The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life [Paperback]

Pedro de Alcantara (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

The challenges of modern life are best met with poise, alertness, and nimbleness of mind and body. These attributes are our birthright, as demonstrated by every child at play. As adults, however, we tend instead to be hurried, inattentive, and stiff of mind and body. The Alexander Technique is an effective way of re-discovering our natural freedom, which is characterized not so much by what we do but by what we refrain from doing, and its resulting health and well-being. The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life explains the principles of the Technique and uses testimonials, case histories, photos, and line drawings to illustrate its applications to medicine, personal relationships, sports and exercise, and the performing arts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Crowood Press (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861262868
• ISBN-13: 978-1861262868
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #628,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Alexander Technique

More About the Author

Pedro de Alcantara's books include the children's novels "Befiddled" and "Backtracked" (both published by Delacorte Press) and works of non-fiction for adults, including "Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique" (published by the Oxford University Press and translated into French, German, and Japanese), "Integrated Practice: Coordination, Rhythm & Sound" (also published by the OUP), and "The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life" (published by Crowood). Pedro is currently finishing a new novel for young readers. Pedro travels the world giving seminars and master classes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to the alexander technique, December 31, 2009

By 

S. Srinivasan (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life (Paperback)

This book was recommended to me by my Alexander technique Instructor. Although no book can really replace an Alexander instructor, this book is a very good companion guide with your lessons. The author gives a very good introduction to the technique, an understanding into what the technique is and what it is not. He also gives several examples and pictures to illustrate 'good use' and 'bad use'. There are many useful insights that illustrate how the technique is not about maintaining a certain body posture, but it is about the use of the self (The self includes body, speech and thinking). The author also beautifully explains the concepts of non-doing, end-gaining, inhibition and direction etc.

There are also accounts by people who caused injuries to themselves through bad use and recovered after learning the Alexander technique. These stories are pretty insightful and inspirational. I myself have suffered from chronic hip pain because of misuse, and have been on the path to recovery after learning the technique.

The technique although quite simple can take a considerable amount of time to learn, understand and implement into everyday use. So I would highly recommend this book (along with taking lessons from a personal instructor) which can accelerate one's understanding of the technique. I benefited a lot from reading this book and it helped me improve my use tremondously.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Resource for Beginners, July 30, 2010

By 

PaigeM - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life (Paperback)

If I had to recommend one book to a beginning student of the Alexander Technique, it would be this one. Pedro's writing style conveys the subtlety of the AT while remaining thoroughly readable and quite humorous at times. It is no substitute for lessons with a qualified teacher, but is an excellent companion on the journey.

Pedro's "Indirect Procedures" is also excellent and goes into greater depth.Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique (Clarendon Paperbacks)

5.0 out of 5 stars Poetically Done, November 6, 2011

By 

wisewoman - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life (Paperback)

This book gives a wonderful picture of the philosophy of the Alexander Technique, and how it is applied in everyday life. The pages sing with musicality.