Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique, Second Edition

This book is well written and has excellent photographs to allow you to fully see the important features of the Alexander Technique. It is my absolute favorite Alexander Technique book! I have read several of Gelb's books, starting with one on Mind Mapping as I recall, and I think he is a great writer and no doubt an excellent human being. He is excellent at explaining fine details of a not so obvious subjects. If you have pain in your back, or neck,posture issues, wrist problems, and just feel awkward moving in your body or a bit out of sorts during any activity, or even have trouble with social intelligence issues, or fell you cannot get into your writing or art (like writer's block), give this book a try. It is about being a human in a human environment and body in our modern world and functioning optimally. I would think athlete's would want to read it. People with chronic voice problems may benefit (and get the books by Dr Morton Cooper for vocal issues also. Many problems in medicine are really FUNCTIONAL and can be remedied by the patient who is willing to do the reading and research. Many times doctor's simply cannot get to the root cause because it may take hours, but YOU CAN do it for yourself. So I highly recommend this book.

I found this book to be exceptionally well written, easy to grasp and obviously written by someone who has gone through many Alexander technique classes (and who has taught the technique). The book was recommended by my instructor. I highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to "unfuse" their body and move and hold themselves in a more relaxed, expansive way. Good for actors but also good for anyone who wants to be more open, more alert, more graceful and light. It also is useful for reducing back pain and all sorts of other body rigidities and letting go of bad habits (whether physical, mental or emotional). The book is not enough, however. One needs to take Alexander classes, which the author states in the book.

I started practicing the Alexander Technique over the last couple months. My teacher "assigned" me this book to read, as part of our work together. It's an outstanding book. It's very clear and easy to read. Gelb offers many anecdotal stories and quotes and other stuff like that to make it more enjoyable and inspiring. He tells the fascinating story of how Dr. Alexander developed the technique. Then he proceeds to give a clear and practical explanation of all the different aspects of the technique. I learned a lot!

I received the book just as it said it would be: slightly used, but in good condition. There were a few pencil marks and notes here and there, but nothing that got in the way of my reading. Also, the book was just fine on the outside. There were no tears or any signs of breakage. I am very pleased with the book!

This book talks you through the technique and the founder of it. Easy to read and informative .

I love Gelb, having devoured his most recent book, but this early work has some holes. I felt I didn't get a clear enough picture of what the Alexander Method is. I also felt his critique of Feldenkrais, a "competing" method, was incorrect and based on favoritism. I wish Gelb would rewrite this book today because I think it would be a masterpiece. The best parts are the biographical/autobiographical information, but when it came to explaining the Method, he got downright mystical. You come away thinking "I guess you had to be there..."

Best explanation and guide for this little known yet- miraculous technique.SO many people could avoid spinal/ back surgeries by committing to this discipline. I have personally avoided a fusion of C 4-5-6 going on 15 years now, and know of similar outcomes from family and friends faced with lumbar surgery.

One of the clearest books on the Alexander Technique. Whenever I teach courses on the Alexander Technique, I make it required reading. The questions at the end of each chapter stimulate great discussions.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to understanding what the Alexander technique can help you achieve and how it is applied. I've looked through a several books on AT, and this one is by far the best in making one understand the personal experience of growth through AT.

This book helped me understand the topic.