Some of the best Alexander Technique (AT) books are available to borrow from public libraries in the UK. If they’re in the library catalogue but not on the shelves, you can usually order them for free and they will be obtained for you from the wider library network.
Below is my list of recommended reading for clients. Every book I’ve included is available to borrow through Bristol public libraries.
If you read just one book, try the first one on the list. It’s one of the best introductions you’ll find, and there are three copies available at Bristol libraries.
Enjoy!
Pedro de Alcantara (2021) The Alexander technique : a skill for life
This is one of the best introductions to AT and is now in its second edition. It is concise, full of illustrations and the author conveys his own personal insights which makes the book relatable. You may not agree with everything Pedro writes, but it’s a stimulating and playful read.
The book covers the emotional impact of AT in a unique way. I really enjoyed his approach to this topic, and so I included an extract in a recent blog post.
Missy Vineyard (2007) How You Stand, How You Move, How You Live
This book is a really innovative and deep dive into AT. It includes ‘case studies’ of students so that you get a feel for how the Technique begins to change their perceptions and their lives. Although it includes a lot of illustrations, it is also quite ‘wordy’ and so will need time to try out the explorations it suggests.
It also has some unique insights into the pitfalls of learning, one of which I have included here because it’s so helpful!
FM Alexander (1932, 2018) The Use of the Self
This is the classic text written by the originator of AT, FM Alexander, four decades after he began teaching his method. It is the shortest of his four books, and includes a description of his own vocal troubles and how he overcame them in the famous chapter “Evolution of a Technique”.
This 2018 edition of the book includes a new introduction written by Anthony Kingsley, a well-known practitioner and teacher trainer based in London.
Angela Bradshaw (2014) Be in balance : be the best you can be!
Angela Bradshaw’s simple guide explores AT principles in a fun but clear way. Its many cartoon illustrations mean that it would be a good introduction to AT for young people as well.
It’s got chapters on some very clear basic anatomy, ‘monkeying around’ (a position of ‘mechanical advantage’ for the body), ‘workplace wellness’ and ‘conscious commuting’.
Michael Bloch (2011) F.M.: The Life Of Frederick Matthias Alexander, Founder of the Alexander Technique
This biography does an impressive job of teasing apart the man from the myth, and is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in the Alexander Technique.
FM Alexander was born and grew up in northwest Tasmania, a world away from the high echelons of early twentieth century British society he ended up moving amongst. It was an extraordinary transformation for someone who had no formal academic qualifications.
But Alexander’s first career was as an actor, and he was astonishingly successful at ‘playing a part’ when he promoted his Technique. He taught some of the major figures of his day, including the authors George Bernard Shaw and Aldous Huxley, philosopher John Dewey, Chancellor of the Exchequer Stafford Cripps and the Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple.
David Moore (2017) Smart Yoga: Apply the Alexander Technique to Enhance Your Practice, Prevent Injury, and Increase Body Awareness.
As well as providing a good basic introduction to AT, David Moore’s book gives a very practical set of considerations for how to integrate AT with practising yoga. Topics include avoiding injury, anatomical awareness, pain management, neuroplasticity, pregnancy and breathing.
The last section of the book goes into detail regarding around a dozen yoga poses and asanas.
Steven Shaw (2016) The art of swimming: raising your performance with the Alexander Technique
This is the only comprehensive guide to applying AT to swimming. It is also known as ‘the Shaw Method’. Steven Shaw gives practical steps for turning swimming from a largely automatic activity into one where awareness can bring about an efficient use of your whole self and the avoidance of injury.
The main strokes – front crawl, back stroke, breast stroke and butterfly – are broken down into their constituent parts, and explorations include movements that can be done in or out of the water, and with or without a partner.
Malcolm Balk & Andrew Shields (2000) The art of running: with the Alexander Technique.
This book takes the Alexander Technique principles and applies them directly to all aspects of running. Since for most people this is a completely new approach, the book will benefit all runners, whether beginner or advanced.
There are case studies and references to professional athletes throughout. There are chapters on training (including relevant drills), preparing for competitions and how to avoid injuries. The book ends with a very useful checklist (‘running do’s and don’ts’) and an inspired afterword (‘centred running’) by John Woodward who I’ve had the pleasure of working with in the past.
