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Alexander Technique

Print Sources

• Alexander, F. Matthias. Constructive Conscious Control of the Individual. Long Beach, CA: Centerline Press, 1923. 0-13111112
• ________. The Universal Constant in Living. Long Beach, CA: Centerline Press, 1941. 0-913111-18X
• ________. The Use of Self. Long Beach, CA: Centerline Press, 1932.
• Baker, Sarah. The Alexander Technique: Learning to Use Your Body for Total Energy. New York: Bantam Books, 1991. 0-553-28827-X
  Simple and basic, by a theatre movement teacher. Originally published in 1978.
• Barlow, Wilfred. The Alexander Principle. New York: Knopf, 1973.
• ________. The Alexander Technique: How to Use Your Body Without Stress. Rochester: Inner Traditions International, Ltd., 1991. ISBN 0892813857
  Diagrams and photos, covers principles (balance, rest, use and mis-use, and mental health) and practice (teaching, learning, applying).
• ________. “Postural Homeostasis,” Annals of Physical Medicine I, July 1952: 77-89.
  Includes many before and after photos of students from a performing arts school in London using the technique.
• Berjeron-Oliver, Sherry. Working Without Pain: Eliminate Repetitive Strain Injuries with Alexander Technique. Pacific Institute for Alexander Technique, 1997. ISBN 0965104702
• Bouchard, Ed. Kinesthetic Ventures: Informed by the Works of F.M. Alexander, Stizlavski, Perrce & Freud. MESA Press, 1997. ISBN 0941938085
• Bowden, G. C. F. Matthias Alexander and the Creative Advance of the Individual. London: L. N. Fowler, 1965.
  Includes a journal of lessons with Alexander.
• Brennan, Richard. A Practical Introduction: Alexander Technique. Element Books, Incorporated, 1998. ISBN 186204158X
• ________. Alexander Technique: Natural Poise for Health. Element Books, Incorporated, 1997. ISBN 186204046X
• ________. The Alexander Technique Workbook. Rockport, MA: Element, Inc., 1992. 1-85230-346-8
• Caplan, Deborah. Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery. Gainesville, FL: Triad Publishing Company, 1987. 0-937404-26-8
• Carrington, Walter. The Act of Living: Talks on the Alexander Technique. CA: Mornum Time Press, 1999. ISBN 0964435233
  A book of lessons by one of the foremost teachers of the Alexander Techniques. Twenty-nine talks range widely in subject – from breathing and the balance of the head on the neck, to the pain of sciatica and the effect of gravity on our lives.
• ________ and S. Carey. Explaining the Alexander Technique: The Writings of F. M. Alexander. London: The Sheldrake Press, 1992.
• Carrington, Walter. “Balance as a Function of Intelligence,” Systematics, Vol. 7(March 1970).
• ________. Thinking Aloud: Talks on Teaching the Alexander Technique. CA: Mornum Time Press, 1994. ISBN 0964435209
  The first volume of talks by Walter Carrington. Originally designed for teachers and teachers-in-training, now in its third edition.
• Conable, Barbara. How to Learn the Alexander Technique: A Manual for Students. Andover Road Press, 1995. ISBN 0962259543
• Crow, Aileen. “The Alexander Technique as a Basic Approach to Theatrical Training,” in Lucille Rubin, ed. Movement for the Actor. New York: Drama Book Specialists, 1980.
• Craze, Richard. Teach Yourself Alexander Technique. UK: Teach Yourself Books, 1996. ISBN 0844231037
  Includes exercises, guidelines, and case histories.
• Dimon Jr., Theodore. The Undivided Self: Alexander Technique and the Control of Stress. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books, 1999. ISBN 1556432941
  Discusses Alexander and provides a brief history of other mind/body techniques.
• Drake, Jonathan. Body Know-How: A Practical Guide to the Use of the Alexander Technique in Everyday Life. London: HarperCollins Publishers, 1991. 0-7225- 2394 7
• Gelb, Michael J. Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique. Henry Holt & Company, Incorporated, 1995. ISBN 0805042067
  Includes good bibliography.
• Hodgkinson, Liz. The Alexander Technique and How It Can Help You. London Bridge, 1996. ISBN 0861888073
• Huxley, Aldous. Ends and Means. London: Chatto & Windus, 1940.
• Jones, Frank Pierce. Freedom to Change. Mouritz, 1997. ISBN 0952557479
  First published in 1976 as Body Awareness in Action, now under new title. A classic introduction to the Alexander Technique. Studied with F. M. Alexander and used laboratory experiments to analyze technique.
• ________. “Method for Changing Stereotyped Response Patterns by the Inhibition of Certain Postural Sets,” Psychological Review 72(1965): 196-214.
• ________. “Voice Production as a Function of Head Balance in Singers.” Journal of Psychology 82(1972): 209-215.
• Kincaid, Linda Yvonne. "The Alexander Technique and Its Application to the Teaching of Ballet." PhD Dissertation, University of California, Irvine, 1981.
• Leibowitz, Judith and Bill Connington. The Alexander Technique. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1990. 0-06-016053-5
• Lewis, Pamela Payne. “The Alexander Technique: Its Relevance for Singers and Teachers of Singing.” PhD Dissertation, University of California, San Diego, 1980.
• Maisel, Edward, ed. The Alexander Technique: Essential Writings of F. M. Alexander. New York: University Books, Carol Communications, 1989.
• McGowan, Daniel. Alexander Technique: Original Writings of F.M. Alexander – Constructive Conscious Control. Larsons Publications, 1997. ISBN 0943914787
• ________. Constructive Awareness: Alexander Technique & the Spiritual Quest. Larson Publications, 1997. ISBN 094391485X
• MacDonald, Glynn. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Alexander Technique. Element Books, Incorporated, 1998. ISBN 1862042268
• Masterson, Aisla. In a Nutshell: Alexander Technique. Element Books, Incorporated, 1998. ISBN 1862041954
• Park, Glen. A New Approach to the Alexander Technique: Moving Toward a More Balanced Expression of the Whole Self. Crossing Press, Incorporated, 1998. ISBN 0895949180
• Rickover, Robert. Fitness Without Stress: A Guide to the Alexander Technique. Portland, OR: Metamorphous Press, 1988.
• Robinson, James Harvey. “The Philosopher’s Stone,” Atlantic Monthly, February 1918: 474-81.
• Roth, Robert. “Recontextualizing Education Through the Physical: A Somatic Approach.” PhD Dissertation, University of California Los Angeles, 1990.
• Sanfilippo, Phyllis. The Reader’s Guide to the Alexander Technique: A Selected Annotated Bibliography. Long Beach, CA: Centerline Press, 1987.
• Schirle, Joan. “Acting & the Technique: Preparing a Role,” NASTAT NEWS, Issue No. 23(Winter 1994).
  From the newsletter of the North American Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.
• Sontag, Jerry, ed. Curiosity Recaptured: Exploring Ways We Think and Move. CA: Mornum Press, 1997. ISBN 0964435225
  A collection of 14 essays on activities ranging from theatre and dance, to voice and problem-solving.
• Stevens, Chris. Alexander Technique. Charles E. Tuttle Company, Incorporated, 1994. ISBN 0804830061
• ________. Alexander Technique: An Introductory Guide to the Technique and Its Benefits. Trafalgar Square, 1997. ISBN 0091809797
• ________. Alternative Health: Alexander Technique. London: Macdonald Optima, 1988.
• Stransky, Judith and Robert B. Stone. The Alexander Technique: Joy in the Life of Your Body. New York: Beaufort Books, 1981.
• Westfeldt, Lulie. F. Matthias Alexander: The Man and His Work. Long Beach, CA: Centerline Press, 1986.

Audio/Visual Sources

• Chance, Jeremy. Thorsons Principles of Alexander Technique: The Only Practical Introduction You’ll Ever Need. Thorsons Audio. ISBN 0722538375
  A 90 minute audio tape covering physical and mental self-awareness and exercises.
• Laurie, Sue. Alexander Work Tape with Sue Laurie.
  Audio tape available at the Royal National Theatre Bookshop in London.

Other Sources

• Direction: A Journal of the Alexander Technique.
  For information call 1-800-344-4224

last updated 23 July, 2006