nicholls; ""Dance and the Alexander Technique"" by Rachel Rist; ""How the Use of the Self Triumphed"" by Madeleine Samuelson-White; and ""The Alexander Technique and Traumatic Injury"" by Kathryn Zimmerman. Includes Forum & Letters, Reviews, Science and Medicine, Editorial. [48 pages, bklt, Spring 2003, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 20"
"edited by Francesca Greenoak"
Order no. "AJ20" $11.00

"This issue contains: ""Memorial Lecture: Candles & Onions"" by Carolyn Nicholls; ""Working with Groups"" by Lee Warren; ""The Alexander Technique and Traumatic Injury"" by Kathryn Zimmerman; ""An Appreciation of Marjory Barlow's 'Examined Life'"" by Mike Cross; ""Skiing and the Alexander Technique"" by Maggie Lamb; ""Primary Control"" Anthologised by Jean Fischer, Introduction by Francesca Greenoak; ""Lying Semi-supine"" by Francesca Greenoak; Making Connections"" by Malcolm Williamson. Also includes Editorial, Letters, Reviews, Obituaries for Tony Spawforth and David Garlick, Who’s Who. [48 pages, bklt, Autumn 2003, STAT Books, imported]"

"The Alexander Journal No. 21"
"edited by Francesca Greenoak"
Order no. "AJ21" $11.00

"This issue contains: “Accompanying Alexander” by Alex Farkas; “Alexander in Professional Dance” by Michael Schumacher; “First of the Second Generation” by Joyce Bird; “Working with Actors 2” by Lee Warren; “Inhibition” anthologised by Jean Fischer; “Preliminary Research into Head and Shoulder Balance in Dancers” by Sarah Irvine; “Lost in Translation” by Harriet Anderson; “The Impact of Psychotherapy and Counselling on the Alexander Technique” by Brigitta Mowat; “Effects of Alexander Technique on Muscle Activation” by Elyse Shafarman. Also includes Editorial, Reviews, Letters, and Who’s Who. [72 pages, bklt, Spring 2006, STAT Books, imported]"


Teaching Resources (Back to the Top)

"Published Research Booklet"
"published by AmSAT"
Order no. "AM101" $14.00

"This booklet of published research on the Alexander Technique was created by the AmSAT Marketing and Public Relations Committee. It was initially offered to the membership at the 1997 Annual General Meeting. There are eight article reprints on the topics of stress management, chronic pain, postural re-education, respiratory functioning. The articles included are by: Karen Fisher, Judith Stern, Michael Nielsen, Deborah Caplan, Frank Pierce Jones, John H.M. Austin, Pearl Ausubel, and Samuel Reiser. This compilation of research emphasizes the positive relationship between the study of the Alexander Technique and one’s health and general well-being. It is specifically aimed at the professional medical community; includes an introduction to the Technique for physicians. [69 pages, 8.5” x 11”]"

 

"Doctor Referral Kit"
"published by AmSAT"
Order no. "AM102" $3.00

"This packet of marketing materials was designed and created by the Marketing and Public Relations committee of AmSAT to accompany the Published Research Booklet described above. It is a detailed instructional group of materials to assist Alexander Teachers in reaching out to the professional medical community with whom they work. Included is a sample letter of introduction explaining the medical value of the Technique."

 

"Building Your Successful Teaching Practice"
"published by AmSAT"
Order no. "AM103" $13.00

"This packet of marketing materials and article reprints was designed and created by the AmSAT Marketing and Public Relations Committee. In addition to various article reprints, there are instructional materials including: “Talking about the Alexander Technique - An Alexander Teacher’s Guide to Giving Effective Interviews and Presentations”; “How to Start an Alexander Technique Teaching Practice”; “35 Steps to Building a Successful Practice”; “Deconstructing Myths, Fulfilling Potential”; and an example of designing a personal newsletter. [28 pages, 8.5” x 11”]"

 

"How to Establish and Maintain a Strong Client Base"
"by Vivien Schapera"
Order no. "SC101" $20.00

"This guide for Alexander teachers provides practical advice based on experience. The book covers such topics as: ""Running a Successful Appointment Book"" and ""Personal and Professional Growth."" Each of the ten chapters ends with a to-do list for the reader. Written by the author as an accompaniment to an in-depth experiential workshop that she has presented. [101 pgs, second edition, 2001 (1995)]"

 


Videos (Back to the Top)

"From Stress to Freedom"
"by Anthony P. Kingsley"
Order no. "KI101-VID $16.00

"Part I (28 minutes) introduces the principles of the Technique and covers subjects like the head-neck-back relationship, the force of habit, false sensory awareness and inhibition and direction. It features interviews/demonstrations by Sir George Trevelyan, Kathleen Ballard and Sue Thame. In the second part (19 minutes) Anthony Kingsley demonstrates how to apply the Alexander principles to the semi-supine and standing/sitting. Sue Thame talks about breathing and Sir George Trevelyan demonstrates how the Technique can be applied to speaking. [47 minutes, NTSC VHS (North American Standard) format, 1990, AmSAT Books]"

 


DVDs (Back to the Top)

"Experience, Expression, Expertise: AGM 2004"
"producer: Rose Bronec"
Order no. "AM105-DVD $20.00

"This DVD features footage from the 2004 AmSAT Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign including Mary Holland's Memorial Address, ""Letting it Happen: Chance, Choice and Change"", and the Masters Panel with Mary Holland, Shoshana Kaminitz, Barbara Kent, Joan and Alex Murray, and Giora Pinkas. As an added feature, the DVD includes WILL Radio's Focus 580 with David Inge's interview of Jane Heirich and Steven Shaw on their books and the Alexander Technique. [1 disc, 2.5 hours, 2004, AmSAT]"

 

"Walter Carrington, An Interview"
"by Glynn MacDonald"
Order no. "CA30B-DVD $41.00

"This film shows Walter Carrington in his study at Lansdowne Road. He relates the story of how he heard of the Alexander Technique and his first meeting with F. M. Alexander. He discusses how to communicate the Technique, introducing “inhibition” to children, and the complexity of explaining “direction”. He takes us back to the origins of the Technique--breathing and the importance of breathing out. [38 minutes, 2006, Bardo Productions, imported]"

 

"Walter Carrington, On Breathing & Revealing His Larynx"

Order no. "CA30C-DVD $41.00

"This film shows Walter Carrington teaching Glynn MacDonald at Lansdowne Road. He talks about the head-neck-back relationship, especially during breathing, and the reasons for using “hands-on” in teaching. In this section, we see footage for the first time of Walter’s larynx during a whispered “ah”. In 1989, a fibreoptic laryngoscope camera filmed his vocal folds during whispering, speech and singing. This allows us to see how the whispered “ah” helps restore sound laryngeal function and gives physiological evidence of its considerable benefits. [31 minutes, 2006, Bardo Productions, imported]"

 

"Move Well: Avoid Injury: What Everyone Needs to Know About the Body"
"Barbara Conable / Amy Likar"
Order no. "CO203-DVD $39.95

"Move Well: Avoid Injury: What Everyone Needs to Know About the Body DVD, Written by Barbara Conable, Edited by Amy Likar. Learn what everyone needs to know about the body in order to move well and avoid injury with this information rich DVD consisting of 50 sections that can easily be used as reference. For example, through the teaching of weight delivery and the places of balance viewers are shown how arm movement, including that of the shoulders, elbows and wrists can be made more efficient and easy in relation to your entire body. You will learn how knowledge of the anatomical structure of the arms, wrists and hands can help prevent common injuries and how the legs function in walking only in coordination with the entire body. You will also learn how the movement of breathing works based on accurate anatomical information to enhance movement in both everyday activities and in more strenuous ones. This DVD is a resource that you will refer to again and again as you learn to move well and avoid injury. Running Time: 2:06, NTSC Format, English Language. "

 

"For Dancers: The Alexander Technique"
"with teacher Jane Kosminsky"
Order no. "KO201-DVD $70.00

"For Dancers provides an introduction to the Technique through dance movement common to all kinds of dance with a particular focus on alignment, plié, tendu, extension, bending, twisting, arms and jumping. It also includes a class in which Juilliard dance students ask questions about their real issues and a conversation with professional dancers who describe how they use the Technique in three different choreographic styles -- Martha Graham, Bob Fosse and William Forsythe. In addition, there is a quick reference to the Alexander Principles and a special section on F.M. Alexander. Jane Kosminksy is a former soloist with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, co-artistic director with Bruce Becker of 5 by 2 Plus, a modern dance repertory company, and guest artist with Rudolph Nureyev in Nureyev and Friends. For the past 20 years, she has been teaching the Alexander Technique to dancers in the Dance Division of The Juilliard School in NYC. [2 discs includes 3 programs, 2 hours 40 minutes, 2005, The Balance of Well-Being]"

 

"Rivka Cohen: A Masterclass with Rivka Cohen"

Order no. "RE101-DVD $50.00

"Recorded at the 6th International Conference of the F. M. Alexander Technique in Freiburg, Germany and filmed on Thursday, August 12, 1999. The film shows a Masterclass with Rivka where she works with pupils both in the chair and on the table. Alexander Technique Film Archive Material. In association with The F. Matthias Alexander Trust. [27 min, 2006, NTSC (North American Standard)/DVD-R Format, David Reed Media, imported]"

 

"First Generation Teachers Panel"

Order no. "RE102-DVD $55.00

"Filmed on July 11, 1998 at the STAT Conference in Manchester, England organized by Peter Bloch, the panel was hosted by Adam Nott and consisted of Erika Whittaker, Elisabeth Walker, Marjory Barlow, Walter Carrington and Tony Spawforth. Alexander Technique Film Archive Material. [69 min, 2006, NTSC (North American Standard)/DVD-R Format, David Reed Media, imported]"

 

"Walter Carrington: A Masterclass for Teachers"

Order no. "RE103-DVD $60.00

"Recorded Lansdown Road, London, UK. July 17, 1999. This is the film of a workshop for a large group of student teachers of the Alexander Technique. Walter Carrington and Ruth Murray work on all the attendees during the course of the event, with much interesting conversation recorded from the microphone attached to Walter. [151 min, 2006, NTSC (North American Standard)/DVD-R Format, David Reed Media, imported]"

 

"The Art of Swimming"
"produced by Hannah Wiggins"
Order no. "SH101-DVD $46.00

"The first film to present the Shaw Method of Swimming, which integrates swimming with the Alexander Technique. It highlights the benefit of swimming as the ideal remedy for stress. It consists of a series of easy-to-follow steps which help correct common mistakes and improve body awareness in the water. Also includes interviews and demonstrations with Olympic Gold Medallist David Wilkie and others. [50 minutes, 2005 (1998), Shaw Method Ltd., imported]"

 

"Learning to Crawl Again: Based on the Shaw Method"

Order no. "SH103-DVD $28.00

"This film provides you with learning tools drawn from the Alexander Technique which will enable you to add ease and efficiency to your front crawl swimming stroke. It combines footage of dry land practices, underwater, and above water sequences. The presentation is divided into three lessons. Lesson 1 establishes basic skills on land for exploring balance and ease in the water, with attention to arm direction, the use of the legs, and where to look. This lesson focuses on front and side floats, gradually adding underwater arm and leg actions. Lesson 2 develops the front crawl arm stroke. Lesson 3 adds breathing to the front crawl stroke. [26 minutes, 2005, Art of Swimming Products Ltd., imported]"

 

"The Alexander Technique: First Lesson "
"Jane Kosminsky"
Order no. "WE201-DVD $23.00

"First Lesson is the first film about the Alexander Technique for the general public. It includes a history of F.M. Alexander, what the Technique is, why it works, and how a beginner can start to use the Alexander principles. Teacher Jane Kosminsky demonstrates the Technique by taking William Hurt through a series of daily activities including a complete self-lesson, additional interview with William Hurt."

 

"The Alexander Technique: Solutions for Back Trouble"
"with Deborah Caplan"
Order no. "WE202-DVD $23.00

"Solutions for Back Trouble offers specific and practical guidance in how to help you keep your back healthy and free from pain by using the Alexander Technique. It includes a brief review of the Alexander principles and clear instruction on how to use these principles in the activities of everyday life. Deborah Caplan, a certified Alexander teacher and physical therapist, covers lifting and carrying packages, the proper way to work at the computer, how to avoid a ""Back Attack"" and what to do for your back when you sneeze! Created for the lay person, Solutions for Back Trouble is equally informative for a medical community that is seeking information and alternative solutions for its back patients. Ms. Caplan spent over 35 years working in and with the medical community - her students are people like you - a grandmother, a dancer, a lawyer and a photographer. Additional interview with Judith C. Stern. "

 

AGM 2009 DVD: Widening Awareness, Widening Experience
Featuring: Frank Ottiwell, Anne Battye
Order no. AM106-DVD $10.00

This DVD features  the 2009 Opening Night Address by Frank Ottiwell (including an introduction by Michael Frederick) and the 2009 F.M. Alexander Memorial Address by Anne Battye. [1 disc, 1 hour 48 minutes, 2009, Edit One Productions]

 


Cassettes (Back to the Top)

No Cassettes located.

CDs (Back to the Top)

"Moving Mindfully: A Self-Help Guide to the Alexander Technique"
"by Elizabeth A. Buonomo"
Order no. "BU101-CD" $19.00

"A great way to relax and refresh your Alexander directions, this professionally recorded CD was created by Alexander teacher Elizabeth Buonomo. It contains an introduction (3:02 min.), a chair lesson (14:53 min.), and a floor lesson (19:30 min.) It's a helpful tool for students to practice in between regular lessons, but beginners can also learn from it. The CD has been piloted with over 25 students so that the language is easy to comprehend. [1 CD, approximately 38 minutes, 2003]"

"Work Smarter Play Easier for Children and Adults"
"by Sandra Bain Cushman (AT) & Rob Rushin (Music)"
Order no. "CU101-CD" $16.00

"Work Smarter Play Easier features Alexander Technique and Alexander Technique-compatible recordings performed by and for children, along with three tracks recorded by and for adults. Clouds is a lie-down sequence voice-over by a child; Rest Easy is an adult lie-down sequence, and In Your Life (Adults) is a talk-though of five relations in the body as they relate to the AT directions and can be done lying down, sitting, or even moving around. These three tracks support AT instruction with home study, while others – At Your Desk (Kids); At Work (Adults); In Your Life (Kids); Hourly Pause (Kids) – offer a short AT break during the activity of the school or work day. [1 CD, approximately 43 minutes plus introduction and musical outro, 2008]"

"Guided Active Resting: An Alexander Technique Procedure with a Meditative Overtone to Regenerate Your Back and Improve Your Posture Alignment"
"by Cecile Raynor with Ben Blanchard on acoustic guitar
Order no. "RA101-CD" $18.00

"This CD was produced to help Alexander Technique practitioners of all levels practice active resting. [1 CD, 2005] "

"In Motion / Posture works!"
"Produced by Rita Rivera"
Order no. "RI201-CD" $20.00

"Our posture is the way we live in our body. What we express and the unexpressed, our likes and dislikes, the full range of our emotions and passions, and our physical history are the imprints that determine our posture. Habitual and unconscious posture has a trajectory that can be easily determined. In Motion / Posture Works provides guidance and the beginning steps to lead to new discoveries and subtle levels of body awareness. Can be used by both those who have studied the Alexander technique in the past and those who are completely unfamiliar with the technique. Contains opening welcome (2:30 min.) and four tracks: Living Posture -- Taking a Stand, Taking a Step (17:30 min.); The Torso in Motion, Meeting the Chair (27 min.); Pliable Ribs - Dynamic Shoulders (18 min.); and The Body at Rest (14:30 min.) [1 CD, 79:30 min., 2004]"

"The Joy of Walking Well"
"by Ann Rodiger"
Order no. "RO101-CD" $15.00

"The Joy of Walking Well is an audio companion guide based on the Alexander Technique. It gives you an in-the-moment detailed guidance on how to improve your walking pattern. You will receive gentle reminders of what to focus on while you walk, which will lead you to a new and refined awareness of how you are walking. Contents: Warming Up (7:38), Finding Your Feet and More (6:50), Short Walk (14:24), Longer Walk (25:39), Cool Down (5:32), Stopping and Starting (2:41), Tips for Waking Quickly (1:38), Tips for Carrying Things (1:57). [1 CD, approximately 66 min., 2001, Balance Arts]"

"The Back Alive Advantage "
"by Daniel Singer and Jane Kosminsky"
Order no. "SI101-CD" $19.00

"For orders of 10 or more of this item, price is $15 each. The Back Alive Advantage is a ""talk through"" audio presentation, with background music, based on the principles of the Alexander Technique. This stand-alone presentation was designed to help people to help their back whether or not they have previously taken Alexander lessons. A guided lying down self-lesson, it can work as a companion to private lessons, providing a practical means for regular self work at home or in the office, using constructive thinking in constructive rest position. [1 CD, 20 minutes, 2003, The Back Alive Advantage]"

Other Material (Back to the Top)

"Limited edition F. M. Alexander Lithographs"

Order no. "AL301-POS $158.00

"Shipping & handling is calculated separately from rest of order at $15.00/poster for US orders, $20 for international orders. Cassidy Alexander (no relation to F. M. Alexander) designed this image which was used on the Centerline Press edition of The Use of the Self published in 1984. The lithographs are signed and numbered."

"Poise Poster"
"produced by Ed Bouchard"
Order no. "BO102-POS $75.00

"This will be shipped separately from another location. Shipping & handling is calculated separately from rest of order at $15.00/poster for US orders, $20 for international orders. Art Paul’s Alexander Technique lessons were the inspiration for this poster. An award-winning artist and designer, Art Paul was inducted into the Art Director’s Hall of Fame the same year as Walt Disney and le Corbusier. Ed Bouchard produced the poster. [18"" x 34""] "

Policies and Further Information (Back to the Top)

ITEM DESCRIPTIONS

Descriptions have been written by Jean M.O. Fischer (descriptions written by others are indicated with an asterisk). Information in square brackets is factual information about the material. The following abbreviations are used: The Technique = The F.M. Alexander Technique, pb = paperback, hb = hardback book, bklt = booklet. The year in parenthesis following the year of the present edition is that of the first edition.

AVAILABILITY

We do our best to keep up-to-date. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

DISCOUNTS

A discount of 10% is available to all current AmSAT members and trainees.

A discount of 15% is available for orders of 4 or more of the same title. The following titles do not qualify for the quantity discount: Thinking Aloud, The Alexander Technique and the Pedagogy of Paul Rolland, Beginning from the Beginning, Working Without Pain, Curiosity Recaptured, Philosopher's Stone, books authored by Ted Dimon or Barbara Conable, all videos and DVDs, and the Back Alive Advantage CD.

 

HOW TO ORDER

If you have the full version of Adobe Acrobat, please download and print the order form. To download the full version of Adobe, please go to . http://www.adobe.com. Fill out the order form with your order, shipping, and billing information. Credit card orders may be faxed to 937.586.3699. Orders by check may be mailed to:

AmSAT
PO Box 2307
Dayton, OH 45401-2307

Please call 1-800-473-0620 (outside of the U.S. 937.586.3732) for more information about how to order publications, or if you experience any problems with our order form.

DELIVERY

Overnight Delivery: Add $25 + shipping and handling fee. Requests for overnight delivery received prior to noon ET will be shipped the same day. Requests for overnight delivery received later will be shipped the next business day. International delivery can NOT be sent via overnight delivery.

International Rate: Add $60 = shipping and handling fee to all orders shipped outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Shipping and Handling: Base shipping and handling fee of $10 plus $2 for each item ordered. Shipped via UPS 5-7 working days.

BOOKS RETURN POLICY

All sales are final. Sorry, no refunds or returns.

 

  Contact Us Home Site Map

© 2010 American Society for the Alexander Technique