|
|
|
|
|
Author listings with pictures: M
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The descriptions were written by Jean M. O. Fischer and do not represent
or necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers and authors. |
|
| Macdonald, Glynn |
| This is a slightly abbreviated version of the author’s The Complete Guide but the pages have been reduced in size. It 1) provides an account of the history and development of the Technique and its scientific basis; 2) describes the basic principles of good use, and explains key principles and terms; 3) provides procedures for standing, walking, lifting, bending, sitting, reading, writing, squatting, reaching up, crawling, the whispered “ah” and”“the Star”; 4) contains case-studies and discussion of specific activities: among them, singing, painting, T’ai Chi, horse and bicycle riding, running, gardening, tennis, household chores, car driving and some music instruments; and 5) discusses the Technique and medicine. Richly illustrated throughout. Index. |
 |
|
Glynn Macdonald*
|
|
Illustrated Elements of Alexander Technique
- A practical programme for health, poise, and fitness
|
| 2002 pb, 144 pages, ill, 235 x 158 mm, UK, Element Books. (Todtri Productions) 0007133855, (000713004X), (1577173481).
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The book is divided into four parts. Part 1 gives an account of the history and development of the Technique and its scientific basis. Part 2 describes the basic principles of good use, and key principles and terms are explained. It provides procedures for standing, walking, lifting, bending, sitting, reading, writing, squatting, reaching up, crawling, the whispered “ah” and “the Star”. Part 3 contains case-studies and discussion of specific activities: pregnancy, learning, acting, dancing, public speaking, singing, painting, T’ai Chi, horse and bicycle riding, running, swimming, tennis, skiing, working out, gardening, decorating, household chores, massage and car driving. A large music section covers keyboard, wind and stringed instruments. Part 4 discusses the Technique and medicine, and contains a cerebral palsy case study. Richly illustrated throughout. Index. |
 |
|
Glynn Macdonald*
|
|
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Alexander Technique
- A practical programme for health, poise, and fitness
|
| 1998 hb + pb, 192 pages, hb, ill., 200 x 303 mm, UK, Harper Collins (Element Books). 186204225X (1862042268).
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Colourful introduction to the Technique with the emphasis on breathing, the whispered “ah”, childbearing and education (on how to learn). The chapter “Practical Procedures” gives introductions for semi-supine, sitting and standing, writing (with pencil or a keyboard), crawling, squatting and lifting. the instructions are summarised at the back of the book in a checklist. In the chapter “Practical Applications” 14 people describes the Technique’s beneficial effects when applied to their profession or leisure activity: in acting, cycling, dancing, driving, golf, occupational therapy, painting and drawing, playing an instrument, public speaking, riding, running, singing, t’ai chi ch’uan and tennis. |
 |
|
Glynn Macdonald*
|
|
Alexander Technique
- Headway Lifeguides
|
| 1994 pb, 92 pages, ill, 234 x 155 mm, UK, Hodder & Stoughton Educational. 0340596805
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Macdonald, Patrick (1910-91) |
| Patrick Macdonald who trained with Alexander in 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. |
 |
|
Patrick Macdonald*
|
|
The Alexander Technique As I See It
|
| 1989 pb, 124 pages, UK, Rahula Press (The Alpha Press). (0951507206).
In print: The Alpha Press.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Macdonald, Rob |
| This is an extended edition of a voice action research project for an M.A. in Voice Studies. It introduces both the Technique and the methods and aims of action research and examines the literature of four well-known voice teachers from the point of view of body feedback (sensory appreciation). For the action research, three drama students were given ten lessons each with a view to improving their Shakespearean performance in which audio-visual feedback was also used. The lessons were transcribed and the data analysed in detail by methods such as the use of questionnaires, the keeping of developmental logs (diaries in case of the students), within-case analysis, triangulation analysis and two cross-case comparisons (in detail in the appendices). The project concludes that it has demonstrated a strong association between an increase in sensory appreciation and improvements in respiratory and vocal functioning and in Shakespearean text performance. |
 |
|
Rob Macdonald*
|
|
The Use of the Voice
- Sensory Appreciation, Posture, Vocal Functioning and Shakespearean Text Performance
|
| 1997 hb, 170+xxii pages, 240 x 165 mm, UK, Macdonald Media. 0-9529870-0-7
In print: Macdonald Media.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| A small-sized and richly illustrated introductory book (published by Dorling Kindersley). The book is divided into three parts, each part dealing with a topic on a double-page spread. The first part covers such topics as “Conscious Inhibition” and “Directed Thought.” The second part covers basic knowledge of human structure and function. The third part covers a variety of activities: reading, writing, typing, lying down, crawling, walking, riding, etc. Small print. |
 |
|
Rob Macdonald* + Caro Ness
|
|
Secrets of the Alexander Technique
|
| 2001 pb, 224 pages, ill., 137 x 110 mm, UK, Dorling Kindersley. 0751312053, 0789467720.
In print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Machover, Ilana |
| This book shows how to apply the Technique to all stages of pregnancy and how to achieve a more natural birth. It gives a brief history of childbirth and of the Technique. It describes how to improve body use in everyday activities and suggests simple and gentle exercises to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth with step-by-step photos. The last two chapters explain how to recover after the delivery and how to nurture the child’s development by being aware of his/her use. Ilana Machover* is also a National Childbirth Trust teacher. |
|
|
Ilana Machover* + Jonathan Drake* + Angela Drake
|
|
The Alexander Technique Birth Book
(Pregnancy and Birth the Alexander Way)
- A guide to better pregnancy, natural birth and parenthood
|
| 2006 pb (1993), 204 pages, b/w photos and drawings, UK, Mouritz. 1854873946, 1854871862, 0954352254.
In print: Mouritz.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Maisel, Edward (ed.) - Alexander Technique (The Resurrection of the Body) - see Alexander, F. M. |
|
|
| Massey, Hugh |
| This memoir, published posthumously, can roughly be divided into three parts: 1) Massey’s time in Africa where he worked and attempted a mining venture. 2) His story of suffering from severe (regarded as terminal) TB in 1949–50, and his time in a sanatorium in Switzerland. He read Alexander’s books and worked on inhibiting and directing on his own; later he had lessons from Alexander and other teachers and recovered. 3) His investigations into his own theory that pygmies (of existing races) are our oldest human ancestors. Foreword by Walter Carrington. An otherwise nice hardback is marred by a poor print quality. |
 |
|
Hugh Massey
|
|
An African Odyssey
- A Memoir. Evolution, posture and the work of F. M. Alexander
|
| 2001 hb, 148 pages, ill., 140 x 215 mm, UK, Pomegranate Books. 184289000X.
Out of print: Pomegranate Books
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Masterton, Ailsa |
| This small and short introductory guide comprises 52 pp of text, with one or more colour pictures on each page. It touches on some of the basic principles of the Technique and topics discussed include working with a teacher and helping oneself (sitting, standing, lying down, writing). Three case histories are presented. |
 |
|
Ailsa Masterton*
|
|
The Alexander Technique in a Nutshell
- A step-by-step guide
|
| 1998 hb, 58 pages, hb, colour ill., 127 x 180 mm, UK, Element Books. 1862041954.
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Mathews, Ann |
| This thesis describes both the development of natural use in the young child and its subsequent loss, and explains Alexander’s theories and his Technique for re-education. The author recounts her own initial experiences of misuse and change through lessons, her first explorations of children’s response to Alexander work, and finally gives an account of a year’s project of teaching the principles of the Technique in a first and second grade classroom. There is also a brief report on similar experiments in other schools, a chapter on Alexander and John Dewey, and an annotated bibliography. |
 |
|
Ann Mathews*
|
|
Implications for Education in the Work of F. M. Alexander
- Thesis - An exploratory project in a public school classroom
|
| 1984 spiralbound, 79 pages, ill., A4, USA, Institute for Research, Development and Education in the Alexander Technique.
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Maunder, Alex |
| This is a very personal interpretation of the Technique in a new age, popular psychology language, with concepts such as “ego mode”, “inner intuitive wisdom”, “Higher Spiritual Self”, “cosmic energy”, and “inner perfection”. Much depends on the reader’s uncritical acceptance of vague concepts and sweeping statements such as: “the material universe” is “unreal” (p. 224), that “the source of primary control is in the medulla oblongata”(p. 67), and that the “mouth of God” in the New Testament is also a reference to the medulla oblongata (p. 89). These are proposed without evidence, reference or even argument. Certain exercises are given, such as the lunge, walking, lifting the arms out to the side, “completely” flattening the back when lying down, and the physiological impossible one of “completely emptying” the lungs by breathing out. It is suggested that a head rotation exercise will give the reader a free neck. The author is proposing and using a new terminalogy for key concepts in the Technique, e.g. “creative indifference” for “inhibition.” He also offers a new set of directions or, more accurately, self-affirmations; the main emphasis of these is on self-acceptance. On one hand, the indivisible unity of the organism is preached and, on the other hand, it is repeatedly divided into the mental, the physical and the spiritual among others. |
 |
|
Alex Maunder*
|
|
Let Your Life Flow
- The physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of the Alexander Technique
|
|
2002 pb, 241+xiii pages, illustrated, 247 x 170 mm, UK, C. W. Daniel Co. 0852073577.
In print: general.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| This is an attempt to describe “the very essence of Alexander’s method for inner growth and change” using New Age terminology and poetical images, and, in places, explaining the Technique in terms of similarities to some alternative therapies. It emphasizes the spiritual aspects of growth and change, and the author suggests what the physical state of various specific parts of our bodies reveals about our psychological state: – our emotions and our relationship to the world. It addresses itself sometimes to teachers, sometimes to pupils. Its description of how muscles work can be misleading. |
 |
|
Alex Maunder*
|
|
The Alexander Technique and the Principles of Self-Transformation
|
| 1993 bklt, 40 pages, A5, UK, Alex Maunder.
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| McCormack, Eric David |
| John Dewey said in 1939: “My theories of mind-body, of the co-ordination of the elements of the self and of the place of the ideas in inhibition and control of overt action required contact with the work of F. M. Alexander and in later years his brother, A.R., to transform them into realities.” This 1958 Ph. D. thesis examines the influence Alexander had on John Dewey. It introduces the Technique and its history and relates the history of Alexander and Dewey’s friendship. It describes Dewey’s philosophical turning-point which took place in the period of their first meetings. A detailed comparison is made between Man's Supreme Inheritance and Dewey’s Human Nature and Conduct, and Alexander’s influence is shown in several of Dewey’s other works. |
 |
|
Eric David McCormack
|
|
Frederick Matthias Alexander and John Dewey:
A Neglected Influence
|
| 1992 pb, 172 pages, USA, Alex Murray.
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| McCullough, Carol P. |
| This study explores some of the implications of the Technique for string players and string teachers. The pedagogy of Paul Rolland (1911–1978) is used, according to the author, as “a vehicle for understanding the relationship of the Alexander Technique to string playing.” Rolland was the originator of a string pedagogy which emphasizes motor learning, the concepts of balance, leverage and body use and that the movement of the whole body is working as a mechanism for violin playing. Brief introductions to the Technique and Rolland’s pedagogy is given. Some fundamentals of upper string playing are discussed and examples of new “movement studies” based on the Technique are presented. Brief biographies of Alexander and Rolland as well as a short annotated bibliography are also included. |
) |
|
Carol P. McCullough*
|
|
The Alexander Technique and the Pedagogy of Paul Rolland
A research paper for the Degree of Doctor of Musical Arts
|
| 1996, 98+viii, spiral ring-bound, 12 b/w photographs, 280 x 212 mm, USA, Carol P. McCullough.
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
| Paul Rolland (1911-78) developed a “whole body” approach to violing technique and later in life incorporated aspects of the Alexander Technique in his string pedagogy. |
|
|
|
|
|
| McEvenue, Kelly |
| Divided into four parts: the first part introduces the principles of the Technique and contain warm-up exercises (which the author states are not part of the Technique) such as stretching, undulating and rolling over. Part two contains various traditional drama exercises (contact work, spatial awareness and imitation exercises, etc.). Part three relates the Technique to voice work. Part four discusses various examples of “acting challenges”: fitness, character work, kissing, nudity on stage, wearing difficult costumes, injuries, etc. It also discusses how to adapt to different kinds of stages (theatre in the round, outdoor, etc.). Throughout, there are testimonials from actors describing how the Technique helped them. |
 |
|
Kelly McEvenue*
|
|
The Alexander Technique For Actors
(US title: The Actor and the Alexander Technique)
|
| 2001 pb, 148 + xx pages, pb, ill., 215 x 135 mm, UK, Methuen. 0413710106. (USA, Palgrave MacMillan, 0312295154).
In print: general.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| McGowan, Daniel |
| The title refers to the philosophy of mentalism which, however, is not explained. Part 1, “The Mentalistics of the Self”, discusses how the skeleton is balanced (upright, standing still) by muscles contracting to keep the structure from falling. This ultra-simplified, mechanical view is explained over 20 pp with detailed illustrations. Part 2, “Bits and Pieces” (a suitable title for the whole book), covers diverse subjects such as bending, fitness, exercises, learning, pupil stories – all from the viewpoints of either mentalism or the Technique. Unsubstantiated sweeping generalisations and maxims abound in no particular order. The author may intend the book to work as an invitation to both mentalism and the Technique, but it is confusing without prior knowledge of both. |
 |
|
Daniel McGowan*
|
|
Going Mental
|
| 2000 pb, 76 pages, colour ills., A4, UK, Daniel McGowan.
In print. E-mail Daniel McGowan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Alexander’s Constructive Conscious Control of the Individual has been abridged by about 25%–30%. In general sentences have been shortened rather than deleted. Part 1 (“Man’s Evolutionary Development”) has been abridged more than the other parts. “Orders” has been substituted for “directions” and “means-whereby” for “means.” Other editing reflect modern sensibilities, e.g. “savage” being substituted by “primitive humanity.” Altogether a fair editing and abridgement. |
 |
|
Daniel McGowan*
|
|
Alexander Technique
- Original Writings of F. M. Alexander: Constructive Conscious Control - abridged and edited
|
| 1997 pb, 188 pages, 216x140 mm, USA, Larson Publications. 0-943914-78-7.
In print: Larson.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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 direction 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). |
 |
|
Daniel McGowan*
|
|
Constructive Awareness
- Alexander Technique and the Spiritual Quest
|
| 1997 pb, 111 pages, 216 x 140 mm, USA, Larson Publications. 0-943914-85-X.
Out of print: Larson.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| McLeod, Rosslyn |
| The publication of Up From Down Under brought forth further information about the Australian origins of Alexander. This, combined with more research, has enabled a supplement to be printed. This first, and final supplement, includes an article by Alexander on elocution (1894); extracts from another article (1895); further general information about various aspects of elocution at that time; an enlarged section about Alexander’s New Zealand stay, and a letter to Alexander from his Melbourne doctor of the 1890s. The letter (1911) is in response to receiving a copy of Alexander’s book, Man’s Supreme Inheritance. |
|
|
Rosslyn McLeod*
|
|
Supplement to Up From Down Under
|
| 1995 pb, 40 pages, bklt, illustrated, A5, Australia, Rosslyn McLeod.
Out of print.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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, Melbourne and Sydney. The author has done a lot of original research, and many 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 favourite poems, Kissing Cup’s Race. It contains no new material on the Technique itself. |
 |
|
Rosslyn McLeod*
|
|
Up From Down Under
- The Australian Origins of Frederick Matthias Alexander the Alexander Technique
|
| 1994 (1995) pb, 104+viii pages, ill., 2nd ed. January 1995, Australia, Rosslyn McLeod.
In print: Rosslyn McLeod (Australia).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Merry, Sue |
|
|
|
Sue Merry*
|
|
Primary Schoolchildren and the Alexander Technique
- A Guide for Classroom Teachers
|
| 2000 bklt, 48 pages, UK, Education 2000.
In print: Education 2000.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Merry, Sue - The Labyrinth of Gar - see Related. . . 5.90 |
|
| Miller, Tasha |
|
|
|
Tasha Miller* and David Langstroth*
|
|
The Alexander Technique
- Freedom in Thought and Action
|
| 2006 (E-book:pdf on a CD) 2007 (paperback), 129 pages, Canada, Nous Publishing.
In print: Nous Publishing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Murray, Joan and Alex |
| This is lightly edited conversation between Joan and Alex Murray and Kevin Ahern and Marian Goldberg from 1994 in which Alex and Joan relate their meeting with Dart, how they learned of the Dart procedures and how they have developed 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 a chair, tipping a chair, “fetal lengthening,” “fetal squate” and taking a leg on the table. Prior knowledge of Dart’s papers and his procedures is advisable. |
 |
|
Joan and Alex Murray* + Kevin Ahern* + Marian Goldberg* (ed.)
|
|
Begining from the Beginning:
The Growth of Understanding and Skill
|
| 1996, 106+vi pages, 172 b/w photos, ringbound, 279 x 216 mm, USA, Alexander Technique Center of Washington.
In print: AmSAT Books.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 1995-2010 © Mouritz UK. All Rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
The Syllabus of Physical Exercises for Public Elementary Schools, London, 1909, HMSO.
|
|
|
|
|
